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The revolution in the electrical cable industry is about to happen! We are excited to announce the arrival of the new price list for electrical cable accessories. Get ready for a new era of efficiency and quality.
In the power cable industry, innovation is the key to maintaining efficiency and safety. With our new accessories price list, you’ll have access to:
Competitive prices: We offer prices adapted to market needs, ensuring that you get the best quality for the best price.
Premium accessories: Our range of accessories incorporates state-of-the-art technologies that keep pace with advances in electrical wiring, ensuring that you have the latest solutions.
Flexibility and variety: We offer a wide range of options, allowing you to choose the accessories that perfectly suit your specific projects and requirements.
The new price list for accessories aims to meet your needs more efficiently and economically. If you are a professional electrician, a project engineer or an entrepreneur who relies on the quality of the electrical connection, this is the opportunity to take your activity to the next level.
At Lapp Policabos, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality solutions and exceptional service. The new price list on electrical cable accessories is our latest initiative to fulfill this promise
Visit our website and discover all the electrical and optical cables, connectors and accessories we have to offer. We look forward to accompanying you on this journey and are available to answer any questions you may have.
In the age of digitalization and instant communication, connectivity is the backbone that sustains our interconnected world. In the midst of this technological revolution, the electrical and optical cables, connectors, and accessories industry is undergoing a significant evolution to meet the growing demands for speed, transmission capacity, and reliability. Lapp Policabos, a leading provider of technical solutions for cable installations, is at the forefront of these changes, exploring and implementing emerging trends in cable connectivity.
1. High-Speed Fibre Optic Cables: A Revolution in Data Transmission
As the world increasingly turns to the internet and high-speed data exchange, fiber optic cables have become the backbone of this revolution. Fast and reliable data transmission is crucial in sectors such as telecoms, IT, healthcare, etc. At Lapp Policabos, we closely follow this trend, offering state-of-the-art fiber optic cable solutions capable of supporting ever larger connections and longer distances.
2. High-Performance Connectors to Meet the Demand for Speed
Connectors play a key role in the efficiency and reliability of cable installations. With the growing demand for speed and performance, connectors are also evolving. At Lapp Policabos we offer a wide range of high-performance connectors that guarantee stable connections even in challenging environments. From robust connectors for industrial environments to high-density connectors for data center applications.
3. Smart Cables for the Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the way we interact with the world around us. Connected devices are becoming essential to our daily lives, from smart homes to smart cities. At Lapp Policabos we are at the forefront by offering smart cables that enable two-way communication between devices and systems, making it possible to collect and analyze data in real-time to improve efficiency and decision-making.
4. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Cables
As environmental awareness grows, the industry is turning to more sustainable solutions. In this respect, Lapp Policabos stands out by supplying cables designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. Low CO2 emission cables, recyclable materials, and optimized designs are being incorporated to reduce environmental impact and meet global regulations.
5. 5G and the Future of Mobile Connectivity
The arrival of 5G technology promises to revolutionize mobile connectivity, offering incredibly fast speeds. Lapp Policabos is preparing for this advance by supplying cables and connectivity solutions that support the unique demands of 5G. This technology will profoundly impact sectors such as transport, health and industry.
In an increasingly interconnected world, at Lapp Policabos we are leading the evolution of cable connectivity. Focused on the latest trends in fiber optic cables, high-performance connectors, smart cables, sustainability, and the advent of 5G, we can increasingly provide cutting-edge technical solutions that meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected future. Whether upgrading your data network, building an IoT infrastructure, or looking for energy-efficient solutions, Lapp Policabos is ready to be your trusted partner on the journey toward advanced connectivity.
At Lapp Policabos, as an importer/exporter and stockist of electrical and optical cables, connectors, and accessories that provide technical solutions in cable installations, we have distinguished ourselves as a leading provider of technical solutions. We launched our latest network infrastructure catalog in June, bringing incredible fiber optic solutions to light.
In this article, we will explore the various applications of cables for outdoor and indoor applications, with different types of armor, as well as the innovative hybrid cables, which consolidate Lapp Policabos as a reference in the market.
The Age of Fiber Optics: Connecting the World
In today’s fast-paced world, connectivity is essential to the success of any business. Fiber optic networks have emerged as the backbone of modern communication, offering unprecedented transmission speeds, higher bandwidth, and greater reliability than traditional copper solutions. At Lapp Policabos, we understand the importance of this technology and have therefore invested heavily in developing fiber optic solutions to meet the growing demands for connectivity in all areas.
