Extensive know-how on board
The “Board” business unit represents the expertise of the IMA Schelling Group in the field of board manufacturing and refinement. The experienced specialist develops intelligent, individual logistics, cutting and packaging solutions for board production and processing in the wood sector.
Optimal solutions for heavy loads
Customer-specific concepts for finishing lines, goods refinement and goods management in board factories are the remit of the Board BU. The broad product portfolio of the business unit encompasses automation solutions for cutting, transport and handling, as well as the storage, commissioning and packing of boards and cut parts. Unlike Woodworking, with its small batch sizes, short cycle times and high degree of flexibility, the aim is fast cutting of large quantities and handling of high weights. “We recently installed a system for the commissioning of raw boards. The integrated lifting table can lift 50 tons,” says Stefan Hinterholzer, Head of the Board BU, describing the special requirements of board handling. He has overseen projects in the board industry since 2015. Since then, this field has become so promising, that the Board BU was founded in late 2018.
Extensive know-how and many years of experience
Today, Martin Papst and Thomas Keckeis are part of the core team of the business unit, along with Stefan Hinterholzer. All three are primarily responsible for distribution, sales and planning. In the planning and implementation of customer-specific system solutions for board manufacturers and refiners, they utilise the company’s internal synergies and form interdisciplinary teams.
“Board cutting is one of our core areas of expertise. In addition, the company has decades of experience in process automation in the production of furniture parts, and extensive know-how in the optimisation of logistics processes as a result.
This will stand us in good stead in the realisation of complex logistics systems and production systems for the finishing and refinement of wood fibre and solid wood boards, as will our expertise in project management and implementation,” says Stefan Hinterholzer, Head of the Board BU. He and his team work closely with the respective customer at every stage of the project, and also consult external specialists when required.
Automation means safety
Around half of the business unit’s projects are high-volume systems for the serial cutting of board materials, while the other half are logistics solutions. Since it deals with high loads, the Board BU divides its assemblies by the respective marketable tonnage, into categories of four, eight, twelve and more tons. “In the past, improper handling of heavy goods has often led to major personal injury and material damage. However, increased automation in the areas of conveyor, commissioning and warehouse logistics ensures a high level of employee and production safety. As a result, it’s of central importance to the company,” says Stefan Hinterholzer.
Eyes on the goal
“We want to build up a product portfolio that will provide efficient, modern transport and logistics solutions in the finishing lines of board factories alongside our existing cutting systems,” says Stefan Hinterholzer, regarding the future plans of the business unit.
He also has his eye fixed firmly on the solid wood business: “Pre-fabricated wooden parts are becoming increasingly popular. That not only applies to the furniture industry, but to the pre-fabricated housing and wood construction industry too. This is a very attractive market for us,” he remarks.
OUR BUSINESS UNITS
In order to strategically build on its strengths and optimally market its products, the IMA Schelling Group divided its business divisions into four business units:
BOARD
Project management and realisation of logistics, cutting and packaging solutions for board factories
CONSULTING
Development and implementation of production strategies for furniture production.
PRECISION
Sorting and handling solutions for special materials.
WOODWORKING
Wood processing technologies.