PHOTO: The new VBK-1 (Vertical Band Knife series 1) cutting system from Greenacres of Malmesbury, Western Cape, used for the cutting of PU foam, is designed for emerging market applications
“The machine is robust, cost effective and aimed at emerging markets,” said Des Green of Greenacres, a man who – although now operating happily from the Swartland, has extensive experience from the global foam and PU markets. Green even spent an extended period in Singapore heading up a multinational polyurethanes subsidiary responsible for the SE Asia market.
Greenacres-Bäumer recently sold its first foam cutting system to a happy customer in Cape Town.
The company has been in partnership with Bäumer, of Germany, since 2008: it quite literally got involved in cutting edge technology at that point when it began to manufacture blades and cutting equipment for PU foam in a joint venture with Bäumer.
The blades are used in the production environment for the continuous cutting of PU’s as well as plastics, rubber and technical foams. Greenacres-Bäumer has steadily expanded its activities since, including the manufacture of complete cutting systems, such as band and toothed knives and band-saws.
Main applications for the new cutting system are foams for bedding, mattress, automotive, technical and furniture products, where high levels of accuracy and consistency are necessary. It is also essential for the blades to remain extremely sharp to achieve minimal friction, which is necessary for accurate cutting of the foam structure. All these features are offered by the new cutting system.
What’s really interesting is that, with its streamlined South African operation, Greenacres- Bäumer’s operating costs are low! It is for this reason that it remains so competitive in the local market. Greenacres has a staff compliment of just nine. Its welding equipment and technique is state of the art, ensuring superior quality that is so sought after in this market. It offers local support in terms of spares, consumables, after sales service and technical support.
Blade and cutting products and equipment are produced mainly for the export market, and containerised for shipping into Africa. Most recently, Greenacres-Bäumer appointed Kenzar Limited in Nairobi for representation in East Africa. This is an important market for the companies which will assist in widening their footprint. As a result, Des is spending a lot of time travelling in that region.
Processes at the Malmesbury plant are managed in accordance with the Albrecht Bäumer Quality Management System Directives.
The new machine, though basic in design, is set to transform Greenacres’ business. At this stage the company is aiming to produce two or three machines a month, depending on demand.
www.greencorp.co.za