Cables for Outdoor Applications
Our fiber optic solutions for outdoor applications are designed to meet the challenges of harsh environmental conditions. These cables are manufactured with high-quality materials that ensure resistance to moisture, extreme temperature variations, and even electromagnetic interference. With these cables, companies can establish reliable communication networks in exposed areas such as industrial environments, outdoor buildings, surveillance networks, etc.
Cables for Indoor Applications
For indoor communication networks, we offer a range of fiber optic solutions suitable for indoor applications. These cables are highly flexible and designed to be installed in ducts and tight spaces, ensuring easy and efficient installation. In addition, our indoor cables comply with safety standards, ensuring secure and fault-free data transmission.
Various types of armor
At Lapp Policabos, we understand that different environments require customized solutions. That’s why your fiber optic cables are available with different types of armor to meet specific needs. We offer cables with steel armor, which provides extra protection against mechanical damage and accidental cuts. In addition, the armor can also be rodent-resistant, ensuring network integrity in biohazardous environments.
Hybrid Cables: Connecting the Present and the Future
At Lapp Policabos, we constantly innovate and follow the latest technological trends. One of the latest innovations is the line of hybrid cables that combine the advantages of fiber optics and copper in a single solution. These hybrid cables allow data and power transmission in a single cable, simplifying infrastructure and reducing installation costs. This versatile approach is particularly beneficial in industrial applications, automation, high-speed communication networks, and more.
New Network Infrastructure Catalog
Our new network infrastructure catalog launched in June is a testament to our continued commitment to innovation and excellence in connectivity solutions. With a wide range of copper products, such as power cables and fiber optic and copper accessories, the catalog is a valuable source of information for IT professionals, engineers, and businesses looking to enhance their communication networks.
At Lapp Policabos, we are a leading provider of technical solutions in electrical and optical cables, connectors, and accessories. Our fiber optic solutions, which cover indoor, outdoor, and hybrid cable applications, have driven connectivity in various industries. With the launch of the new network infrastructure catalog, we reaffirm our commitment to offering high-quality products and cutting-edge technology to meet the growing market demand.
Whether you need to implement faster and more reliable networks, establish secure connections in challenging environments, or opt for versatile hybrid cables, at Lapp Policabos, we have the perfect solution for every fiber optics and copper need.
In today’s world, where communication plays a crucial role in all spheres of society, it is essential to have efficient and reliable solutions for data transmission. In this context, fiber optics has emerged as a revolutionary technology capable of providing superior speed, bandwidth, and security compared to traditional cables.
The Fiber Optic Revolution
Fiber optic technology is based on transmitting information through pulses of light that travel through ultra-thin glass or plastic fibers. This approach surpasses the limitations of conventional copper cables, enabling significantly faster data transmission speeds and greater bandwidth capacity. Fiber optics are immune to electromagnetic interference, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
The POLILAN catalog features a wide selection of optical cables, including distribution, drop, backbone, and splicing cables. These cables are manufactured using high-quality materials and advanced technology to ensure superior performance. They are designed to meet the demands of modern applications such as data networks, telecommunications networks, and video transmission systems.
2. Specialized Connectors and Accessories
In addition to optical cables, POLILAN also offers a variety of connectors and accessories that complement their fiber optic solutions. High-precision fiber optic connectors ensure reliable connections with low signal loss. Accessories such as termination boxes, splice trays, and adapters provide a complete solution for installing and maintaining fiber optic networks.
Technical Resources and Guides
The catalog also includes technical resources and practical guides to assist customers in properly selecting and installing POLILAN’s fiber optic solutions. These resources provide detailed information on product technical specifications, installation guidelines, maintenance best practices, and other relevant information.
Fiber optics has revolutionized modern communications by offering unparalleled data transmission speeds, wide bandwidth, and superior reliability. With the POLILAN new catalog of network infrastructures, businesses and professionals can access complete solutions for fiber optic applications, ranging from high-quality cables to specialized connectors and accessories. Regardless of the project’s size or complexity, POLILAN provides the technical solutions for reliable and efficient fiber optic installations.
Invest in POLILAN’s fiber optic solutions and experience a new level of performance and reliability in your communication networks. Consult the new catalog of network infrastructures for more information and discover how these solutions can drive your business forward.
