INTERVIEW WITH THORWESTEN MASCHINENBAU

THORWESTEN Maschinenbau is a German company specializing in individual machine concepts for profile processing in window and front door production, based in Beckum in North Rhine-Westphalia. On a production area of 4,000 square meters, the company manufactures using state-of-the-art technology. THORWESTEN currently employs 50 people and is constantly investing in the further development of technology, employees and machinery and has established itself on the market as a result.

Mission and vision:

  • Mission: Thorwesten Maschinenbau GmbH strives to meet the needs of its customers and contribute to the sustainable development of the industry through first-class technical solutions and outstanding customer service.
  • Vision: To be a leading supplier in mechanical and plant engineering, setting standards through innovation and quality.

Customers and markets: 

Thorwesten Maschinenbau GmbH is active both on the German market and internationally.

Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?

  • Mechanical engineering:

Design and manufacture of special machines tailored to customers’ specific requirements.

  • Modernization and conversion:

Modernization of existing machines and systems to increase their efficiency and performance.

  • Spare parts service:

Supply of spare parts and components for equipment manufactured by THORWESTEN Maschinenbau GmbH.

E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?

  • MPZ- The perfect connection

Our formula for a perfect and efficient connection. With the linking table, our automatic profile cutting center (ASZ) and the profile processing center (PBZ) form a complex unit that saves manpower and also serves as a work surface. All steps for further processing are carried out here. This reduces machine waiting times, makes the operator more flexible, increases the material buffer and boosts machine utilization. From blank to finished profile.

  • Consulting and engineering:

Technical consulting and engineering services to support customers in planning and optimizing their production processes.

  • Digitalization and Industry 4.0:
    • Use of customizable data sets for basic definition and readability of processing steps.
    • Remote maintenance and remote support – in cooperation with the machine operator directly on the system via the common TCP/IP protocol.
    • Maintenance of profile and program data can be carried out remotely.
    • On request: live mirroring of the processing log with time stamp of the individual steps directly on the customer server.

These can then be used by the customer for comprehensive evaluations.

E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?

ASZ: With our ASZ profile cutting center for windows and front door profiles, we meet our customers’ requirements: high dimensional accuracy, optimum material yield, long service life, easy access to all important units, simple operation and economical use of the material used.

Maintenance-friendliness and the clear arrangement of controls, operator guidance via touch-screen monitor, scanner and infeed and outfeed buffers are among the highlights.

The saw head of the ASZ is infinitely programmable from 22.5° to 157.5°. This means top quality and precise dimensional accuracy.

PBZ: The profile processing center is modular and clearly structured. Low space requirements, ease of maintenance and good accessibility from all sides are just some of the highlights. In productive operation, the profile bar only needs to be identified using the integrated scanner and confirmed after it has been placed. The full HD control panel guides you through easy-to-understand menus in your own language.

VT: The linking table creates a complex unit that saves manpower and also serves as a work surface.

Automated transfer from the ASZ to the PBZ.

E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?

The market for PVC windows is growing steadily due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient and durable building products. Here are some key aspects of the market:

Market size and growth:

The global PVC windows market is estimated to be around USD 5.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to around USD 8.2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5%.

Growth drivers:

The main driver of growth in the PVC window market is the increasing demand for cost-effective, low-maintenance and durable window solutions. PVC windows offer excellent thermal and sound insulation, which makes them attractive for both residential and commercial applications.

In summary, the market for PVC windows will continue to grow robustly due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient building products, ongoing urbanization and the renovation of existing buildings.

E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?

The requirements for sustainable production and energy-efficient machines are increasing. Companies need to develop solutions that consume fewer resources, generate less waste and are more environmentally friendly.

Automation solutions and the use of robots continue to grow in mechanical engineering in order to increase productivity, improve quality and reduce the workload of employees.

Customers are increasingly demanding customized solutions and individual products. Mechanical engineering must be flexible and able to respond quickly to customers’ specific requirements.

The mechanical engineering industry is in a phase of dynamic change in which technological innovation, sustainability and adaptability are key to remaining competitive and being successful in the long term.

E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?

Internet of Things (IoT) and networked machines: IoT applications enable mechanical engineering companies to network their products in order to collect and analyze real-time data. This enables predictive maintenance, performance monitoring and remote maintenance to be optimized.

Robotics and automated systems: Advances in robotics are enabling the automation of manufacturing processes, resulting in higher productivity, better quality and reduced costs. Robots are increasingly being used for complex tasks, from assembly to logistics.

These innovations not only drive efficiency and performance in mechanical engineering, but also help to open up new business opportunities and develop the industry as a whole.

E.E: What estimations do you have for 2024?

In summary, the market for PVC windows will continue to grow robustly due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient building products, ongoing urbanization and the renovation of existing buildings.

Efficient and sustainable production requires investment in technology and automation.

By using energy-efficient machines and processes and optimizing energy consumption and use, companies can ensure their long-term competitiveness.

Thorwesten Maschinenbau GmbH’s innovation and quality are the key factors that will drive growth in this market.

lr@thorwesten.net

www.thorwesten.net