STOCKO CONTACT takes part in the Engineering Design Show (EDS) from 11 to 12 october 2023 in Coventry, England.
The Engineering Design Show is the event in the UK that mainly covers the areas of mechanical engineering, electronics and embedded design.
The trade fair showcases the entire spectrum of technologies and solutions for the whole electronics manufacturing sector, reflecting the rapid technological development in all areas of the industry.
Companies of all sizes are represented on the exhibitor and visitor side.
STOCKO will be presenting numerous solutions for the important topics of contact and connector technologies in a competent and practical manner on an international stage.
For us, this trade fair is an excellent opportunity to present our product range and innovations and to exchange ideas and receive valuable feedback in direct dialogue with customers and interested parties.
STOCKO CONTACT participated in electronica at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai) on 11th - 13th july 2023.
STOCKO, a competent company in the connector industry, headquartered in Germany, participated in the fair with its advanced products and equipment. In addition to its booth products, STOCKO introduced 4 new connector products: ECO-TRONIC PL, ECO-TRONIC IMS, ECO-TRONIC FB and S-LINX 1.27 D
At the same time, STOCKO also exhibited the matching semi-automatic processing technology for insulation displacement connections - WT365. The device is powerful, easy to operate and well-designed. Especially the personal demonstration by the engineers on site attracted most visitors to stay.
Although STOCKO has a certain brand in the connector industry, further development is constant. We keep an open ear to the requirements and future application needs to serve the market demand rationally and attract more customers.system, accelerate brand building, rationally address market demand and develop more new products to serve more customers.
In order to strengthen the cooperation and team spirit between our two training workshops in Andlau and Hellenthal, the trainers from both locations launched a joint project this year. This allows the trainees to get to know each other and the respective "unfamiliar" location can also be visited in this way.
How is this idea turned into reality? The two locations complement each other in terms of production technology. For instance, the production areas, the development departments, and laboratories repeatedly work together in a team for the joint product range. It therefore makes sense to pass on this team idea directly to the trainees. The toggle press project was divided into individual modules. The trainees at both locations then produced the assigned individual parts for their modules in the spring after their interim exam. In addition, there were short coordination exchanges and reports on the progress of the respective work in between.
The trainees Kevin Hohlmann and Johannes Hüpgen (2nd year of apprenticeship as tool mechanics) were therefore faced with the task of completing a toggle press from the individual parts. For this purpose, the two travelled to our STOCKO plant in Andlau in June 2023 for 2 days. A hearty breakfast and a factory tour were offered as a nice supporting programme. This allowed the trainees to get to know each other better.
The individual parts were then assembled, adjusted, screwed together, drilled, and pinned in Andlau. Finally, the finishing touches were added.
The result of the cooperation is certainly worth seeing! The workpiece is staying in Andlau and will be then used there in the crimping department.
The fact that the work results of the training workshops repeatedly find their way into the production areas and laboratories in order to prove their suitability for practical use is an additional incentive. Of course, it should not be a one-off event or a one-way street. A continuous exchange is the common goal.
The plan is to exchange drawings of the individual parts again and, for example, produce a second press. Then the apprentices from Andlau will be visiting us in Hellenthal. This cross-plant trainee exchange strengthens the team spirit and promotes the skills of STOCKO trainees.
"The project was a lot of fun for us. We are already looking forward to the continuation next year in Hellenthal.“ Kevin Hohlmann and Johannes Hüpgen.
The trainees Kevin Hohlmann and Johannes Hüpgen (SDH) are pictured with their colleagues Simon Faivre, Guillaume Hattenberger and Gabriel Jaeck Gruhn (SFA) and their finished workpiece.
STOCKO has participated in the EWPTE May 2023 with the slogan "Come Wired and Leave Inspired" in Milwaukee / Wisconcin Expo Center.
The Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo is a specialised trade fair for cable manufacturers and connector and wire harness companies.
This is where the industry meets with more than 3,000 attendees and nearly 200 exhibitors to find solutions for difficult wire harnessing through training and education, and to take advantage of the opportunity to network with industry leaders and professionals at the expo.
STOCKO presented on topics of crimping, insulation displacement technology and innovations in the electrical industry and exchanged views with visitors and customers on the latest contact and connector developments.
Solutions for a sustainable future.
ISH is the industry meeting point for the international sanitary and heating and air conditioning industry – the heart of the HVAC sector!
STOCKO CONTACT presents itself on a new modern stand together with other Wieland Holding companies.
Issues relating to the sustainable use of water, heat and air and the successful implementation of the energy topics reveal an enormous interest. The requirements for intuitively operable and modern electronic assemblies and, associated with these, for innovative connector solutions, and wiring groups are growing.
STOCKO CONTACT was highly satisfied with the face-to-face discussions with customers and the interested trade fair visitors. The changed market and product requirements were able to be discussed with a large number of the interested parties, some of them also represented at the trade show as exhibitors.
STOCKO CONTACT celebrated the completion of the training of their new recruits together in January. Today, STOCKO can look forward to 4 trainees in 2 different professions who have successfully passed their specialist examinations. To achieve this, the young people had to first acquire job-specific skills and knowledge within the framework of the training regulations for three and a half years and then prepare intensively for the final exams – and they all achieved their goal in a commendable way.
