Germany’s SIKORA AG has started construction of the company’s new production building in Bremen-Mahndorf, with its executive board laying the foundation stone on Dec. 12, 2017, at a ceremony attended by both staff and business partners.

A press release said that the new building includes 7,000 sq m of space for production and logistics, more than triple the capacity of the building it replaces. "The expansion at the production location Bremen is a strategic future investment," said company CEO Dr. Christian Frank, who explained that it will further SIKORA’s goals in further growth and global competitiveness.

The building, scheduled to be completed by November, is being erected on the site of the old production building, which had been demolished. Production had been moved to a building 400 m away in order to maintain short ways to the management, administration and development team. Once completed, the new site—which meshes with two existing buildings—will integrate lean production concepts for an efficient production and have a contemporary design concept, with areas for communication and creativity. The four floors offer more space for efficient production and logistics as well as perfect conditions for communication, creativity and innovation.

A key driver for the project has been the expansion of SIKORA’s scope in measuring and testing, sporting and inspection equipment for wire and cable, optical fiber, hose and tube and plastics, Frank said. As the product portfolios increased, "we reached the limits of our capacity with the existing building," he said, noting that the new building will offer 350% more space.

Equally important is that the building design will integrate modern lean production concepts. An intensive planning phase was implemented to optimize the different processes, from material flows to production to shipping. "The result is a more efficient and innovative production to ensure highest product quality as well as delivery reliability," Frank said. He added that SIKORA has been expanding its workforce, and the new site helps attract qualified employees.