Bespoke work platforms for Emhart glass
The glass machine manufacturer Emhart Glass wanted to improve the working environment at its production line in Örebro, Sweden. The solution was two bespoke work platforms from EdmoLift.
Constantly looking to improve
“After a lot of discussion, we found a solution that has proven to be very good. We use the platforms on a daily basis and we are really satisfied,” says Anders Larsson, quality development manager at Emhart Glass.
Emhart Glass is constantly looking for opportunities to improve its working environment and ultimately reduce its sick leave. At its facility in Örebro, Sweden, Emhart Glass manufactures parts for machines that make glass bottles. Part of the production lineinvolves the raw materials being fitted in a fixture on a machine pallet that is subsequently processed by a milling machine. The work of fitting the materials takes place at a work station that could neither be raised nor lowered, which meant that parts of the work had to be performed at an uncomfortable height. In the long term, this meant that operators risked problems with their shoulders and neck, so the company looked for a solution, but it turned out to be difficult to find one.
Anders Larsson, kvalitetsutvecklare hos Emhart Glass i Örebro.
Finding the much needed solution at EdmoLift
In the spring of 2019, EdmoLift was invited to an impartial meeting. EdmoLift sent along their salesperson Niklas Fällström, who inspected the workplace and listened to the customer’s requests.
“I could see quite quickly that this was something we could solve. I came back from Örebro and went straight to our design department with ideas and specifications. We could quite swiftly present an outline solution to the customer and they placed the order straight away,” says Niklas Fällström.
In the autumn of 2019, two work platforms that could be raised and lowered were delivered to Emhart Glass in Örebro. Each platform consists of custom-built lift tables that are fitted together. The U-shaped platform makes it more accessible for the operator to work on all three sides of the mobile workstation and to get very close to the machine pallet. A mat makes standing on the platform comfortable and there are yellow lines along the edge to improve safety. No railings are needed because the platform never raises higher than 500 mm.
The impact of customization
“This has worked well and the work platforms are used daily by our operators,” says Anders Larsson at Emhart Glass, who was the project manager for the work on the new platforms. “We are really satisfied.”
Installation of the new work platforms took place in conjunction with changes to the floor in the premises and involved making two shallow pits in the floor in which the platforms were installed. This means that the work platforms can be lowered down to floor level when not in use, so that they don’t take up any space in the premises or get in the way. As in the Emhart Glass case, bespoke solutions for direct customers have become a strongly increasing customer segment for EdmoLift. By customizing standard products, or by combining different products, you can essentially find a solution for virtually any problem. Customization is often very cost-effective for the customer - and for Niklas Fällström and EdmoLift, the projects are a lot of fun to work with.
“Going in somewhere where there are no ready-made products to do the job for the customer, and then be able to present a solution, that feels good. Solving problems is actually the most fun part of this job!”
No railings are needed as the platform never reaches heights above 500 mm.
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