Since 2017, Tennant has been using Ympress Laser's sheet metal to manufacture its sweeping and scrubbing machines. Laser Specialist and Operational Lead Martijn van de Broek talks about why Tennant switched to Ympress Laser and explains why he would never want it any other way.
How did you become acquainted with Ympress Laser?
"Due to pressure, we had to outsource work once and then we got back cut material that was so nice and sleek, it worked perfectly when setting. We were used to setting 90 degrees and the result was 88 one time and 92 the next due to the material composition. Now it was exactly 90 degrees every time. I thought: we must have that too! The material is a bit more expensive, of course, but the benefits absolutely outweigh that.With us, everyone is now convinced of that. We are really satisfied and I wouldn't want any other material."
Why does Tennant choose Ympress Laser?
"We have a CO2 laser and a Fiber Laser set up. The Fiber Laser cuts about 4x faster but is very close to the plate, so it is important that there is little tension on the plate. When the laser head comes up against a cutout, it stops. This is especially annoying at night because then production comes to a halt. In short, a laser such as this places other demands on the material. "You don't drive over a threshold with an F1 car either."
"If we use an alternative product, the production process really doesn't run as smoothly. I dare say that the laser then fails at least 5x as often. You then have more downtime. Also afterward when setting and edging, you have extra work with other material, because the material warps and hence doesn't fit properly."
What do you guys make of the Ympress Laser plates?
"In a Tennant machine, almost all thicknesses of steel are encountered. We especially choose Ympress Laser in 3 to 6 mm. The entire frame and chassis of the sweepers and scrubbers are made of this, as well as the instrument panels, small brackets, and other parts. There are Ympress Laser components in every product, both visible and invisible and from small to large."
What do you experience as the benefits of Ympress Laser?
"The quality of the plates is very high and constant. The plates are nice and flat, which is what you want as a laser operator. As a setter, you want your setting to be constant, so that you don't have to constantly measure, correct, knock back, and reset. With Ympress Laser, the whole production simply runs smoother. The material is slightly more expensive, but the quick and smooth processing makes it pay for itself."
Would you recommend other companies switch to Ympress Laser?
"Definitely, 100%. Especially if you laser cut large long parts and have to do a lot of setting, your production goes a lot smoother with Ympress Laser. Your employees can simply do their jobs and not have to keep hitting pieces straight with a hammer in hand. Our laser must basically run 24 hours a day. Ympress Laser contributes to high laser switch-on time and reduces the number of malfunctions."
How do you experience the cooperation with MCB?
"About the cooperation with MCB, we are more than satisfied. MCB is reliable, communication is good, lines are short and the account managers really listen. When we point out things we want to improve, they think with us. At our request, for example, the packaging is modified, so we can now load the materials into our warehouse much faster. In addition, at Tennant, we have little room for inventory.That's why we order from MCB twice a week and get it delivered two days later. Because we make different products every week, the order is different every time. MCB maintains a safety stock for us. We can forecast quarterly fairly accurately, so we make quarterly purchasing arrangements. In this way, MCB can buy for us at favorable times so that we bypass peak times as much as possible. By working this way and looking so far ahead, we also encountered virtually no delivery problems in the 2021 crisis year. That service and reliability are important to us. Moreover, the tone is always friendly and there is also room for a personal touch. That open atmosphere suits Tennant and we really appreciate it."
About Tennant
Tennant designs, manufactures, and markets floor cleaning equipment worldwide, particularly sweeping and scrubbing machines for the business market. Headquartered in the USA, but for more than 50 years Uden, in Brabant, has been home to the production site that operates most efficiently and performs best of all Tennant plants. More than 250 employees together ensure that an average of more than 100 machines are produced there every day. The parts for this are largely produced in-house.
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