ALUMINIUM 2018, the leading trade show for the aluminum industry took place in Düsseldorf from 9 to 11 October. In addition to discussing the big topics of the future at the SMS group booth, representatives of SMS group’s Technical Service also presented its service concept for extrusion press operators. This concept is characterized by a strong focus on quality, productivity and safety of production. Numerous guests, among them Dimitri Fotij, CEO, and Stijn Kusters, Plant Manager, of Belgiumbased E-MAX PROFILES, came to Düsseldorf to discuss and exchange information with the service experts of SMS group.
Several years ago, E-MAX Profiles and SMS group had signed a first contract for a comprehensive service package related to the two SMS group-supplied light-metal extrusion presses designed for pressing forces of 25 and 35 MN, respectively. E-MAX has been extremely satisfied with the quality of the technical service provided by SMS group. Therefore Dimitri Fotij and Stijn Kusters came to Düsseldorf to discuss and sign a follow-up contract. “The market for aluminum profiles is extremely competitive. SMS group has proved to be a strategically essential partner in safeguarding the high availability and productivity of our machines in the long run,” explains Fotij. “We plan and perform the service activities in close coordination with our customers, always bearing in mind their production schedules. We set great store by a regular exchange of views and ideas with the plant operators because this allows both sides to benefit from the cooperation and further develop their skills on a continuous basis,” says Ben Zander, Head of Modernization and Maintenance Services for Hydraulic Presses at SMS group.
E-MAX belongs to Belgium-based Vaessen Industries. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, from aluminum extrusion billets down to high-quality extruded profiles, which it further processes and finishes for a wide range of applications. By offering X-ECO, i.e. alloys produced in a sustainable way from recycled aluminum, E-MAX has set a milestone in terms of sustainability and environmental awareness.