The trainees thus presented themselves in a radiant and highly motivated manner at the graduation ceremony in the training workshop. Together they were able to receive congratulations from the commercial manager Ms. Haas and then celebrate their successful training with their instructors and companions.
"Today, 4 trainees have successfully laid the foundations for their further professional careers. They have thus created a basis on which they can build and also master the future. They are our top performers of tomorrow, our future.“, said Ms. Haas in her speech. Once again, she also stressed that training has always been and will continue to be a high priority for STOCKO. In addition to the instructors, many other employees took care of the young people during this time and made sure that everyone finished with good or very good final grades.
The three newly minted tool mechanics were also given a surprise at their new workplaces by the Managing Director, Mr. Servi. He rewarded the achievements of this particularly good graduate year group with a certificate and an extra bonus payment.
With apprenticeships in the industrial / technical and the commercial sector, STOCKO offers a diverse range of training opportunities.
Graduating trainees:
Christina Walber (training: materials inspector), taken on in QA
Nico Schäfer (training: tool mechanic), taken on in toolmaking
Thomas Reinartz (training: tool mechanic), taken on in mechanical engineering
Lars Reder (training: tool mechanic), taken on in toolmaking
One of the best graduate year groups so far for tool mechanics!
Lars Reder, Nico Schäfer and Thomas Reinartz get a surprise visit at their new workplaces from Mr. Servi, Ms. Haas and Mr. Schmitz.
Personal congratulations for the outstanding achievements. Each presented with a certificate for the highest distinction.
Special award for the outstanding grades (94%, 95%, 97%). As one-off special bonus, € 10 per percentage point was awarded.
In January, a Sumitomo DEMAG injection moulding machine from the Systec series with 50 tonnes of clamping force was relocated from the production department to the training workshop. It replaces our Arburg Allrounder, which has been in use since 1986, and also brings our machinery up to date here. Another step forward for the STOCKO training workshop.
We now have the opportunity to let our process mechanics for plastics and rubber technology to practice with a modern injection moulding machine from the beginning of their training.
Because the DEMAG Systec 50/370-200 is already equipped with a modern NC system, which is also used by us in the injection moulding production area. In addition, we now have the option of using handling to automatically integrate the removal of sprues or workpieces into the production process.
In this context, a new column-mounted slewing jib crane was also installed to equip the injection moulding machine.
Unlike in production, the training workshop does not have its own connection to the central basin with cooling water. That is why we use a separate cooling unit for machine cooling and for supplying the tool temperature control. Since our previous cooling unit often reached its performance limits with the smaller machine, it was necessary to replace it with a new and more effective unit.
We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Mr. Servi and Mr. Kirch, as well as all the employees involved in the relocation, for your support!
In order to continue to meet the high demands of our customers, we are investing in new machines.
STOCKO is renewing and expanding its machinery with 8 new injection moulding machines (5x 100t clamping force and 3x 60t clamping force) and thus increasing the proportion of all-electric and thus energy-saving and high-precision machines to 69%.
All machines are equipped with 3-axis servo extraction devices and tool internal pressure monitoring for cycle time optimisation and quality monitoring.
In total, the machine spectrum ranges from 50t to 220t clamping force, from conventional, horizontal machines and vertical machines, to two-component machines. In order to implement more complex vertical range of manufacture (e.g. punching grid technology), these are increasingly being supplemented with automation systems.
We produce over 3.1 million parts a day by injection moulding from technical, mainly flame-retardant plastics (inc. PA, PBT, PC, POM). Together with our other articles and contacts (whether individual or assembled), that corresponds to 10 billion customer solutions in the STOCKO Group.
With these investments in the machinery, STOCKO is responding to market requirements and is thus once again expanding its production capacity. We are pleased that such measures will allow us to increase capacity and improve efficiency. In this way, not only are we securing jobs, but also creating new vacancies.
The AHR Expo in Atlanta has opened its doors - STOCKO is pleased. Many trade exhibitors will present themselves at the international US trade fair for air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology.
From 6th to 8th february 2023, all interested parties can get to know the innovative product solutions in the field of STOCKO connectors and crimp terminals in more detail at the booth.
In hall C at booth 7148 the STOCKO experts welcome you!
Electronica 2022, once again an international meeting place for the electronics industry covering the entire spectrum of electronics.
STOCKO CONTACT presented itself in a future-oriented manner with a large number of new developments surrounding the many topics relating to connectivity.
Digitalisation, energy and sustainability were the central topics of electronica 2022. The trade fair stretched across 14 halls covering a total of 160,000 square meters with a large professional audience.
STOCKO CONTACT presented with a new stand concept over an area of 170 m² the product range of connector systems, crimp contacts and cable lugs.
The atmosphere was very positive – finally live in Munich again after four years. Many intensive discussions on worthwhile topics and the active exchange on the sector highlights of HOME APPLIANCE, HVAC, AUTOMOTIVE and INDUSTRY.
The SIA VISION Congress in Paris presented the latest technologies for automotive lighting.
Many car manufacturers and tier one suppliers showcased the latest innovations in the areas of safety, design and trends in interactions using lighting technology.
STOCKO CONTACT was part of this important congress and presented the latest developments in safe connector solutions on their exhibition stand. There was a particularly intensive exchange of experience with an interested professional audience as well as very good feedback about the company's own product offers and developments.
