Wuppermann Metalltechnik GmbH Unveils Its Future-Ready Tube Production Facility in Altmünster
On January 29, 2025, Wuppermann Metalltechnik Gmb, a leading specialist in precision steel tubes, marked a significant milestone in its expansion with the roofing ceremony of its new tube production plant in Altmünster. The event was a celebratory moment, not only for the company but also for the local community and all the construction partners involved in making this cutting-edge facility a reality.
The new plant, which represents a 39 million euro investment, will elevate WMT’s production capabilities and strengthen its position in the global market. Georg Wildauer, Managing Director of WMT, expressed his pride during the ceremony, stating that the project is both on schedule and on budget, with commissioning expected to take place in the third quarter of 2025.
Building for the Future: The Construction Phase
The journey toward the roofing ceremony began in April 2024, when construction work officially commenced. The first step was the excavation of 72,000 cubic meters of earth to create a foundation for the new plant. This massive excavation effort was necessary to level the site and accommodate the new facility's construction. Due to the difference in elevation between the site and the neighboring property, a seven-meter-high pile retaining wall was erected to ensure the site's stability.
The actual construction of the new production hall began in August 2024, and it covers an expansive 8,860 square meters. To ensure the structure’s durability, 100 precast concrete columns were used. Moreover, the hall’s design incorporates sustainable elements, including the installation of geothermal probes totaling 5,000 meters in length. These probes will provide climate-neutral heating to the building, underscoring WMT’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
Automation and Efficiency: The Heart of the New Facility
Once fully operational, WMT’s new plant will feature two highly automated tube welding lines. These lines will streamline the production of precision steel tubes and allow for greater flexibility and efficiency in the manufacturing process. In addition to the welding lines, the plant will include a fully automated primary material warehouse and a finished goods warehouse, both of which will enhance the plant’s logistical capabilities and ensure smoother workflow.
One of the standout features of the new plant is its focus on high automation, which will lead to increased production efficiency and significantly reduce the likelihood of human error. By automating the key stages of production, the facility will be able to produce high-quality tubes and complex profile shapes in a more cost-effective and timely manner. The automated nature of the plant will also improve the safety of the workplace and reduce the environmental impact of the production process.
Sustainability at the Core: Climate-Neutral Heating and Eco-Friendly Infrastructure
Sustainability is a central theme for WMT's new plant. In line with the company’s vision for a greener future, the plant features a climate-neutral geothermal heating system. The 5,000 meters of geothermal probes drilled into the ground will provide an efficient and environmentally friendly heating solution, reducing the plant’s reliance on traditional heating methods that may contribute to carbon emissions.
This commitment to sustainability extends beyond just heating. WMT has taken steps throughout the plant’s design and construction to ensure energy efficiency and reduce the overall environmental footprint of the facility.
Seamless Production Continuity During the Ramp-Up Phase
As WMT begins to ramp up production at the new facility, it’s essential to maintain continuous supply to customers. To achieve this, the company has strategically planned for minimal disruption during the transition to the new production lines. While the new profile line is being ramped up, the existing tube welding line will remain in operation, ensuring that customer orders are fulfilled without delay.
This careful planning guarantees that WMT’s customers can rely on a seamless supply chain and that the transition to the new facility will be as smooth as possible.
Key Takeaways:
• Wuppermann Metalltechnik GmbH held the roofing ceremony for its new tube plant in Altmünster on January 29, 2025.
• The new plant, with an investment of 39 million euros, will significantly enhance WMT’s production capabilities.
• The construction phase started in April 2024 with 72,000 cubic meters of earth excavation and the installation of 100 precast concrete columns.
• The facility will feature two highly automated tube welding lines, an automated primary material warehouse, and a finished goods warehouse.
• Geothermal probes totaling 5,000 meters will be used for climate-neutral heating, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Production continuity will be maintained during the transition to the new profile line, with the existing tube welding line remaining operational during the ramp-up.
• Full commissioning is expected in the third quarter of 2025, with the plant set to produce precision steel tubes and complex profile shapes.
• WMT’s new plant emphasizes automation, sustainability, and operational efficiency, positioning the company as a leader in the industry.
