HFG focuses on new-tech, hi-tech at new center

Dutch engineering and fabrication firm Heerema Fabrication Group (HFG) has opened its new Heerema Innovation Center, where it plans to develop next-generation welding robots, and use latest gaming and data processing technology. 

The center is cloes to HFG's Zwijndrecht headquarters. The firm says: "it symbolizes the course that HFG wants to sail: working even faster and more efficiently."

“Only by offering added value to our clients can we continue to be competitive and profitable,” says HFG CEO Koos-Jan van Brouwershaven.

The first project of the Heerema Innovation Center is the welding robot, which has been developed by Valk Welding together with HFG.

“This robot does not replace our welders; it complements them," says van Brouwershaven, pictured. "A welding robot will also be installed in our company training school where our welders will learn to work with it. Welders are almost always in short supply. The welding robot enables them to concentrate on the more challenging tasks, while the welding robot can be used for other work.” 

HFG says: "The first welding robot has two welding arms and operates very precisely. The colossal device weighs 50-tons, and unfortunately can’t really climb yet. That will be the next challenge for the Innovation Center where more welding robots will be developed. Van Brouwershaven sees many more opportunities for the Innovation Center.

“Using the latest 3D and gaming technology, but also smart data processing, we can achieve a lot more,” the CEO says.  

Gert-Jan van Noordt is in charge of the center’s daily operation. He focusses primarily on the innovation of production. His colleague Cees Spaans, Head of Research & Development and Engineering at HFG, and his team concentrate on the innovation of products. In addition to welding, scaffolding, glued constructions and the use of paint will be investigated.

The Innovation Center was designed by architects at BBA Architecten. In the Center, more than 1000sq km is dedicated to test rigs and training. In addition to innovation, the center will play a role in sharing knowledge by establishing and maintaining links with institutes of technology and universities of applied sciences.