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New Baumann era begins
15 August 2024
CONSTRUCTION WORK has been completed on Baumann’s latest expansion at the company’s HQ in Cavaion, Italy. The expansion has modernised and tied together production halls developed over five decades.
THE LATEST project is the largest ever undertaken in the history of the business, as it prepares for the next stage in its development and take advantage of the growing popularity of its high capacity and electric sideloaders.
The work included the excavation of 1,200 lorry loads of earth, removing and buttressing much of a steep escarpment and adding over 3,000m2 of automated storage, around half of which is underground.
Specialist storage for long products was implemented, together with bespoke software and stock monitoring packages. Over 700 locally-sources plants have added green space to the finished area, while decades-old olive trees have been carefully relocated.
A new testing area, including rolling road and energy supply upgrade and sandblasting area have also been added. An additional solar array and steel cutting machines are also planned.
Baumann owner Klaus Pirpamer
Owner, Klaus Pirpamer, said the work would set the foundations for the next generation of the company, which has recorded record growth over recent years, despite the challenges of post-Covid supply chain issues and the impact of the conflict in Ukraine.
Said Klaus: “We needed to make significant changes to meet the challenges of the next 50 years, where electric machines in particular will dominate. We’ve seen the impact on our own power needs, and the efficiency of our storage operations helps us create further space for our product innovation team.”
A number of important markets for Baumann have experienced equipment capacities increase and industries such as timber, steel and pre-cast concrete producers rediscovering the art of working sideways.
The trend towards larger capacity models prompted a new production hall to be built in 2019, coinciding with the company’s 50th anniversary. At the time, the new hall was one of the biggest projects Baumann had undertaken - this latest expansion is around five times in scale.
“We’ve seen an unprecedented level of growth and all our departments here have done amazing work to respond to the difficult conditions,” says Klaus, “and this level of investment cannot be underestimated. Years of planning and negotiations with local authorities have been undertaken to reduce the environmental impact of the work, as well as keep one of the town’s largest employers in place.”
“Naturally, there were a few unforeseen challenges! We had unseasonable weather to contend with and a few surprises, both below ground and up in the rafters. Luckily, we have strong family connections and were able to consult with some of our original employees! It was a great team effort and ultimately, we got over the line and are delighted with the results.”
During the development phase, Baumann added a new robotic welding line, overhead cranes, guided vehicle and new CNC machine to facilitate 90% of mast production in-house. The same process has now allowed cabin manufacture to be brought back in-house, facilitating further cost-savings and design innovations.
The work is intended to allow Baumann to continue its philosophy of high quality, hand-built production by bringing further efficiencies and economies of scale to pre-assembly processes, such as welding, painting and CNC work.
“Our roots are firmly established in Cavaion,” adds Klaus. “We want to maximise the opportunities for our people and the increase in production capacity to boost efficiency. We remain a niche manufacturer in logistics, where consolidation has reduced the number of players but we feel strongly that our experience and expertise is unmatched. Many of our employees and customers have been with us for years, if not decades. The long-term continuity of both our work and philosophy is something we are working hard to achieve, grow and maintain.”
Based in Cavaion on the shores of Lake Garda, Baumann has led the sector for over 55 years, and now sells its products worldwide through 106 dealers in 76 countries. The multi-award winner produces equipment up to 50 tonnes capacity and has a reputation for consistent invention and the highest level of design and productivity.
For more information visit https://baumann-sideloaders.com / www.baumann-sideloaders.co.uk
Baumann managing director Riccardo Bove
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