Modular construction is a trend that is gaining more and more followers in the world, thanks to its advantages of speed, efficiency, sustainability and cost savings. However, to carry out this type of project, high technology and digitalized management are required to optimize processes and guarantee the quality of the products.
That is why GROPYUS, a German-Austrian company specialized in modular and sustainable construction, has decided to join forces with KUKA, a world-leading provider of intelligent automation solutions, to expand its production and manufacturing capacity at its plant in Riche n , near Heilbronn, Germany .
The commitment to automation for large production
GROPYUS and KUKA have announced their collaboration to install a fully automated and digitally managed production line at the Richen plant . This investment, which is estimated to be in the mid-double-digit million euro range, will allow GROPYUS to increase its production capacity to approximately 3,500 apartments per year by the end of 2024 .
To achieve this goal, KUKA will supply a flexible, turnkey system that will integrate 45 robots and 12 AGVs (automatic guided vehicles) . These teams will be in charge of carrying out the tasks of cutting, welding, assembly, transportation and quality control of the modular elements that make up the homes. In addition, KUKA will provide its extensive experience in automation projects for the automotive industry and modular construction .
For its part, GROPYUS will be responsible for managing the entire facility and implementing a task-based production management system . This system will allow you to plan, coordinate and supervise all factory activities, as well as collect and analyze data generated by equipment and processes. In this way, GROPYUS will be able to optimize the performance, quality and traceability of its products.
An affordable, marketable and sustainable product
With 86% automation, GROPYUS will be able to manufacture a wall element in 17 minutes and a ceiling element in 16 minutes . This represents a great competitive advantage over traditional construction methods, which are slower, more expensive and polluting.
According to estimates by Markus Fuhrmann, CEO of GROPYUS, in 2025 there will be a deficit of between 900,000 and one million apartments in Germany. Modular construction can greatly accelerate and at the same time reduce the cost of new home construction when combined with digitalized operations. Thanks to this partnership with our experienced automation partner KUKA, we will be able to significantly increase our production capacity by the end of next year, allowing us to manufacture a product on an industrial scale, at a reasonable price and environmentally friendly. ” .
The product offered by GROPYUS is characterized by its modern, functional and customizable design . In addition, it meets the highest standards of energy efficiency and respect for the environment . Modular elements are made from recycled or recyclable materials, such as wood or steel . Likewise, they incorporate intelligent systems that allow you to control energy and water consumption, as well as indoor air quality .
An example for Europe
The collaboration between GROPYUS and KUKA will not only benefit both companies, but also the construction sector and the real estate market in general. With this initiative, the aim is to create an example for Europe of how technological innovation and digitalization can transform the way of building and living in the 21st century.
Peter Mohnen, CEO of KUKA, says: “As automation specialists, we have been driving unprecedented developments in the construction sector for many years. We have been able to apply our specially developed applications and considerable process knowledge outside of Europe. Now “As we are a global organization based in Augsburg, it is even more important for us to collaborate with GROPYUS in Germany to establish a model for all of Europe . ”
The collaboration between GROPYUS and KUKA is expected to be operational by the end of 2024 . By then, 100 new highly qualified positions will have been created at the Richen plant. In addition, it will have contributed to reducing the housing deficit in Germany and offering a more accessible, comfortable and ecological alternative to citizens.
If you need more info, don’t hesitate to call us: we will be ready to help you and to find the best solution for you project.