Lapp Policabos is pleased to announce the launch of our latest catalog: the POLILAN Network Communications Infrastructure Catalog. This catalog was designed to meet our customers’ copper and fiber optic communication needs. It will become a reference in the communications network infrastructure sector with various products and technical solutions.
Exploring the Solutions Offered
The POLILAN Communications Network Infrastructure Catalog features a comprehensive range of solutions that address the challenges of communications cable installations. This catalog is an indispensable source for professionals looking for reliable, high-quality products, from copper to fiber optic cables, accessories, and wall cabinets.
In this article, we will explore some of the catalog’s key offerings:
Copper
In the copper categories, we offer advanced products that ensure the performance and reliability needed for modern communication networks. With Cat6 and Cat6A cables with different types of shielding, customers can choose the solution best suited to their specific needs. Through advanced manufacturing techniques, our copper cables offer impressive data transmission speeds while minimizing interference and maximizing the efficiency of installations.
Fiber Optic
For fiber optic applications, we offer a wide selection of cables that meet the requirements for indoor and outdoor installations. With various types of shielding available, our fiber optic cables ensure high mechanical strength and protection against adverse environmental factors. In addition, we also provide hybrid lines, which combine the advantages of copper and fiber optic technologies, allowing seamless integration into complex communication systems.
Accessories and Cabinets
In addition to cables, the POLILAN Communications Network Infrastructure Catalog offers a wide range of copper and fiber optic cable accessories. These accessories facilitate communication system installation, maintenance, and management. From connectors and adapters to specialized tools, we provide everything you need to create a high-quality cable infrastructure.
The catalog also includes wall cabinets and pedestals to accommodate and protect communications equipment. With robust and functional designs, these cabinets ensure cable systems’ proper security and performance.
Technical Resources and Guides
To help our customers choose the right products and implement their cable installations, the Communications Network Infrastructure Catalog includes quick-choice guides and comprehensive technical guides. These resources provide detailed information about the product’s technical specifications, performance characteristics, and installation guidelines. These guides will be of great value to professionals who want to get the most out of their cable systems.
With the launch of the POLILAN Communications Network Infrastructure Catalog, our company reaffirms its commitment to providing quality technical solutions for communications cable installations. With various products and comprehensive technical resources, we are ready to meet our customers’ specific needs for copper and fiber optic cables.
We invite you to explore the new catalog and discover our innovative solutions. Our team of professionals is ready to help you find the best option for your communication needs. Join us in our search for reliable and efficient connections in communication cable installations.
Contact us today for more information about our products and solutions!
Download the new POLILAN Communications Network Infrastructure Catalog here.
The Executive Board of Lapp Holding SE (from left to right): Jan Ciliax, Matthias Lapp, Georg Stawowy and Dr Christoph Hiller.
Stuttgart, March 2, 2023 – Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, the Lapp Group has once again successfully completed the past fiscal year 2021/2022 (October 1 to September 30). Sales of the global market leader for integrated solutions in the field of cable and connectivity technology climbed by 31.0 percent to 1,864 million euros. The number of employees increased by 10.2 percent to 5,055 worldwide as of the reporting date September 30, 2022. Earnings before taxes (EBT) increased to 132.9 million euros.
“We have turned over a new leaf at LAPP and positioned our company to be robust and fit for the future in a difficult environment. At the core of our transformation are the continuous strengthening of our innovative power, a special focus on services, and a comprehensive cultural change that makes our company even faster, more agile, and more sustainable”, emphasizes Matthias Lapp, CEO of the Lapp Group. Matthias Lapp is realistic about the current fiscal year (2022/2023). “Together with our customers and partners, last year was a real challenge. We expect this to continue – we are consistently investing in the future.”
Fundamentally sound net assets and financial position
In the past fiscal year 2021/2022, LAPP once again exceeded the sales growth achieved in fiscal year 2020/21. Sales increased by 441 million euros (+31.0 percent) to 1,864 million euros. The increase in the average copper price contributed around 6.5 percent to this sales growth, as did currency developments (+1.9 percent). Adjusted for these copper and currency effects, there was still a significant increase in sales of 22.6 percent. “This growth was mainly due to higher capacities and market share gains in our focus markets combined with increased market prices. Added to this were general catch-up effects along the supply chains”, explains CFO Jan Ciliax.
