Plug in once and then work all day
Nimatech supplies paving machines and is a manufacturer of vacuum lifting systems. The vacuum system developed with Intercel has undergone a transition from diesel to electric drive. The systems are used on construction sites to lift and move stelcon plates, iron frames and stones. The electrified version has been enthusiastically received by satisfied customers and exited operators. Dries van Wijk, managing director of Nimatech, is happy to tell more about the process and the project.
The challenge
“For years, we had a range of vacuum machines to pick up anything airtight. These were powered by hydraulic or diesel technology. With the drive towards a reduced CO2 footprint, we teamed up with Intercel to explore how this could take on battery-based electric version. Nimatech as a specialist in vacuum technology and Intercel with its expertise in electrification and batteries. The main challenge was battery capacity. The machine had to be as productive and reliable on site as diesel. Our collaboration paid off immediately and the result turned out successfully, both in productivity and reliability”, says Dries van Wijk.
About Nimatech
Nimatech offers powerful solutions for mechanical paving with clamping and vacuum technology. Pavement machines for groundwork and infrastructure are the main products, equipped with Hunklinger pavement clamps and propriety Nimatech Vacuum products. Besides the pavement machines, Nimatech also provides different machines and accessories for mechanical pavement. Service, customer support and solutions development are key at Nimatech.
Actually, we were good partners from the very first moment. Problems we encountered could be tackled well together thanks to the joint expertise and our flexible attitudes.
Dries van Wijk – General Manager Nimatech
Partnership
“The first meeting was very pleasant and we immediately went into depth together. Actually, we were good partners from the very first moment. Problems we encountered could be tackled well together thanks to the joint expertise and our flexible attitudes. Even in the financial part, we were able to switch quickly and come to an agreement easier than expected. We now have a more informal relationship and update each other regularly. This keeps us abreast of developments in the market and allows us to act quickly. The customers of Nimatech always come first. We have never encountered problems that we did not solve together.”
The solution
Dries van Wijk: “The development of an all-electric vacuum lifter proved to be the right choice as the demand proved to be high and the response from our first customers was very positive. In particular, the fact that the machines are so incredibly quiet was much appreciated. No more noise is so much more pleasant for workers on the construction site. With regards to that: it’s no longer necessary to refill the diesel tank in between jobs. Just plug it in once a day and then be able to work all day.”
Future outlook
“Being really forward-thinking has paid off well as 50% of our sales consist of electrically driven vacuum systems. And that in just the first five years. With Intercel we are going to look at expanding our vacuum range. But we are also looking wider in the paving machine range. A lot is still under development, but we are surely electrified for the future!”
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