Engineering Design Show 2022 EDS - A trade fair for engineering, electronics and embedded design
The Engineering Design Show is the only event in the UK dedicated exclusively to engineering, electronics and embedded design.
At its new exhibition stand, STOCKO CONTACT presented the main topics relating to the HOME APPLIANCE, HVAC, AUTOMOTIVE and INDUSTRY sectors.
A highly interested trade audience was very enthusiastic about the latest connector generation and connectivity.
STOCKO CONTACT presents itself with a new stand concept at IZB - Europe's leading trade fair for the automotive supply industry in Wolfsburg.
Under the motto Connecting Car Competence - Intelligent, digitalised, self-driving, IZB 2022 took place in Wolfsburg. STOCKO CONTACT presents, in addition to the main topic of cable lugs, the latest generation of connectors concerning connectivity and lighting on its 60 m² exhibition stand at the Volkswagen AG group headquarters in Wolfsburg.
STOCKO is thus stepping up to the mark with a fresh brand identity. The slogan "The Source of your connection" underlines the consistent and innovative orientation.
Trade fair visitors and the STOCKO team met for a highly interesting exchange of experiences in a felicitous ambience.
STOCKO CONTACT is a leading international company for electromechanical components, where its focus on developing customer-specific solutions for vehicle electrical systems shapes the future.
More safety through fire safety exercises by the volunteer fire department on the factory premises of STOCKO CONTACT
On Sunday, 25.09.22, STOCKO CONTACT, together with the volunteer fire departments of the Hellenthal fire brigade and the Hollerath fire fighting group, carried out a fire protection exercise at the Hellenthal site.
Even though STOCKO CONTACT is well prepared for an emergency in all building complexes with sprinkler systems, smoke detectors on ceilings and false ceilings, alarm systems and its own extinguishing water tank, such exercises are required under real conditions and always lead to very interesting findings.
In order to simulate real conditions in the best possible way, a production area was made "invisible" by a fog machine and some people to be rescued were hidden. The members of the fire brigade had to fight the "fire" whilst using breathing equipment and perform the rescue operation. Both tasks were completed successfully.
The exercise was rounded off by a subsequent inspection of the warehouses, production halls and workshops with all the fire brigade members involved, with notes and explanations on the critical points, such as the places where the power supply for the entire site would have to be disconnected in an emergency.
Reacting correctly in an emergency!
The escape and rescue routes were also tested as part of the rescue operation.
The inspection of the premises and exercise units.
The cooperation with the fire brigade was a complete success. As a result, it can be ensured in the future that the rescue workers have best prepared themselves for an emergency and have already familiarised themselves with the local conditions beforehand.
STOCKO CONTACT and volunteer fire department of the Hellenthal fire brigade and the Hollerath fire-fighting group in Hellenthal - a great team in terms of safety!
STOCKO CONTACT Germany invests in a further expansion of the production hall
We are pleased about the great progress of this year's internal construction project. Thus, in addition to the current production facility, another important milestone in terms of optimising operations will have been achieved. The move into the new building is planned for the end of 2022.
With the extension covering approximately 1,000 m², STOCKO will expand the assembly areas for further fully automatic assembly lines under construction. In recent years, STOCKO has more than doubled its capacities, especially in the case of the so-called RAST series.
In order to further increase the dynamics in production, a central measuring technology system for the production areas of punching, injection moulding and assembly will be established in the new building.
The measuring technology will work in three shifts, in order, for example, to issue production approvals in the ongoing process in a timely manner. These and other metrological tasks will be accelerated by being put together as well as by being centralised in one place.
In close interaction with the production areas, work preparation plays an important role. Due to the central location of the new building, the work preparation will also move the workplaces to the new building.
As part of the measures presented, the performance of the Hellenthal site will once again increase significantly and thus further improve STOCKO's ability to react.
STOCKO is setting another positive sign for solid economic growth in order to respond quickly and efficiently to customer needs.
We congratulate our apprentices Florian Groß, Sven Hoven, Justus Junker, Patrick Keller, Tim Pohl (all: toolmaker), Pascal Meyer (Dual study program student – Industrial Mechanic) on success in their final examinations.
The examination results were celebrated in a small group on 25 June together with the trainers, training officers, the responsible department heads and the chairman of the works council.
We are happy to take on all apprentices at STOCKO and wish them a successful start in their specialist departments.
On that occasion, we would like to thank our trainers, training officers and all employees who contributed to the successful outcome of the training.
The promotion and training of young people has always been one of the cornerstones of our corporate philosophy. We are particularly pleased to welcome nine apprentices to our ranks again this year.
For the new apprentices, the first day started with a welcome by Mr Schmitz (Head of Training) and Ms Haas (Commercial Manager) as well as the future supervisors from the departments.
The apprentices spent the morning together, getting to know each other and receiving initial important information about the group of companies and the training. This was followed by a tour of the company and the production buildings. In the afternoon, the apprentices were able to get to know their workplace, colleagues, and trainers.
We wish them every success!
By the way: there are still apprenticeship places available for the start of training in August 2022.
Welcome to STOCKO CONTACT!