The group made strong gains in all three of LAPP’s regions. EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), the most important region accounting for around two-thirds of group sales, improved by 29.4 percent to 1,352 million euros. In the Americas region (USA, Mexico, Canada, South America), sales soared to 192 million euros – an increase of 40.2 percent. And in the APAC region (Asia, Pacific, Oceania), sales climbed 32.7 percent to 320 million euros. Moreover, as LAPP’s average order intake for the year was +6.5 percent higher than sales, the order backlog at the balance sheet date of September 30, 2022, increased to €356 million, significantly higher than at the same date last year.
Earnings before taxes (EBT) increased to 132.9 million euros and return on sales by 1.5 percentage points to 7.1 percent. Significant pressure on margins due to increased material and logistics costs was offset by improved capacity utilization in the factories and only a disproportionately low increase in personnel and other expenses. At 44.0 percent, the equity ratio was up on the previous year and thus remained at a consistently high level. “LAPP’s net assets and financial position remain rock solid, allowing us to continue implementing strategic measures and investments for the benefit of our customers in the coming years”, affirms Jan Ciliax.
Overview
FY 2020/2021
FY 2021/2022
Change
Total Turnover (million Euros)
1.423
1.864
31 %
Earnings before taxes (million Euros)
82,4
132,9
61,3 %
Employees worldwide
4.586
5.055
10,2 %
Equity ratio %
42.3
44.0
1,7 %-points
Pillars for change at LAPP
LAPP has undergone major changes in recent years. Under the leadership of Matthias Lapp, previously responsible for the top selling EMEA region and CEO of Lapp Group since October 1, 2022, the course for a successful future has been set in all relevant areas of the company and new, bold developments have been initiated. “To continue growing successfully, our family-owned company needs a breath of fresh air and strong entrepreneurship. We want to be ahead technologically and culturally. To do this, we must keep putting ourselves to the test. In view of the current changes in the economy and society, this is no easy task, but it is all the more important”, said Matthias Lapp. The central pillars of change are:
1. High investment in digitization
LAPP invested in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment even more in the past fiscal year, at EUR 40.2 million (previous year: EUR 25.8 million). The focus was on software acquisitions and digitization projects as well as the further expansion of the ERP system in order to further optimize automation and processes in the areas of finance, human resources, manufacturing, supply chain, services and procurement. An important milestone in the digital transformation is the go live of the new Online Shop and customer portal, which is continuously being expanded and further developed in terms of functionalities. Last but not least, LAPP has pushed ahead with the expansion and further automation of the production plants in France, Germany, India and China.
The new tubular strander in the Stuttgart production plant.
2. Pioneering new technologies and services
LAPP positions itself as an innovative solution provider and technology leader. To this end, the family-owned company has reorganized the area of global research and development as well as the management of laboratory and test center activities. Thus, LAPP has once again succeeded in occupying economic and industrial trend topics with innovations:
With zeroCM® technology, unwanted interference currents in industrial plants can be prevented.
With the Health Check Service, LAPP is expanding its service offering for customers. The service helps to preventively minimize the risk of industrial machine failures.
The multi-award-winning MOBILITY DOCK enables an e-car to be charged at any household socket using any Type 2 charging cable.
“At the same time, we have further expanded our portfolio in our strategically important area of Industrial Communication. In this area alone, we were able to achieve significant, disproportionate sales growth compared to the Lapp Group as a whole”, adds Georg Stawowy, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer.
One important focus is the expansion of digital sales. “In a customer-centric solutions business, we have to pay particular attention to establishing the right processes and offering customers added value”, emphasizes Dr. Christoph Hiller, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. LAPP’s core market continues to be mechanical and plant engineering. Other important sales markets are infrastructure, the food industry, logistics and, within the energy sector, especially photovoltaics and mobility. Some examples:
High-bay warehouse in the Ludwigsburg Logistics and Service Centre.
Developing together with customers
Using fast prototyping, the LAPP Singapore team develops solutions in the field of intralogistics together with a major international customer. Traditionally, elaborate samples are first constructed and tested in the development process. Today, physical samples are created using 3D printing to verify haptics, optics, handling, and assembly in production and at the customer’s site. This accelerates the innovation process.
