How a custom solution doubled AVT Wiring & Connecting’s production capacity
When demand rises, a standard solution isn’t always enough. AVT Wiring & Connecting learned this firsthand when an existing customer began requesting ever-larger production volumes. Together with Smans and machine builder Optimel, they developed a customized automated solution that combines multiple production steps. The result: a doubling of production capacity and an efficiency improvement of approximately 30%.
Increased production calls for a different approach
AVT Wiring & Connecting started out as a distributor of electrical connection materials, but today specializes in the production of custom wire and cable harnesses for industrial applications in the Netherlands and Belgium.
To guarantee that quality, AVT has been working with the Komax and Schleuniger brands for many years. Its machinery consists of both fully automated production lines and various bench-top machines. For AVT, reliability, quality, and local support are essential to ensuring high productivity day in and day out.
But even high-performance machinery has its limits.
The challenge: higher volumes without compromising on quality
Production volumes increased significantly for one of their existing customers. The existing production method was no longer sufficient to achieve the desired capacity and efficiency.
The challenge was clear: to develop a solution that not only produces faster but also guarantees the same high standard of quality.
A standard machine did not offer sufficient capabilities for this.
Working together to find the right solution
Smans teamed up with AVT to find a solution that would fully integrate with the production process. In collaboration with machine manufacturer Optimel, they developed an overmolding machine that combines various production steps into a single automated process.
The system:
- tests each product electrically,
- automatically applies overmolding at three positions,
- and automatically shrinks multiple heat-shrink sleeves using infrared technology.
By combining these steps into a single process, manual operations are reduced, process reliability increases, and production becomes significantly more efficient.
Measurable results
The investment quickly yielded tangible benefits.
- Production capacity at least doubled.
- Efficiency improved by about 30%.
- The production process became more consistent and reliable.
- The solution has now been running for over a year to everyone’s satisfaction.
More than just a machine supplier
According to AVT, Smans’ greatest value lies not solely in its technology, but primarily in its approach to collaboration.
Smans advises on available solutions, provides critical input, and challenges existing ideas to arrive at the best technical solution. This role as a sparring partner helps AVT make well-informed investment decisions.
Even after installation, Smans remains closely involved. Through training and guidance, the specialists ensure that operators make optimal use of the new technology and get the maximum return on their investment.
Automation starts with the right advice
Not every production challenge calls for a standard machine. Sometimes, the greatest added value comes from cleverly combining existing technology or developing a customized solution.
This collaboration with AVT Wiring & Connecting demonstrates how co-engineering, technical expertise, and strong guidance lead to a future-proof production environment with measurable results.
Is your production process reaching its limits? The specialists at Smans would be happy to work with you to develop the most efficient solution for your situation.
