Tried and tested technology within new business areas
By working together and drawing benefit from the unique technical expertise of each company, there are good opportunities to establish operations within new business areas.
An enquiry from a common customer within the automotive sector was the start of a project that took Jorgensen Engineering, Canline Systems and NPB Automation on a shared journey into the electric vehicle market. The sister companies within XANO’s Industrial Solutions business unit are now working with the most innovative customers in the world.
Jorgensen, which develops complete packaging handling systems, and Canline, which supplies conveyor systems with magnetic technology, initially formed a project group with the aim of developing a solution for cylindrical batteries. NPB, which has expertise within lid handling, was involved at a later stage to add its specific knowledge.
“For us as a Group, we could see considerable potential in this area. The links between the markets we were already operating on and the electric vehicle market were obvious, so we brought tried and tested technology from established markets to a new market,” says Mark Veron, R&D Manager at Canline.
Partnership is the key
The need for partnership is decisive when it comes to further development and the establishment of operations.
“We are finding out how to resolve matters alongside the customer, as this is a new market for both parties. We and the customer are both providing innovation, as we are combining process expertise with handling as well as mechanical and automation engineering on a much larger scale than we are used to,” says Joachim Bruhn Christensen, Sales Manager within the electric vehicle battery segment at Jorgensen.
On this market, it is important to be able to demonstrate the concept through simulations before the design is complete.
“We are gathering more customer reviews and have a higher level of customer involvement compared with other projects, which is creating the conditions for a closer relationship between the affected parties,” considers Joachim Bruhn Christensen.
A market with potential
There will be a major transition over the next few years, as internal combustion engines are replaced with batteries.
“The electric vehicle market is developing rapidly, and for us within the business unit, this is a sector that has the potential to become dominant in the future,” says Michael Axelsson, Business Development Manager at NPB.
There are no signs of the electric vehicle market slowing down, despite the economic challenges in the world.
“Extensive investments are being made within this area. We will take this opportunity to continue to develop in line with the market,” says Michael Axelsson. “Together, we can offer the customer extensive capacity and are less vulnerable to shortages of resources, which is always a challenge in a rapidly growing sector,” Michal Axelsson rounds off.