700 kilometers of cable for mega airport
In November 2024, Korea’s Incheon Airport is expected to be the third largest international airport in the world with a handling capacity of 106 million travelers per year. LAPP’s connectivity solutions will guarantee safe and reliable operations at the 60 new passenger boarding bridges and the baggage handling system, which will cover a conveying distance of 184 kilometers when completed. In total, the LAPP Korea team has already supplied 700 kilometers of cable.
Future markets of alternative energy sources
In addition to connectivity solutions for photovoltaics and wind, demand is increasing worldwide for alternative energy storage systems & energy sources: For the Korean company LG Energy Solution, leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems, LAPP supplied 338 kilometers of cable for 393 energy storage systems.
For the Dutch company Nedstack, leading supplier of high-performance fuel cell solutions, LAPP developed customized “plug and play” assembly solutions for different fuel cell systems. The customer was thus able to reduce its costs and standardize the cabling.
Hydrogen technology is also an exciting future topic for LAPP. For the company Maximator Hydrogen, leading manufacturer of hydrogen filling stations, LAPP supplied customized connectivity solutions that meet the high safety requirements, especially with regard to explosion protection.
4. Employee motivation through culture change
Due to the strong order situation and the ambitious goals of the Strategy 2027, LAPP has significantly increased the number of employees. As of September 30, 2022, LAPP had 5,055 employees worldwide – 10.2 percent more than the previous year. “We want to attract, develop and retain the best talent in our industry for LAPP. This is only possible with a culture of constant adaptation and lifelong learning”, says Matthias Lapp. “This is also reflected in the organizational structure with new, global and cross-functional cooperation. Only in this way can we succeed in being even more powerful and faster on the market.”
An important building block in the company’s change process is the cultural change that LAPP initiated four years ago. And it has been successful: in the mood barometer, for example, the proportion of satisfied employees has risen by 12.8 percent to 87.5 percent. And the most important indicator of employer attractiveness – the likelihood of recommendation – recorded an increase of 10 percent. “I am pleased that our efforts are being recognized and rewarded. But we still have a long way to go. We need to grow closer together globally as a group. Although we started early, we are still at the beginning of the transformation”, says Matthias Lapp.
5. The path to sustainability
On the market side, LAPP is positioning itself in the area of sustainability and offers products specifically for the solar and wind energy industry, for rail transport and for the charging infrastructure of electric cars. A central credo is: Start with yourself. All LAPP national companies worldwide are encouraged to operate their buildings or plants as energy-efficiently as possible. Wherever possible, the sites purchase green electricity or operate their own PV systems.
The concept of sustainability also plays an important role in logistics. Decentralized warehouses and delivery partnerships are used to minimize transport routes. For example, truck capacity utilization has been increased from 60% to 80% and transport distances have been reduced by a third. However, LAPP’s commitment to sustainability also focuses in particular on the product and the manufacturing process. LAPP is committed to the efficient use of raw materials and the environmentally compatible handling of chemicals and waste.
Outlook for the current fiscal year 2022/2023
Increased inflation rates, continuing uncertainties regarding material availability, and the economic and social impact of geopolitical tensions will continue to shape the current fiscal year. “Despite these challenging conditions, we are encouraged by the continuing good demand situation and a high order backlog”, says Matthias Lapp, adding, “The flexibility of our supply chain was a key success factor in the past fiscal year. We will continue to expand this.” Added to this are consistent investments in establishing a global sales, procurement, and production network. Just as consistently, LAPP also intends to continue investing in digitalization, innovation, sustainability. “And above all in our employees, who make all the difference”, emphasizes Matthias Lapp. For the current fiscal year 2022/2023, the company is currently assuming a further moderate increase in sales.
What is a frequency converter and what is it required for?
The introduction of frequency converters into industrial plants began in the early 1970s. Until then, it was only possible to operate electric motors directly on the grid and thus at defined speeds. If an electric motor, e.g. an asynchronous machine, is operated directly on the grid (50Hz), a fixed speed is set, known as the nominal speed, based on the grid frequency and the pole number of the motor. In the past, where different speeds were required due to the application, mechanical gears were used. Some readers may remember what was known as the “delta changeover”. This was used to limit the power of the motor at the moment it is switched on in the case of directly operated motors.
What do variable motor speeds have in common with energy savings?
