By the end of 2018, the shop floor in our production hall in Ypres was completely redesigned. Chaos, for a short time though. Work tables and machines were all re-positioned. Why?

Not because we just felt like redesigning the hall. But to optimise our production process and achieve a more logical workflow. The objective? Greater efficiency and less waste. In turn this will result in a more efficient service and a higher return.

The ideal production hall for processing sun protection textiles

Following an in-depth analysis of the production process and with the valuable input of our employees, we have built the ideal production facility, respecting a well-thought-out production flow: from textile on roll to cutting table, to manufacture, quality control and finally packaging. Fully digitised and automated, resulting in quality assurance and precision.

For the new workflow, we use the 5S method: separate, sort, spotless, standardise, sustain. This comes with clear arrangements between colleagues at the time of the shift change.

‘Thanks to lean manufacturing, we manufacture our screens more efficiently than ever,’ says the founder Ludwig Kestelyn. ‘The results are not only tangible in numbers – a 15% increase in efficiency, noticeable – but also job satisfaction has never been greater.’

Lean manufacturing soon also in
the new building in Leipheim

Our production facility in Germany is moving from Jettingen-Sheppach to Leipheim. The perfect time to create the ideal workplace for processing sun protection textiles there as well.

And here’s a heads-up on more of our plans in 2024. Digitisation of the entire process will lead to full traceability of the fabric at any time, from roll to finished product. To be continued.