Timo Bornewasser, Robin Kemmerer
(both: process mechanics for plastics and rubber technology)
Johannes Hüpgen, Kevin Hohlmann, Nils Müller
(all three: tool mechanics)
Christoph Lenzen
(IT specialist for system integration)
Felix Malsbenden
(warehouse logistics specialist)
Justin Zenner, Eric Wollgarten
(both: electronics technicians for industrial engineering)
A look back at the good old days.
STOCKO Contact, a company with exemplary character. Our medium-sized family company can look back on 120 years of successful existence and has reason to look back in a very special way in 2021. The training workshop, which opened in 1971, has already existed for half a century.
There have been trainees at STOCKO since the beginning of the 1970s. Around 250 young people started their industrial training at the company since its beginnings – first toolmakers, then plastic formers. Today, tool makers in the field of stamping technology, process mechanics for plastics and rubber technology, industrial mechanics for precision equipment construction (Bachelor of Engineering) as well as machine and system operators with a focus on metal and plastics technology are trained in the commercial sector. For a long time, STOCKO has also been offering the opportunity for qualified and future-oriented training in the commercial sector. For the most part, the next generation is given a direct perspective in the company.
Our employee Karl-Heinz Scherer is one of the people who witnessed the beginnings of the STOCKO training workshop as a young toolmaker apprentice from August 2nd, 1971. Its founding was “a wise and forward-looking decision”, says 64-year-old Mr. Scherer (tool design). Where else could you have found your skilled workers for the special requirements in the company?” In the first three months, you mainly stood at the vice and learned how to handle a wide variety of files from the bottom up, then you were taught how to use the various machine tools, such as lathes and planing machines, etc., until the end of the first year of your apprenticeship. The eight-hour day of an apprentice at that time also included the duty of picking up snacks in the first year of the apprenticeship.
In the second and third year of the apprenticeship, the trainees switched to the different departments. Here, the trainee was assigned an “apprentice” – his personal contact person / trainer.
“The training from the second year of apprenticeship was already tailored to the needs of the company,” Scherer recalls: “We were busy in many ways and already worked for the entire company.”
What you have learned is immediately put into practice
Much of what had to be laboriously done by hand at the time has now been taken over by high-quality machines, but you have to know how to operate them first. And this requires a wide range of knowledge of these machines, as well as the associated peripherals and software. A budding toolmaker today has to know everything that a toolmaker had to be able to do in the past. In addition, he has to be as familiar with CNC technology as he is with control technology. During their training, the STOCKO company trainees also go through numerous internal departments, such as tool making and tool service, moulding technology, the stamping department, injection moulding, quality management, the physics laboratory, and maintenance. Here, the young people already gain a lot of practical experience in handling technically sophisticated machines and equipment.
First of all, the trainees in industrial and technical professions learn practical basic skills, such as marking out, filing, measuring, and drilling. Later in the training, more and more machining processes are added, such as turning, milling, and grinding. Each subject area is supplemented by preparatory theoretical lessons in specialist knowledge, mathematics, and occupational safety. Project work serves to impart skills relevant to the exams. This includes, among other things, planning, performing, and checking various activities. In the further course of the training, the conventional machine activities that have already been learned are expanded with computer-controlled CNC technology.
Depending on the occupation, the trainees switch to the internal departments either from the second or third year of training. There they are instructed and supervised in their daily work by our training officers. In some professional fields, we also offer young people dual studies in the neighbouring cities of Cologne and Aachen.
Those who learn at STOCKO today will, according to the commercial manager Kristina Haas, soon take on tasks independently. “Our trainees are allowed to work in the day-to-day business relatively early, are given intensive support and are therefore able to quickly put their knowledge into practice. With us, the entire company is actually the training workshop.”
When asked about the importance of promoting young talent, Haas clarifies: “It is important to us to get young people excited about our industry at an early stage and to bind them to the company. Our goal is to train primarily for ourselves. Because it is very difficult to find qualified skilled workers with an electrical engineering background on the open market.”
Almost all trainees are taken over
STOCKO Contact GmbH & Co. KG continues to employ almost 100% of its trainees after the end of their training period. As a rule, a trainee who has completed vocational training receives a permanent employment contract. Every year, six or more young people are hired for vocational training – a number that, in the words of Stefan Schmitz (Head of Training), makes it possible to specifically address the needs of the individual. And he adds: “Here you are valued from the start, and you get a lot of support. We have a very familiar atmosphere with one another.”
In August 2021, nine new trainees started their training at STOCKO.
In addition, it should not be left unmentioned that in addition to the commercial, technical occupations in the training workshop, the following apprenticeships have been carried out at STOCKO for several years:
Archive photo data:
Those were “the good old days”: An apprentice working on a milling machine
The company attaches great importance to qualified young talent
Again this year, 5 young people have started their training at STOCKO CONTACT in Hellenthal.
After a small-scale welcome by representatives of our management, works council and trainers, they first attended internal training courses on occupational safety and our quality management.
After creating their personnel files, they got to know the individual departments during a tour of the company.
Due to a generational change in our industrial training, from September 2020 Mr Stefan Schmitz, supported by Mr Aleksandr Miller, will train the future apprentices in the usual "STOCKO manner" in our new 560m² training workshop and prepare them for an exciting and successful working life.
We wish them all every success and above all much enjoyment in their work!