The option of continuously adjusting the motor speed offers an opportunity to save energy in many applications with different loads. For example, fans or pumps are only rarely operated at nominal power or speed. If a lower pumping capacity or conveyor volume is required, the frequency converter can easily reduce the power. Another advantage of using frequency converters (compared to motors that operate statically on the grid) is the improved process control of drives or machines thanks to the variable speed, which can often increase precision, quality and throughput.
Anyone who thinks that frequency converters can only be found in an industrial environment is mistaken. They have also long been used in the private sector. For example, frequency-converter-controlled motors with controlled speed can be found in kitchen machines, clothes dryers or heating or circulating pumps. Frequency converters are also found in electric vehicles in a modified form; however, they are operated with battery power, i.e. direct voltage.
How does a frequency converter work?
A frequency converter (AKA variable frequency drive) is a device that generates another alternating current with a different frequency and/or amplitude from an alternating current. A frequency converter typically consists of three components:
Rectifier → the input mains alternating voltage is converted into a direct voltage here. This is normally done with a semiconductor bridge rectifier.
DC intermediate circuit → intermediate voltage (= direct voltage) from which the inverter is supplied. Components for signal filtering are often found in the intermediate circuit to, for example, comply with the normative limit values regarding electromagnetic compatibility.The typical intermediate circuit voltage for a three-phase connection is 565 V DC.
Inverter → semiconductor switching elements, e.g. transistors, that are controlled by pulse-width modulation (PWM for short). Any current sequences can be mimicked by “skilful” control of the switching elements. The current at the frequency converter output supplies the electric motor and is an alternating current with a sinusoidal course and variable frequency.
What is pulse-width modulation?
Pulse-width modulation is a square-wave signal with a constant pulse duration, which oscillates between two constant voltage values (in our example, half the intermediate circuit voltage +/- 1/2*UZ). The duty cycle, i.e. the ratio of pulse width to break width, varies here. Depending on the variant, different signal forms can be imitated. If an effective value is formed from the “hacked” PWM signal, the signal form corresponds to a sinusoidal alternating voltage.
The major advantage of PW modulation is the high efficiency, as the transistors can be operated in efficient switching mode. In contrast, operation in amplifier mode would be more technically complex and generate more losses, as too much power would be converted into heat.
Incidentally, inverters for PV systems, digital Hi-Fi amplifiers and speed controllers for brushless motors in RC model construction also work according to this principle.
What is special about our ÖLFLEX® VFD or SERVO cables
Alongside the described benefits of variable speed control and the high saving potential, the PW modulation explained above unfortunately also has undesirable side effects. As a result, high voltages are switched from plus to zero volts within a few nano seconds. In the switching process itself, transients are formed, which can spread through electromagnetic couplings within the system, but also within our ÖLFLEX® motor cables. These high-frequency interference currents can stray through the factory earthing system and have a negative impact on the transmission quality of, for example, parallel data cables. However, these problems can be avoided through special cable designs, special insulation materials, and installation by trained specialist personnel.
Outlook – which new developments are in the pipeline?
In today’s day-to-day industrial environment, almost all motors are controlled using frequency converters. The number of these drive trains will increase sharply, particularly in the small power classes. One reason for this is the low price, which makes gears for multi-axial drives unprofitable. In addition, logistics and handling applications increase the need for small drives and frequency converters.
In terms of technology, there are new developments in the field of semiconductors. For example, the innovative silicon carbide transistors (SiC) can be used to significantly reduce energy losses within frequency converters. This means that devices in the same power classes can be constructed much smaller in the future, as less heat loss needs to be discharged.
Skyscraper cleaning and maintenance staff rely on the high-quality facade access systems from Manntech. Manntech is part of the Alimak Group and provides innovative, tailored facade access solutions worldwide. When it comes to electrical cables, a partner is required who offers durable and high-quality products for harsh and demanding environmental conditions. Manntech relies on LAPP as the trusted brand of choice.
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Manntech is developing a sophisticated, customized solution for facade maintenance of the Porsche Design Tower.
If you have a fear of heights, this job is not for you: window cleaner working at the Porsche Design Tower in Stuttgart. The high-rise building reaches a height of 90 metres, with 25 floors housing offices, restaurants, a hotel, and a bar with spectacular view of Stuttgart’s Killesberg and the Neckar valley. On the tenth floor, you can find a terrace that visually breaks the glass front. This architectural feature is a challenge for maintenance personnel. Conventional work platforms, which are lowered from the roof, would touch down on the terrace, and a transition to the lower floors would not be possible.
