Increased automation has been a top priority in Bendiro’s investment plans in recent years. Since we have a production plant perfectly tailored to our particular business, there are no ‘off-the-shelf’ application solutions. Finding the right solution requires a lot of time and a lot of knowledge. To create even better opportunities for developing automation and technology at Bendiro, we have recruited Niklas Alfredsson – a process engineer with long, in-depth experience of leadership, quality development and production development and who only sees the benefits of technology development.
Niklas Alfredsson, Team Leader for Technology & Maintenance at Bendiro
“Traditional roll forming manufacturing is largely about pure craftsmanship, with all kinds of heavy, time-consuming aspects to each job. Bendiro chose to focus on automation early on, and create a modern production environment where our main aim is to minimise steps that do not add value. Instead we strive to increase the time the machine operator is actively preparing the next order, keeping things organised and checking the profiles, as well as ongoing preventive maintenance.”
An ergonomic, motivating work environment
“For us, automation is not about replacing people. We want to bring about an ergonomic working environment, without unnecessary stress factors and with more motivational tasks for our skilled operators. It’s also very important to us that our operators play an active role in the changes being made in production to ensure the best possible results. For me personally, it’s great to be helping to make these improvements happen – to have an opportunity to figure out automation solutions that don’t have to cost a lot of money, but make a big difference overall. We have many ideas for other improvements moving forward.“This technological progress really only has benefits. Fewer disruptions in the machine, a focus on quality and a more even flow – all these things also have an impact on capacity in the machine.”
“This technological progress really only has benefits. Fewer disruptions in the machine, a focus on quality and a more even flow – all these things also have an impact on capacity in the machine.”
A veteran of tough demands
Niklas has worked in the automotive industry for many years, where there are tough demands on both volumes and quality.
“At Bendiro we have customers in a wide range of industries, with varying demands on their profiles. My previous experience as a machine operator, and later as a process engineer responsible for quality and production development, among other things, comes into good use here. I’m familiar with the entire process, which is a must for a team leader.”
Stimulating work environment
“I feel right at home in this entrepreneurial environment, with owners who believe in our ideas and give us a lot of freedom to turn Bendiro into a unique roll forming supplier. There’s a climate of openness here, and a drive to teach others and give each co-worker opportunities to develop, which means that the development of the organisation keeps pace with other investments – and that’s thinking sustainably.”