From left:
Hendrik Niebes Tool mechanics
Mick Albrecht Process Mechanic for Plastics and Rubber Technology
Leon Reder Tool mechanics
Paul Klein Tool mechanics
Josephine Schell Office Management Assistant
STOCKO CONTACT commences operations at a new logistics centre and state-of-the-art high bay warehouse.
Due to increasing customer demand, STOCKO CONTACT is expanding its logistics network with an area of 2,700 m² and is again investing in the Hellenthal location. This optimises the flow of goods from completion to dispatch meaning that it all takes place directly on site as a one-stop operation. In addition, a new fully automated finished goods warehouse has gone into operation.
Maximum space utilisation on a small footprint combined with speed, flexibility and energy efficiency: these are the key features of a modern compact warehouse. The new high bay warehouse covers a length of 60 metres and a height of 11 metres.
The previous capacity of the conventional finished parts warehouse will be almost doubled by the expansion.
The warehouse complex is divided functionally into the areas of high bay warehouse, outgoing and incoming goods with conveyor connection to the production and storage hall. The new high bay warehouse has 2 aisles and a capacity of 4,320 trays, which can also be loaded with 2 layers of cardboard boxes.
The new pallet rack with 617 pallet spaces accommodates the finished goods packed in bulk containers and the necessary packaging materials. EURO pallets, small pallets as well as customer-specific pallets are stored and transported. The warehouse serves as a buffer and distribution warehouse. Material movements are carried out semi-automatically via a tablet-supported information system using a new reach truck.
Modern loading ramps
The outgoing goods area has 3 loading ramps. The provision of the goods is fully automatic on a total of 3 picking workstations with drive roller technology. The outgoing goods area is connected by means of conveyor technology. Loading with filled trays and return storage of empty trays is carried out via a separate lifting station and with our own conveyor technology from and to production. Up to 100 trays per hour can be picked.
Pallet transport from production to logistics is handled by a goods lift.
Two automatic feeding stations have been installed in the assembly area, which ensure the removal of the finished goods by a 4-table unit.
High bay warehouse
New conveyor technology with up-to-date conveyor tracks
Up-to date logistics using intelligent software and storage location overview
"We are looking forward to further expanding our network with the new logistics centre in Hellenthal and thus to meeting customer needs quickly and efficiently," says Mr. Ingo Klinkhammer, Head of Materials Management at STOCKO CONTACT. "We offer a good infrastructure and thus remain enormously competitive." The new STOCKO logistics centre continues the positive, dynamic development. The extensions at the Hellenthal site thus amount to a total of 6,900 m² and are another positive sign of STOCKO's solid economic growth over the next few years.
STOCKO establishes itself in the technology location of JAPAN. The company wants to continue to take advantage of growing global opportunities.
With the establishment of STOCKO CONTACT Japan K.K. in Okayama, we have taken another important step towards expanding our market position in the automotive, heating and household appliance industries in the Japanese market.
The expansion of the site is intended to significantly improve local support from our Japanese colleagues, thus opening up new growth areas.
The objective is to introduce connector systems that are well established in Europe as well as newly developed products to the Japanese OEM's. In addition, we expect regular customer visits and intensive market observation to enable further country-specific solutions in a growing technology location.
This massively improves STOCKO's international competitiveness for its markets in the Far East.
On 17 January 2020, three more apprentices laid the foundation stone for their subsequent professional lives. During their training as tool mechanics, they have passed through many internal departments and got to know the individual activities and many employees.
In a small ceremony on 22 January 2020, the good examination results were honoured by the HR Manager, Mr Sieboldt. The completion of the training was celebrated together with the examinees, the trainers and the many training officers at a small social event with light refreshments. All the examinees were allocated to various staff teams with permanent employment contracts.
Congratulations!
Photo from left:
Thomas Frauenkron Tool mechanics
Nicolas Linden Tool mechanics
Fabienne Josephs Tool mechanics
Change of name completed:
founding of new companies STOCKO CONTACT Shanghai Co. Ltd. and STOCKO CONTACT International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
By the change of name, the building previously shared with Wieland Electric (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. has now been made the sole headquarters of the newly established STOCKO CONTACT Co. Ltd. (SCS) in Malu/Shanghai. This gives STOCKO a very good strategic starting position for its markets in the Far East.
The SCS building complex is a two-storey complex with a total area of 5,500 m². Two production areas are located on the ground floor: the modern injection moulding production on an area of 600 m² and an assembly area of a total of 1,100 m². This in turn is divided into a fully automatic production line of 500 m² and a semi-automatic area of 600 m². There is also a storage area of 3,000 m² on the ground floor. In this way, the flow of goods from completion to dispatch is optimised and takes place directly at the Malu location from a single source. The upper floor accommodates spacious offices. They cover a total area of 800 m².
In addition, the company has decided to set up another strategic new company: STOCKO CONTACT International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. - SCT for short. It is located in the Shanghai free trade zone with local logistics and has an effective sales team. In addition to the production facility in Malu, the newly organised domestic sales in the metropolises of the local Chinese customers will further increase competitiveness.
