Overhead Cranes at WN Kozijnen: 5 systems for new builds and smart reuse
When moving into a new production facility, you have the opportunity not only to create additional space, but also to rethink and optimize your workflows. For WN Kozijnen, this was the perfect moment to take a critical look at the layout of the production hall and the way materials move throughout the facility.
Together with WN Kozijnen, Mennens installed five new overhead crane systems in the new building. At the same time, existing systems were modified, expanded and relocated to ensure they aligned perfectly with the new layout. The result is a future-proof production environment where new and existing equipment work together as one efficient system.
Making Smart Use of Existing Equipment
New construction projects often focus on investing in new equipment. However, WN Kozijnen already had several overhead crane systems that were still technically sound. Rather than replacing everything, a combination of new capacity and smart reuse was chosen.
Several existing systems were adapted to current working methods, expanded where additional reach was required, and relocated to areas that better support the new material flow. This allowed WN Kozijnen to preserve previous investments while benefiting from a more efficient facility layout.
Five New Overhead Crane Systems
Five new overhead crane systems were integrated into the new facility. These systems provide flexible coverage across multiple workstations while keeping valuable floor space free for logistics and production activities.
By moving materials overhead, interactions with internal transport routes are minimized. This creates a more organized production environment and ensures a smoother flow of materials between different workstations.
Optimizing the Workflow
This project involved more than simply supplying lifting equipment. Together with WN Kozijnen, Mennens looked at the overall production layout and workflow.
Key questions included: Where do materials enter the facility? Which routes are used most frequently? Where could bottlenecks occur? By carefully mapping material flows and work zones in advance, the overhead crane systems could be positioned exactly where they would add the most value.
This approach benefits both productivity and safety. Employees spend less time handling materials manually, loads can be positioned in a controlled manner, and available floor space is used more effectively.
Close Collaboration with Wopereis Staalbouw
For the integration of the systems, Mennens worked closely with Wopereis Staalbouw. Proper coordination between the steel structure and the lifting installation is essential for the success of projects like this.
By collaborating from an early stage, support structures, mounting points and project planning could be aligned efficiently. This resulted in a smooth installation process with minimal impact on the overall construction schedule.
Ready for Future Growth
By combining five new overhead crane systems with the strategic reuse of existing installations, WN Kozijnen now has a production facility that supports its current operations while providing flexibility for future growth.
The new layout contributes to:
- More efficient material flow
- Increased available floor space
- Reduced manual handling
- Improved workplace safety
- A future-proof production environment
Looking to Optimize Your Production Facility?
Are you planning a new facility, expansion project or production layout redesign? This is the ideal moment to take a critical look at your material flow and lifting solutions.
Mennens can help you develop a solution tailored to your workflow—from consultancy and design to installation, commissioning, inspection and maintenance. Our specialists are happy to help you out
