Deceuninck invests six figures in its state-of-the art UK extrusion facility

Deceuninck has committed to a major investment programme, with the addition of a new exelliq Manufacturing 4.0. DIGI.LINE automated digital extrusion line, to its state-of-the art UK facility.  Installed in March and April this year the leading-edge solution gives Deceuninck’s UK operation Europe’s most advanced co-extrusion line, significantly increasing capacity while bringing even accuracy to manufacture.

Darren Woodcock, General Manager, Deceuninck said, the new DIGI.LINE automated digital extrusion line brought even more exacting precision to profile geometry including co-extruded products.“The installation is part of a three-year group-wide programme to identify the most advanced extrusion technology globally, and to bring it into the business”, he explained. 

“Having played an active part in that project, the UK was fortunate enough to have been chosen as a site to house the line.The technology is exceptional from the energy-reduction it delivers in the extrusion process to the increase precision it brings to profile geometry. That means tighter tolerances and even better manufacture for our customers, while it also gives us more flexibility to respond to customers with greatly reduced tool time changes.” 

The DIGI.LINE automated digital extrusion line uses centralised and real time digital monitoring to guarantee the exact geometry of the profile by bringing next generation precision to the flow of material through the dye. The same digital technology is also applied to water tanks, flow rates and vacuum settings further enhancing accuracy and guaranteeing profile geometry; while digitally controlled saws bring new precision to cuts.  

Darren continued: “It also allows us to co-extrude virgin and recycled material very accurately, supporting us in our ambitions to lower the carbon footprint of our products and to further reduce waste streams.”

In addition to the investment it has made in its extrusion capability Deceuninck also installed 2,500 solar panels at its Calne facility, increasing its use of renewable energy. A further six figure investment at the start of this year saw it add two new chillers to its operation, delivering a 50% reduction in energy usage.

Delivered as part of its commitment to lower its operational impact on the environment through the corporate carbon reduction scheme, Science Based Targets group-wide it has successfully lowered the carbon footprint of its operations by 21% compared to its 2021 baseline. The investment that Deceuninck has made in its new DIGI.LINE also follows the multi-million-pound investment it made in two new extrusion lines and a Luna R automatic profile lamination machine in 2021.

Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck, said Deceuninck remained investment led and was committed to the UK. “The UK is a key market for Deceuninck. That is reflected in the investment that is being made here on the ground in Calne, and which will directly support us in delivery even better quality and service to our customers.”