Tailored solutions for challenging facades
The solution: a stationary building maintenance unit with a double telescopic boom and a guided cable system anchored to the roof of the building. This allows the facades of the upper and lower parts of the building to be reached separately. The sophisticated design was developed and constructed by Manntech. Founded in 1953 by Mannesmann, the company is a specialist in high-quality and tailored solutions for facade construction and building maintenance – wherever standard systems do not work, such as in the case of high-rise constructions, facades with numerous projections and recesses, slanting or aspherical roofs. The product range includes facade access systems, facade lifts, cross-transfer carriages, ladders, lifting tables, abseiling systems, fall-protection systems, scaffolding and much more.
Around a hundred such systems leave the Manntech plant in Mammendorf every year, destined for buildings all over the world. The company has been part of the Alimak Group since 2017. “Our solutions allow customers to clean, service and maintain buildings in a cost-effective, safe and unobtrusive manner,” says Gerhard Zeitler, Head of Sales at Manntech. “We are not the biggest player in the industry, but we aspire to be the best – we are the technology leader in our field.”
The Porsche Design Tower in Stuttgart is 90 meters high and allows a spectacular view.
Sensors for safe and efficient maintenance
This makes Manntech a pioneer in remote and predictive maintenance. Sensors report constantly from anywhere in the world on where the rig of the facade access system is located and its movements. This allows the building cleaner to drive along the facade and digitally record any detected damage. In the past, they would have had to write this down on a piece of paper, indicating the rough position. Now, technicians immediately find the place and can repair the facade.
Manntech is also popular with architects because the systems are known for not disrupting the aesthetics of the design. For the World Trade Center in Abu Dhabi designed by Norman Foster, the company produced rails that can be mounted on the roof despite its 55-degree inclination. The rails were measured using a laser, whereby everything needed to be accurate down to the millimetre, and special cooling is also required. Manntech was the only supplier who was able to meet the architect’s design and technical requirements. It took 60 weeks of development work, and everything was tested using prototypes. The system is equipped with sensors with absolute value measurement. This means that it is always possible to see exactly where the rig is located and how it is moving. This provides a significantly higher level of safety for the maintenance personnel.
Expertise and impulses from LAPP
Systems such as these need to function without failures for many years, even in the face of wind, weathering, and high levels of UV radiation. After all, human lives depend on it. Replacing defective components is very difficult and time-consuming. Each country also has different requirements and standards. When looking for suppliers, they can therefore only consider partners who can offer robust quality and tailored variety. When it comes to cables, Manntech relies exclusively on LAPP. ÖLFLEX® cables, UNITRONIC® data cables, various plug connectors and cable conduits are the most common products. “We value fast communication”, commends Richard Horkavy, Head of Development at Manntech. “Our contacts at LAPP always have an open ear and can quickly find a custom solution that fits our requirements.” Manntech also expects suppliers to take the technological lead. “We are open to impulses and innovations”, says Horkavy, “we can learn a lot from LAPP’s expertise, for example when it comes to efficient warehouse processes in production and assembly.”
Manntech relies on durable and high-quality products from LAPP and appreciates the joint cooperation.
Facade access system for a World Cultural Heritage
The next opportunity for this is a very challenging new project, where Manntech is once again relying on solutions from LAPP. Manntech is currently constructing a maintenance and access system for one of the most famous bridges in the world in Australia. The bridge is a World Cultural Heritage that must not be changed. Drilling new holes into the bridge structure is not permitted. The installation is therefore set up on the bridge and held via 1400 special bolts. It consists of two motorised gantries, two different access units for a total of six available cradles, two drive bogies and two material trolleys. Sensors ensure safety and communication. “In Mammendorf, the bridge was replicated and tested at different temperatures and wind speeds,” reports Dieter Eichler, Plant Manager at Manntech. Another challenge is the colour of the maintenance and access system: it must be adapted precisely to the shade of the bridge. Also in this project, Manntech can meet its customer’s aesthetic and technical requirements and offer a solution that enables maintenance work to be carried out efficiently and safely.
“Such exciting projects make collaboration with Manntech extremely attractive – for both partners,” says Markus Schreiber, Account Manager at LAPP. On the one hand, LAPP’s expertise and brand products, from ÖLFLEX® to HITRONIC®, support the implementation of innovative and sophisticated safety solutions. On the other hand, LAPP is learning a lot from Manntech about future application requirements such as data acquisition and transmission under challenging conditions. Markus Schreiber explains: “This is a great partnership. We still have a lot of plans together for the future.”
