Full-service sheet metal former with maximum vertical integration

Founded in 1912, the metal plant formed the nucleus of today's group with four plants in Europe. Plastics processing was added in 1958. As a specialist in metal forming and plastics processing with its own tool making, Craemer produces at its German headquarters in Herzebrock-Clarholz, in Attendorn in the Sauerland region, in Slovakia (in Liptovský Mikuláš since 1997) and in the UK (in Telford since 2006).

Metal forming and plastics processing

With more than 100 years of experience in metal processing, the family-owned company is now in demand worldwide as a full-service sheet metal former with the highest level of vertical integration, as a one-stop supplier. With decades of expertise in the field of plastics processing, Craemer is a leading international manufacturer of durable logistics and waste disposal solutions. One of the latest innovations in this area: Kubo, a four-way box made of polyethylene (PE) as an alternative to the metal grid box.

The Group's Metal Forming division develops, designs and manufactures precision stamped and formed components primarily for the automotive industry. These include structural parts for seats, doors, instrument panels, convertible roof bows and chassis components. It also produces seatbelt system components such as all-metal deflectors, guide rails for seatbelt height adjustment, fittings and connecting elements for seat structures as well as parts for seat height and length adjustment. The metalworking plant in Sauerland, which was taken over in 2015 as Craemer Attendorn GmbH & Co. KG, is specialised in these precision parts and can now look back on more than 30 years of experience as an internationally operating automotive supplier.

Individual parts and assemblies are manufactured from sheet steel, high-strength sheet steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel and aluminium sheet. On request, Craemer processes carbon-neutral steel in cooperation with a renowned steel producer in the interest of a sustainable supply chain. Production is carried out using progressive and transfer tools on modern presses with press forces of between 3,150 and 25,000 kilonewtons (kN) and table lengths of up to eight metres. Most of the presses are equipped with servo direct technology and can handle material thicknesses of up to five millimetres.

Vertical integration as a unique selling point

The Craemer Group's unique selling point is the highest possible vertical integration: As a module manufacturer, the company places particular emphasis on full vertical integration. Innovation, development and costs can be optimally coordinated thanks to extensive in-house production and full process responsibility when individual sub-projects are outsourced. The Group's range of services therefore covers all workflows and processes. Depending on the requirements and in close cooperation with the customer, Craemer is able to realise the entire value chain: product design and development, including feasibility studies, simulation and concept development, 3D design and reverse engineering to optimise the pre-series product, tool making, press simulation and production of ready-to-install series parts (metal modules and assemblies) in series production.

The metal forming specialist takes on the production of complete solutions for its customers, including just-in-time delivery concepts – ranging from small and medium to large series. Highest quality standards, regular exchange of experience with customers, cooperation partners and industries as well as continuous investment in technology and know-how make Craemer a strong partner. The family-owned company is active as both a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier to the automotive industry: Metal formed parts are supplied directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as to Tier 1 suppliers, such as car seat manufacturers. Various gold, silver and bronze awards and certificates from renowned global automotive suppliers testify to the company's quality, innovation, sustainability and efficient logistics chain management. 

Plastic alternative to the metal grid box

Craemer has a new development in plastics processing for smooth (intra-)logistics in the automotive and supplier industry: Kubo, a robust four-way box made of PE, for an alternative to or parallel use with the metal grid box. With the same external dimensions (1240 x 835 x 973 mm), Kubo has a capacity of approx. 610 litres; with a tare weight of 51.5 kilograms (with front drop door), it has a static stacking load of 3000 kilograms (payload 1000 kg, dynamic load 2100 kg). Based on the UIC standard, the four-feet Kubo runs maintenance-free and trouble-free on all conveyor systems and is suitable for automated high-rack warehouses.

In addition to its closed shape and low weight (more cost-effective transport: around 25 % lighter than Gibo grid boxes), Kubo convinces with its high stability and good stackability. Strong lower deck stiffeners (three transverse and two longitudinal profiles) stabilise the container floor. In addition to the ribs above the entrance openings, L-shaped steel profiles on the long sides of the four-way box provide increased impact protection. A large front drop door with a locking mechanism and hinges on one of the long sides, which opens 180 degrees downwards and outwards (like the Gibo grid box), makes it easy to load and unload parts even when the boxes are stacked.

The straight lines, minimal ribbing and rounded shape ensure easy cleaning and drying. The Craemer Kubo is temperature-resistant from -30 to +40 degrees Celsius (briefly even up to +90 degrees) and resistant to most chemicals and cleaning agents. It is optionally available with or without a front drop door (with document holder) and RFID equipment. Dedicated fields for prints provide space for individually stamped logos, lettering or numbering, while studded fields can be used for temporary stickers.

Craemer will be presenting its Metal Forming division at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg, Germany, (22–24 October), hall 6, stand 6116.