KENDA Europe has made unprecedented investments in automated technology and renewable energy at its steel wheel factory in Croatia. The factory is now perfectly poised to deliver even more responsibly produced products in higher volumes.
At KENDA’s steel wheel factory in Croatia, around 200 employees produce over 1 million steel wheels annually, varying between 4-inch pressed wheels and 54-inch spun wheels. With a new fully automated production line for rolled wheels between 12” and 20”, KENDA can meet customer demands for large volumes while retaining their flexible spinning technology that caters for smaller batch sizes and custom products. The automated rolling line, installed last year, is now fully operational and KENDA are continuously optimising and expanding the capacity and range.
A digitalised and more sustainable steel wheel factory in Europe
The new investments also include an automated powder paint line and rooftop solar panels and are part of an ambitious project launched at the factory in 2023. Under the headline of “Reinventing the Wheel – Agile Integrated Technological and Green Transition of KENDA Manufacturing HR into a Leading Regional Lean and Green Steel Forming Factory” KENDA has spent the last two years upgrading the facility with a focus on digitalisation, automation, and optimising the use of resources.
The aim of project, supported by Innovation Norway and HBOR, has been to enhance KENDA’s high volume steel wheel capabilities, reduce the environmental footprint of their manufacturing processes and further strengthen their ties with the regional community. With the investments, KENDA’s factory is set-up for future success and to service new markets focusing on higher volumes and European manufacturing.
A significant reduction in waste and better performing products
By investing in rooftop solar installations to harness renewable energy, advanced painting robotics and digitally controlled wheel manufacturing systems, KENDA has optimised the production to minimise waste and enhance their products. The digital technologies enable significant reductions in energy consumption and waste during both the manufacturing and painting processes. Additionally, KENDA has invested in optimising the work environment and energy consumption through enhanced lighting, stronger insulation and improved air filtering.
Investing in a bright future
Sales Director of KENDA Europe Specialty, Christian de Wit, is enthusiastic about the advancements, stating:
“I am very pleased that we can now serve our customers with improved products in greater volumes than ever before. These investments increase our efficiency, quality and flexibility, and this new step in KENDA Europe’s development enables us to meet the growing demand for responsibly and efficiently produced standard and bespoke wheel and tire solutions. We understand our customers’ focus on responsibility and we are proud to be able to deliver products that meet the high standards of European manufacturing”.
These strategic upgrades position KENDA to seize new high-volume business opportunities while continuing to support customers with low-volume needs. With certified OEM quality standards and a fully upgraded factory designed to meet the demands of an agile market, KENDA reinforces its position as a trusted partner, delivering value and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
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