The Dutch manufacturer of industrial sawing machines, Harwi, is known for the durability, quality and user-friendliness of its products. To increase its own productivity and simplify assembly, Harwi opted for tailored cable assemblies from LAPP. This saves the machine manufacturer four hours per constructed machine, which sums up to an additional machine every two to three weeks. In addition, the installation of the sawing machines on site has been noticeably simplified and the risk of incorrect cabling is reduced.
Safety, ergonomics and health – these are Harwi’s current development goals for the industrial sawing machines they have been constructing since 1960. The company from Helmond in the Netherlands is also known for its extremely durable products: “We know that there are Harwi sawing machines that have been in use since my birth, i.e. for over 35 or 40 years,” says Adrian van Mensvoort, Managing Director of Harwi. Three years ago, Adrian took over the management of Harwi as part of a generational handover in the long-established company. Although the robust, high-quality machines are highly rated on the market, he left no stone unturned when it came to finding ways to further optimise their quality and durability.
Robust sawing machines for a safe and ergonomic work environment
Since its founding in 1960, Harwi has made a name for itself with robust, easy-to-use and high-quality sawing machines for the wood processing industry, but Harwi has also long been associated with renowned DIY brands such as Praxis, Gamma and Bouwmaat. Alongside durability and ergonomics, Harwi also stands out by producing all important types of sawing machine: vertical sawing machines, radial sawing machines and circular sawing machines. “Circular sawing machines are definitely our speciality,” says Adriaan, “but our quality standards apply equally to all types of sawing machines that we manufacture.” The machines make their way to customers via a large network of dealers around the world who also take care of installation and service.
“When I became the new Managing Director, I knew that the company urgently needed innovation and development,” says Adriaan. “It was important to me to check all suppliers and dealers we work with and ensure that their services and products correspond to our newly established core values.” Harwi’s main goal has always been to supply machines for a safe and ergonomic work environment, a guiding factor in all technical and service decisions. “We want our machines to make life easier and convenient for everyone involved, from design and installation to the many years of use,” adds Adrian. “And we noticed that connection solutions were an aspect where improvement would make a big difference in this respect.”
LAPP cable assemblies make design and installation considerably easier
Before the change in management, Harwi ordered cables and connectors as individual items. During the construction of a machine, employees took what they needed from the warehouse at their own discretion. “This worked because we had and still have qualified employees, but it was not particularly efficient with regard to either assembly time or storage,” explains Adriaan. “And this made installation harder for the customer than it ought to be.” Harwi sawing machines are delivered in two parts which must be assembled on site. This also includes connecting the saw motor to the control unit. “Until recently, this meant opening a junction box and manually wiring several power cables,” says Adriaan. “It was a complex process that required a trained eye and if even one of these many cables was connected incorrectly, the saw blade turned in the wrong direction or not at all.”
Adrian approached Harwi’s long-standing partner LAPP and asked for a solution. Cable assemblies quickly proved to be the ideal solution. LAPP now supplies all necessary cables and connectors for every Harwi sawing machine as a complete, pre-assembled package. Alongside significant time savings in assembly, this also means that Harwi no longer needs specialists for this task – a major advantage in the face of increasing skilled worker shortages. Last but not least, this has made the installation process easier: instead of the previous complex process, service personnel simply has to click in one cable bundle during assembly and the cabling is complete. “This makes life much easier for our dealers,” emphasised Adrian, “and it greatly reduces customer complaints about their machine not working properly.”
Full trust in LAPP
Under different circumstances, Adriaan might have felt unsure about deciding to switch to pre-assembled cable assemblies: “Outsourcing something as essential as cable assemblies requires a certain degree of trust in the manufacturer, as you become quite dependent. But we have complete trust in LAPP.” The fact that LAPP has been a supplier to Harwi for many years has helped develop a relationship of trust. “LAPP works closely with its customers and both the sales and engineering teams understand our needs,” says Adriaan. “We noticed their enthusiasm when it came to finding a solution tailored to our application – and they did just that. And they always take our feedback on board for improvements. That is exactly the type of relationship that we are looking for with a supplier and we will definitely continue maintaining this partnership in the future.”