Röchling Industrial is expanding its activities in the healthcare industry

Ground-breaking ceremony for €14-million project in Burgrieden

Burgrieden, Germany – The international plastics processor Röchling Industrial is investing in a new site for its subsidiary Röchling Industrial Laupheim. On 1 July, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new production and office building was held at the new site in Burgrieden in the “Am Flugplatz” business park. This investment of Röchling Industrial is aimed at strengthening its international market position in the healthcare industry and offering customers new opportunities.

This investment is to stay abreast of the strong growth of the Röchling subsidiary in Laupheim and to provide additional space for growth at the new location. In 2017, Röchling took over Fischer GmbH Kunststoff Präzision, since which time, Röchling has invested €7 million in the company. The planned future growth requires a significant expansion of the production area, which is not feasible at the old location. The previous company location in Laupheim already reached its capacity limits a long time ago. 

Production under clean room conditions

Owing to strong demand, Röchling Industrial needs new capacities, especially for further growth in the healthcare industry. 1,200 square meters are planned for the healthcare industry at the new location. In addition, Röchling will produce under clean-room conditions at the new site for its customers – for instance particle-free finishing, assembly of items and component assemblies, and packaging.

Michael Haller, CEO of Röchling Industrial Laupheim, emphasises: "We will continue to push and expand the healthcare industry. We want to be number 1 in the machining of high-precision components made of thermoplastics for the healthcare industry, in the region, in Germany and in Europe.

With its 18 subsidiaries, Röchling Industrial Laupheim is part of the world’s largest group of companies for plastic machining. Within the Röchling Industrial division the group specialises in the machining production of high-precision CNC turned and milled components made of thermoplastics in accordance with customers’ drawings. The components are used in demanding industries such as healthcare, water engineering, sensor and control technology and in building cranes

Healthcare products include components for vaccine production and ventilators that are much in demand during the pandemic.
 

Relocation in the 4th quarter of 2022

The “Am Flugplatz” business park in Burgrieden offers sufficient space for expansion. A piece of land with a total of 24,000 square metres was acquired in the business park with an option of further expansion. The planned new building comprises 7,500 square metres of production area and 1,000 square metres for the administration. The production area is to be expanded by another 2,500 square metres in the medium term. 

Matthäus Schmid Bauunternehmen GmbH & Co. KG from Baltringen is the general contractor in charge of the constructing the new production facilities and office buildings and is also the investor. Röchling has signed a long-term lease agreement for the use of the new buildings.

Supply chain

The planning of the new location is based on the latest insights of supply chain management to optimise internal material flow and processes. Rudolf Karremann, Managing Director Production & Engineering of Röchling Industrial Laupheim: "By optimising production routes and processes, we increase efficiency, shorten lead times and thus reduce delivery times for our customers. In addition, new production facilities and the clean room create new opportunities for us to offer our customers."

New jobs

The planned growth at the new location can only be achieved based on the know-how of the existing employees. Franz Lübbers, CEO Röchling Industrial: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to implement our expansion plans in the immediate vicinity of the old site without having to make do without our experienced and highly committed employees.” He particularly emphasised the successful cooperation with the local authorities: "We are very grateful to the municipality of Burgrieden, in particular the mayor, Josef Pfaff. Thanks to the good cooperation, we were able to accomplish our goals very quickly."

Röchling Industrial Laupheim currently employs 161 employees and 11 trainees. With the expansion, more jobs will be created in the next years. There will be a new social building with a canteen for employees, operated by an external regional supplier. In addition, there will be an attractive outdoor area for employees, which can be used for relaxation during breaks.

Sustainability

In planning the new building, special attention was paid to sustainability. Heat recovery systems in the new building will use the heat from the compressed air compressors to heat the building and cool it in summer. Plastic shavings from production are separated according to type and regranulated, contributing to resource efficiency. In addition, 20 charging stations for electric vehicles will be installed.
 

More information about Röchling Industrial Laupheim