AL-KO plastics technology for expansion
Specialist for functional, design-oriented components and process-optimizing workpiece carrier

The AL-KO plastics technology, one of the largest thermoforming company in southern Germany is continuing to expand. A total of 1.5 million euros has recently in the location Ichenhausen (Günzburg) invested to create another production line, the Swabian company. In the new production hall will find a wide thermoforming machine with a mold surface from 3,000 to 1,500 square millimeters, as well as an ultra-modern Roboterfräszentrum, as there are few in the Federal Republic.

Especially large-scale, thin-walled parts for the caravan industry, for commercial vehicles and automotive engineering as well as special transport pallets can be produced with the new, ultra-modern facilities. Parallel and flanking to these investments, a strategy was developed that more closely geared to the needs of customers.

Thus, the company is clearly positioning itself as a specialist in functional, design-oriented components and process-optimizing workpiece carrier in plastic. The aim of the realignment is to the market position of customers - to strengthen innovative solutions and quality products further - many of them market leaders. Simultaneously therewith, the leading market position, the AL-KO plastics technology with numerous pioneering developments and concepts has gained in the vacuum forming of thermoplastic materials, secured and expanded.

The extraordinary success story of the company now extends back decades. 1959 by Herbert Enzler sen. Founded in 1984 by Alois Kober KG participated in the plastics company. Three years later, took over the company completely AL-KO, 1995, the company merged with the Alois Kober GmbH, company vehicle technology based in Kötz. Two years later, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for the expansion and modernization of the plant, which were completed in 1999.

From the beginning, the AL-KO plastics technology has done in the field of thermoforming of thermoplastic materials pioneering work. Today, the focus of the ISO-certified system supplier of both members in the VDA working group "wheels Palette" is, and closely cooperates with institutes like SKZ and VDZ, on the production of process-optimizing workpiece carriers and technical components.

Approximately 3000 tonnes of plastics are processed in the material thickness of 0.2 to 14 millimeters per year. The result: Tailor-made technical products such as packaging, for example, soft handles on crates, shower heads, car lights or electronic components with highest precision.

For highly sensitive parts specific workpiece and transportation systems can be produced, which are then used for example for halogen lamps as a storage and transport container. Even in medical technology, among other things as housing for dialysis devices, and also in the areas of measurement, automotive, cleaning, air conditioning and environmental products come from the segment "technical components" are used.

Together with partners, developed AL-KO 80 percent customized solutions, often establishing a close and long-standing cooperation.

The most recent investment, including strategic alignment "can be an important market segments," says board member Stefan Kober. The focus is on the specialization in the respective product segments. "The goal is to become our customers' development partner," says plant manager Lothar Grimm. A stron...