Hella expands Großpetersdorf, Austria site with tool warehouse, logistics hall

Hella has expanded its site in Großpetersdorf, Austria. The company’s subsidiary, Hella Fahrzeugteile Austria GmbH has invested in the construction of a new 450sqm tool warehouse on three levels and a 600sqm logistics hall. The investment will also cover the renewal and expansion of machinery. The developments, in which the company is investing several million euros, are scheduled for completion by the end of 2022.

“Due to the excellent order situation, we are further expanding our site in Großpetersdorf. In order to be prepared for new projects, we need more storage space as well as additional space for tools and semi-finished products,” says HFA managing director Thomas Meisinger. “In addition, we are upgrading our facilities and infrastructure to the latest technology. For example, we are investing heavily in the topic of Industry 4.0. At the same time, we are sending out clear signals in the direction of sustainability by making the charging infrastructure available to our employees and visitors on a temporary basis. In addition, a photovoltaic system of up to 450 kilowatt-peak is being planned.”

The new tool storage facility offers space for up to 60 large jigs and 150 injection molding machines. This warehouse has a state-of-the-art LED lighting system and special temperature and humidity control. The latter prevents the risk of rust due to condensation. In addition, the ventilation and exhaust systems in the existing production and assembly halls will be renewed. Among other things, this allows the waste heat from the injection molding machines in plastics production to be dissipated even more effectively, thus creating an optimum working environment for humans and machines alike. In this context, the shower and break rooms were also modernized.

The machinery was also expanded and two new injection molding machines were installed. These are designed to be able to produce larger parts to meet demand for complete headlamp covers, for example. These are becoming increasingly important as a design element, also in the area of special vehicles. Furthermore, a software update to Winfactory 4.0 has been performed. Production processes can be further optimized via this “Smart Factory” monitoring software.

A semi-automated production line is currently in the start-up phase. The S-Series product families will be produced on it. These high-quality LED work lamps are developed to the highest HELLA standards and offer excellent value for money. The construction of the new logistics hall will also increase storage capacity at the Großpetersdorf site by 600sqm to a total of 2,400sqm. The new logistics hall is mainly used for the storage of semi-finished products, which are stored there with the help of a high-bay warehouse system until further processing. The investment measures increase in-house production and thus contribute to an extension of the value chain.

With more than 600 employees, HFA is one of the largest employers in Burgenland. On a production area of around 6,000 square meters, state-of-the-art lighting systems for agricultural machinery, construction machinery, motorcycles, snowmobiles and the mining sector are produced and supplied to customers all over the world.