In-house production rate of more than 90 percent brings numerous advantages
Cutting machines from Fecken-Kirfel work precisely and reliably. This is also due to the high production depth when producing the machines. Since the foundation of our company, we design, manufacture and assemble all machines at our location in Aachen. From the bandknife to the cutting unit, almost all components of the machines are manufactured in our own production halls.
Often heard and definitely applicable to Fecken-Kirfel: The Fecken-Kirfel label means Fecken-Kirfel, and nothing else. We do not only produce high-precision cutting machines, but also all the important components of our machines. By that means, it is easily possible for us to adapt the machines to the needs of our customers. The high in-house production rate of more than 90 percent implies that we have the delivery dates, costs and quality in our own hands.
Timely fulfillment of customer requirements
All cutting machines are built to order and according to the requirements of our customers. We also respond to special requests. During the acceptance procedure of the machines on site, we still have the opportunity to take into account short-term requests for changes and to adapt the machines accordingly. According to the slogan "Nothing is impossible, everything is feasible”, we also manufacture highly complex individual parts. “These are often key components of our machines and are subject to very high quality requirements," explains the head of parts production Mr. Markus Frings. The decision for high in-house production also pays off from a qualitative point of view.
The greatest possible independence from suppliers provides further advantages. Even with delivery time fluctuations, we are always in a position to deliver ordered machines on time. For Fecken-Kirfel, this implies a huge competitive advantage. We respond quickly and flexibly because we do not have to wait for delayed deliveries - unlike suppliers who depend mainly on purchased parts.
Spare parts are available in the long term
We either have on stock spare parts requested by our customers or we will make them available at short notice. This is a great advantage, especially for short-term production-endangering problems. "In this case, we prioritize the orders and manufacture and deliver all the urgently needed components in a timely manner," emphasizes Markus Frings. Customers also benefit from the long-term availability of spare parts. Even for machines which are several decades old, we deliver urgently needed parts within a short time.
Only for a small range of special components we rely on the cooperation with long-term and trust-worthy partners, who are specialized in the production and treatment of these parts. The same applies for the manufacturers of our state-of-the-art production facilities, because a high in-house production rate requires a large machine park. In line with the philosophy of our house, it is obvious that we prefer manufacturers, who also rely on a high in-house production.
High added value - high esteem
Keeping the complete range of manufacturing processes in-house is a challenge that we face day by day. We meet this challenge with our qualified and skilled employees. It is important to us that the added value remains within the company. However, the high level of in-house production not only results in high added value for our employees, but also in a high appreciation for our employees and the results of their work. "Because only those who experience the complete creative process of the machines’ manufacturing, from purchasing the raw material to the ready-to-ship machine, particularly appreciate the development process and their share in it", says Markus Frings.
We regularly review all processes in terms of efficiency and quality. If necessary, we optimize the processes in close cooperation with our colleagues in the production departments. In order to optimally coordinate the component design and the manufacturing processes, the designers work closely with the colleagues of the parts production and the final assembly. Thus, we continuously improve all processes in our in-house production.
We will continue to manufacture the majority of the parts ourselves. The high in-house production rate is one of the keystones of our corporate philosophy. The success shows that Fecken-Kirfel is on the right track.