Precision and Flexibility in Facade and Roof Construction

Schmidhofer Dächer und Fassaden  , headquartered in Upper Austria, is a family-run company operated by three brothers, employing around 50 people. They specialize in facade and roof construction, handling major projects that range from 800 to 3000 square meters. The company’s primary focus is on the installation of large aluminum panels for building facades and roofs, an area in which they have built a strong reputation for quality and precision.

Our collaboration with Schmidhofer centered on optimizing their production process, specifically related to the handling of large aluminum panels. One of their major challenges was flexibility. Often working on renovation projects, the exact specifications and measurements couldn’t always be determined in advance. This meant that modifications to the panels had to be made on-site, which was time-consuming and inefficient. The company needed a solution that would allow them to make adjustments quickly and accurately, without relying on external suppliers for panel processing. To address these challenges, we provided Schmidhofer with a Ranger, our CNC Panel Router with Vertical Table, customized for their needs. This machine allowed them to cut, drill, and mill large aluminum panels with precision and flexibility. The vertical design of the working table was particularly advantageous, given the space limitations in their workshop, enabling them to handle large panels. Additionally, the system’s software was integrated with their existing CAD system, simplifying the programming process and ensuring that modifications could be made efficiently. This tailored solution not only increased their flexibility but also allowed them to maintain their high standards of quality. Additionally, the dust collection system was optimized to keep the work area clean, which improved overall efficiency. These features made the machine highly practical and well-suited to Schmidhofer’s specific operational requirements.

In terms of results, Schmidhofer processes between 20,000 and 30,000 square meters of panels annually. The ability to make quick modifications and in a very short time produce the panel to be installed, being an internal process saves a huge amount of time and it is error-free and significantly reduced their reliance on external suppliers, streamlining their operations and cutting down on lead times. In addition to meeting the company’s initial goals, the system brought several other benefits. The ease of use and integration with existing systems allowed Schmidhofer to take on more projects in-house than they had initially planned. The machine’s low programming requirements also reduced the amount of training needed for their staff, allowing them to quickly adapt and optimize their use of the system. One of the key lessons we learned from this case was the importance of customization in delivering a solution that fully addresses the client’s unique needs. By understanding Schmidhofer’s space limitations and their need for flexibility, we were able to provide a machine that exceeded their expectations. This project also reinforced the value of integrating new technology with a company’s existing systems to ensure seamless operations.