Strengthening the operational readiness of the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) and NATO partners
The RENK Group officially launched on September 11 its new modular production concept at its headquarters in Augsburg in the presence of Bavarian Minister President Dr. Markus Söder. This concept marks a crucial step for RENK, moving from traditional manufacturing operations to modern industrial small batch production, and enhancing efficiency, flexibility and operational excellence.
“The current geopolitical situation is characterized by crises and conflicts. So it is even more important that we consistently strengthen our industrial capabilities in Germany and also in Europe. The RENK Group is leading the way here in Augsburg and stands ready to make its contribution to European defense capabilities. Industry and politics must work together shoulder to shoulder to bring about the necessary efforts in this regard. And so we are delighted to be able to officially launch our new modular production concept in the presence of Minister President Dr. Markus Söder,” said Dr. Alexander Sagel, CEO of the RENK Group.
The concept is based on a system of standardized modules that enables highly qualified specialists to be deployed more efficiently. Assembly trolleys are loaded with the requisite parts in small load carriers and brought directly to the workstation by automated guided vehicle systems. This minimizes search and setup times, reduces logistical operations and increases quality – with shorter throughput times.
The concept, which transfers proven methods from the automotive industry, allows the assembly of different transmission variants on the same line, creates economies of scale and serves as a blueprint for the RENK Group’s production network. It means that capacities can be flexibly adapted to increased demand at all locations, which is key for sustainable growth and robust, localized production.
Thanks to early investment in capacity expansion, RENK is already in a position to respond to the growing needs of the Bundeswehr and allied forces.
“The modular production concept enables us to deploy our highly qualified employees far more efficiently and flexibly, hence why we are able to produce a significantly higher number of transmissions in the same time frame. With operational excellence in practice, we can be more agile in our response to changes and further increases in production volumes,“ said Dr. Emmerich Schiller, COO of the RENK Group.
The RENK Group also plans to invest around half a billion euros in the targeted expansion of capacities and in research and development over the next four to five years.