"With these site expansions, STOCKO is positioning itself close to the beating heart of the Chinese market and setting future standards for the global orientation of the company. The production advantages in our customers' countries, coupled with Chinese development, product marketing and sales, as well as two logistics channels, will further strengthen our position with an eye to the future and form an important basis for our ambitious growth targets," says Selahattin Servi, Managing Director of STOCKO CONTACT GmbH & Co. KG.
The new 4.0 industrial halls have set standards for the future development of the company.
Following the structural expansions of recent years in Andlau, France, the investments in Hellenthal are also a clear commitment by the company to its established sites.
In a first construction phase, the assembly area has been expanded by a 1,800 m² extension (marked orange in the picture). This means that the total assembly area is currently 5,400 m² (marked blue in the picture). Machines for production have already been installed and have been in operation since summer 2019.
In a second construction phase in spring 2020, another hall will be developed directly connecting to it, which will be divided into various complexes: with an area of 2,700 m², the largest space here is assigned to the logistics area (marked green in the picture). This means that the rented external logistics hall in Schleiden, about ten kilometres away, can be dispensed with in the future. The flow of goods from completion to dispatch will be optimised in this way and take place directly at the Hellenthal site from a single source. In addition, a new fully automatic finished goods warehouse is under construction. The planned operational start is in summer 2020.
The rear building complex of this hall (marked yellow in the picture) is two-storey and covers a total of 2,000 m² largely reserved for mechanical engineering. This is occupied by office space of approx. 550 m² and a workshop of approx. 450 m² upstairs as well as a further area on the ground floor of approx. 450 m². In addition, the training workshop for the currently 35 trainees for the industrial/technical professions will move into the ground floor. This will then cover approx. 550 m². The move to the new premises is planned for spring 2020. The area of the previous training workshop in the opposite hall that will be vacated will in future be assigned to the stamping shop.
The extensions at the Hellenthal site thus amount to a total of 6,900 m² and send a further positive signal for the solid economic growth of STOCKO in the next few years.
Captions
ATotal assembly area is now 5,400 m²
BThe hall extension (B) has increased the assembly area by 1,800 m² to a total of 5,400 m² (A + B)
CLogistics covers 2,700 m²
DMechanical engineering building complex ground floor covers 450 m²
Office 550 m² and workshop 450 m² upper floor
Total area 2,000 m² including a training workshop of 550 m²
In recent years, the Andlau site has now almost doubled to a total area of approx. 50,000 m². Some 250 employees work here in production in the automotive and home appliances business segments. The growth course at our French plant will continue. After the site has recently been made fit for the future with various measures, including the purchase of additional land and hall conversions, the new central goods receiving area has now also been put into operation.
The recently completed building covers around 2,000 m². In future, all raw materials as well as operating and auxiliary media will be stored here. The central services and maintenance will also move in there and support the production departments with their activities. Fast routes, good lighting conditions and clear layout support the objective of optimising the flow of materials and the associated production processes.
The 2-shot injection moulding technology expands the range of applications of connectors and opens the way to new, innovative solutions.
STOCKO constantly strives to provide its customers with a high level of user-friendly solutions. This is why it is necessary for us to constantly adapt our connectors to the wide range of applications and requirements. We achieve this by, among other things, new product developments and ongoing improvements in manufacturing technologies.
One of the requirements that have come to the fore is that of sealed connectors. Protecting device housings from the penetration of moisture via the power supply is just as important as sealing from the insulating foam, such as in cooling units.
This offers a solution where various sealing problems are eliminated by a special connector housing made of two plastic materials. For this reason, STOCKO has included so-called 2-component injection moulding in its production programme. By combining a hard and a soft component, the electrical and mechanical requirements of a connector and the requirements for different sealing functions, such as sealing the mounting opening of a housing or sealing the wire feed-in, can be optimally met.
By using 2-shot injection moulding technology for connectors, STOCKO can offer complex components in which different functions can be integrated. In combination with the innovative and high-quality STOCKO connector technology, this opens up new possibilities for rationalization as well as new technological solutions in the connector sector.
The 2-shot injection moulding machine (Fig. 1), the 2-shot tool (Fig. 4) and a handling system (Fig. 2 and 3) form a production cell. To ensure high quality, the manufactured plug housings are removed from the tool with a removal gripper and placed on a conveyor belt.
Fig. 4a: 2-Component Injection Moulding Tool
Fig. 4b: 2-Component Injection Moulding Tool
Fig. 5: Example of the use of 2-shot injection moulding technology: connector function (white) and seal function (black) are integrated into a single housing.
STOCKO is now also showing itself to be a true global player in other respects. The company recently added its own entry to the extensive Wikipedia encyclopedia.
Anyone who is anyone – whether as a public figure or a company – tries to have their own lexicon entry on Wikipedia. It's easier said than done. Not every company is entitled to be included in the illustrious circle of those named; the exclusion criteria are very varied. The fact that STOCKO is now included once again proves the special significance of our company.
The entry can be found at: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stocko_Contact
If you think that this is a negative characteristic here, you are wrong. Take a closer look and you will see that STOCKO's zero tolerance attitude is an essential condition for precise work. In this regard, the words zero tolerance can be taken quite literally. STOCKO recently acquired a state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope.
Small components, such as plug connectors and contacts, as manufactured by STOCKO do not tolerate any fluctuations in quality. Even the most minute manufacturing tolerances can subsequently result in the failure of entire assemblies. Because the requirements imposed on quality, service life, and the precision of STOCKO products are increasing over the entire cycle, continuous adaptation of our laboratory equipment is necessary to assure our high standards.
Consequently, as another step in expanding the development of our analysis methods STOCKO has placed a ZEISS EVO MA10 scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDX system in service.
SEMs enable microscopic examination with magnification that is approximately 100x greater than that achieved with light-optical microscopes. Now 3-dimensional presentations of the most delicate surface structures possible, and it is also possible to measure and display elements that are embedded in the surfaces.
At STOCKO the SEM is typically used for the following applications:
With the SEM, new analysis possibilities are now available to STOCKO that contribute in improving the quality of STOCKO products, starting with product development and product qualification, in production monitoring and quality control, and extending to troubleshooting.
Microscopic images show hair crystals, so-called whiskers, on a tin surface.
Resolution of the grain structure of a high-gloss tin surface.
Presentation of the element distribution in a contact surface through coloring.
Analysis of the elements in a surface according to frequency.
New tinning plant will go into operation end of 2018.
After conclusion of extensive construction measures and a structural restoration of 3,500 m² of surface area, it was possible to move our production warehouse in Andlau into a significantly larger building.
In turn, the logistics hall that will be used until then will be completely reconstructed, among other things a completely new hall floor will be installed. The hall is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
After a new nickel-plating plant was commissioned in 2017 in Andlau, with the new hall reconstruction now the prerequisites are in place for an additional finishing line, this time for the nickel-plating of crimp contacts in strip form. The finishing line should come on-stream in the fourth quarter 2018. With its extensive renovation work, the new plant is an investment in the mid single-digit million range. In this regard all statutory and environmental requirements had to be meticulously complied with, which is always extremely complex and work-intensive for plants of this type.
With the running nickel-plating plant and the new tin electroplating that will move into the newly converted hall, we will double our original finishing capacity. Thus we ensure that in this area STOCKO will also have a customer-oriented production with strong reserves in the future.
Elaborate preliminary work must also be done in the outside area
The extensive renovation measures also include a new hall floor
With its lead frame modules, STOCKO offers its customers customised products developed jointly with them that are optimally adapted to the respective application and the production process.
Connecting and connection technology in the automotive industry is increasingly tailored more specifically to the respective application. Both the complex installation space in the car and the application-specific loads of an electrical, mechanical or chemical nature require individual solutions. In addition, for the connection systems too, solutions are being sought that enable automated installation and integration of these components into complex assemblies.
For this reason, in cooperation with its customers, STOCKO is developing termination solutions that are directly adapted to the respective applications. In many cases, lead frames in place of wiring provide the appropriate concept, for example for terminations in AdBlue pumps, in sensor technology applications or even in lighting systems.
Lead frame modules as produced by STOCKO are complex components that go through multi-stage processes:
The multi-stage STOCKO-specific production process offers clear advantages compared with other solutions. Thus for example, they can be adapted by the 3-dimentional contour shaping of the frames particularly precisely to the respective installation position. In addition, they enable the integration of separate functional areas so multi-functional applications are also possible. From holes to the precise positioning of the frames in the application right to connection contacts for lamps etc., functions can be integrated by appropriate forming. In its lead frames, STOCKO currently offers dimensions of 120x250mm².
Furthermore STOCKO lead frame modules make contact with the circuit boards via adapted IDC direct connectors from the STOCKO programme. These connectors are plugged in directly on the edge of the circuit board, a specific mating connector is not necessary. This saves installation space and money.
Also the selection of suitable materials is significant for the adaptation of the modules to the respective application. To withstand the different thermal, mechanical and chemical loads in operation, at STOCKO metals, surface finishing and plastics are carefully selected and tested.
In conjunction with the specially adapted STOCKO IDC connector technology and the precision processing, with these lead frames, all things considered, this results in highly individual solutions that STOCKO adapts jointly with the customer exactly to the respective requirements in the automotive area.
Attached circuit board direct connector in 2.5mm pitch
Lead frame after 3D forming and fixing of the frame elements by overmoulding with plastic
Circuit board direct connector in 5mm pitch
Lead frame with 2.5mm frame connectors, attached in 5mm pitch
Use of Robotics and Manufacturing Cells at the Hellenthal Factory.
Electromechanical components are becoming increasingly more complex. The demand for a higher component quality is growing at the same time. STOCKO is meeting this challenge in its Hellenthal factory by increasing the automation of its production processes.
STOCKO is expanding its product range and using new manufacturing methods to increase its competitive edge, particularly over Asian suppliers. Production steps that were previously performed separately can now be integrated into a single manufacturing cell. Injection moulding, punching and assembly processes are integrated there to manufacture hybrid components made of plastic and metal parts using advanced robotics technology.
Example: Bulb holder for the automotive industry
These products can in many cases no longer be manufactured using conventional assembly methods. The high function integration requires the use of insert moulding technology for the complex integration of plastic and metal parts.
At STOCKO, the various processes are integrated into a single manufacturing cell: the injection moulding process for the manufacture of the housing parts, the separation of the contacts from their retainers, the assembly of the contacts and the testing processes. This allows the manufacture of a complete bulb holder in a single continuous process.
In the manufacturing cell, industrial robots perform the handling of the required parts. Functions like
are performed by multi-axis robot systems. The integrated, active systems for tolerance compensation support the robots and increase the manufacturing precision.
The use of industrial robots automates the complicated manual insertion of the contacts that is only suitable for small production volumes and the removal of the finished bulb holder from the, up to 90° C hot, injection mould.
Both the robot technology and the integration of various manufacturing processes in the manufacturing cells open up new possibilities for STOCKO. Hybrid products made of plastic and metal components – robot automation for insertion part and in reel-to-reel technology – point the way to the inclusion of more complex, higher quality and more competitive components in STOCKO’s product range.
Our factory in Andlau (France) is undergoing a continuous optimisation of its manufacturing processes through various restructuring measures.
To accommodate the further growth of our STOCKO France company, plots of land with a total area of 20,000 m² were purchased last year and a property with a floor area of about 3,500 m² situated on that land was completely renovated.
After the relocation of our finished goods warehouse into this much larger building, the previously used logistics building will be completely converted so that two further finishing lines, which will double our finishing capacity, can be put into operation in that building in 2018. This expansion gives us a substantial production quantity increase and higher flexibility in the supply of our worldwide customers with tin-plated and nickel-plated products.
The development laboratory and mechanical engineering departments relocated into the larger space in the new central logistics building immediately after its completion. We are also fulfilling the increased market requirements here by making comprehensive investments in laboratory equipment. Our certified laboratory performs development tests and production-supporting tests for our customers in the home appliances and automotive sectors.
Like our mechanical engineering department at STOCKO Germany, the mechanical engineering department at STOCKO France also develops and manufactures production plant for internal use and the finishing technology for the use of our products at our customers.
The space made available by the relocation of the aforementioned departments serves the growth of our tool-making department, which will allow us to increase our punching capacity through the use of state-of-the-art machine tools.
STOCKO will definitely continue on its expansion course in the coming years and increase the manufacturing capacities in its various factories.
With rising demands in the field of automotive technology, special ultrasonic welding technology is becoming increasingly important. A challenge which STOCKO is meeting with a high level of expertise.
Once again, the core business of the STOCKO plant in Andlau/France is proving to be a guarantor for forward-looking investments, as our expertise in the area of stamping technology is again undergoing further expansion. STOCKO is setting itself at the vanguard of a new trend with ultrasonic welding technology, as this is a technique that can be put to particularly good use in the manufacture of contact systems for the automotive sector. Aluminum wire is now increasingly frequently seen replacing the more well-established copper, for reasons of both weight and cost.
The transition of materials from copper to aluminum is a tricky issue, however, and places high demands on the contact system. A secure connection can only be guaranteed by using special geometric structures and surfaces in the connection zone of the contact and a specially designed arrangement of the sonotrodes – the tools which transmit the ultrasonic vibrations into the component being worked on – as well as welding parameters which have been carefully adjusted in accordance with the specific contact pairing.
There are also two further critical constituent elements of the new technique – firstly, the mechanical relief of the connection through an insulation crimp and, secondly, its sealing against moisture, e.g. through shrinking tubes.
Using ultrasonic welding technology as a basis, STOCKO develops specific, individual solutions, together with its customers. First of all, the customer in question communicates the particular requirements which need to be taken into account. Then, in a comprehensive test procedure, STOCKO determines the connection zones and all the processing parameters for the connection system, consisting of contact, wire and the tools for the attachment process. After approval of the connection, the manufacturing process is then carried out on the manufacturer's own premises using their own ultrasonic welding unit.
Current focus lies in the area of wires with a cross-section of 10 to 85 mm². Whilst the smaller cross-sections are used in various areas of the car, the larger ones are mainly to be found in use within the engine compartment wiring system.
STOCKO has also applied its usual high precision in small parts stamping to large stamped parts.
Besides the standard product range, e.g. connector systems and crimp contacts, customer-specific special developments are increasingly demanded by automotive industry suppliers. An example for such project business is large stamped parts for the manufacture of contacts that are mainly used for engine compartment wiring.
That is where the core competence of the STOCKO factory in Andlau comes to bear: the stamping technology.
STOCKO continuously expands its stamping technology capabilities in Andlau because customer requirements are becoming increasingly special. For example, STOCKO has invested several million euros in the recent years in the stamping technology area for large contacts. The new presses with a closing force of 80 tons to 160 tons now expand STOCKO’s range of production equipment in this area. The associated coil unwinders can be loaded with up to 4.5 tons of raw material and thus allow the necessary machine run-times for an economically efficient automated production.
This equipment now allows STOCKO to manufacture products with a strip width of 300 mm and a material thickness of 5 mm made of copper, copper alloy, aluminium and steel. The currently typical product dimensions are in the range of 120 x 250 mm. The equipment is used to produce cable lugs, e.g. for high-current areas in cars, and cable lugs with an integrated nut that is added with special tools during the stamping process.
The investment in this technology also fulfils the good forecasts that we have produced for the automotive segment during the recent years and forms the basis for future success. STOCKO thus opens up new market segments and offers its customers not only the manufacturing know-how in stamping and tool technologies for large contacts but also its product and product qualification know-how gained in its development department and laboratory – all meanwhile proven by numerous realised cable lugs projects.
