EN
Project information
Location:
Germany
Customer product:
Various elements for industrial and commercial construction
Project description
Glass GmbH Bauunternehmung, based in Mindelheim, Germany, has modernized its production line for large-format precast concrete elements with a new customized battery mold supplied by RATEC. The solution was developed in close cooperation between both companies and combines high precision, stability, and user-friendly operation – perfectly adapted to the existing plant conditions.
The Glass Group is one of the leading construction companies in southern Germany. At its 170,000 m² headquarters site in Mindelheim, the family-run business, now in its third generation, operates its own precast concrete plant. With around 555 employees, Glass covers almost all areas of construction – from civil and bridge engineering to structural and turnkey industrial building.
Modernization of the production line
The existing battery mold with pit installation had become outdated. The objective was to modernize production by integrating a new, precise and ergonomic mold while maintaining the existing infrastructure. As part of the project, the old scissor lift platform was also replaced to further enhance workplace safety and ergonomics.
After several technical discussions and plant visits to RATEC in Hockenheim and other reference plants, Glass decided in favor of a tailor-made solution from RATEC. Key factors in this decision included the technical expertise of the development team, flexibility in adapting to local conditions, and the open, cooperative project approach.
Technical features
The delivered battery mold consists of 2 × 3 pockets designed for element sizes up to 8.00 m × 3.55 m and wall thicknesses between 10 and 25 cm. It is designed for the use of self-compacting concrete (SCC), which is poured from above, with the concrete pressure transferred from the outer panels to the central wall.
A hydraulic clamping unit with automatic pressure monitoring and re-tensioning ensures uniform pressure distribution during casting and curing. Magnetic shuttering components enable fast adjustment of wall thicknesses, allowing flexible production for a variety of element geometries.
The new scissor lift platform, designed for a load capacity of 1,000 kg and equipped with two electromechanical extensions of one meter each, provides improved accessibility and safer operation. Integrated walkways and guardrails further enhance workplace safety.
Result and conclusion
By integrating the new mold into the existing pit, the modernization was achieved with minimal structural modifications. The system now offers high dimensional accuracy, ease of use, and long-term structural rigidity.
Franz-Rainer Göhrle, Head of the Precast Plant at Glass, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration:
“Working with RATEC was extremely pleasant at every stage. We always felt that everyone involved was passionate about their work and fully committed to a common goal. A big thank you to the entire RATEC team!”
Jörg Reymann, Managing Director of RATEC GmbH, also emphasizes the cooperative nature of the project:
“We are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities in this project. Every solution we deliver is developed in close collaboration with our customers – we don’t sell off-the-shelf products. Our goal is always to make our customers’ production processes more efficient through customized solutions.”
The installation in Mindelheim clearly illustrates how open communication and careful coordination between manufacturer and customer can lead to a solution that optimally supports daily production processes.
Project information
Location:
Germany
Customer product:
Various elements for industrial and commercial construction
Project description
Glass GmbH Bauunternehmung, based in Mindelheim, Germany, has modernized its production line for large-format precast concrete elements with a new customized battery mold supplied by RATEC. The solution was developed in close cooperation between both companies and combines high precision, stability, and user-friendly operation – perfectly adapted to the existing plant conditions.
The Glass Group is one of the leading construction companies in southern Germany. At its 170,000 m² headquarters site in Mindelheim, the family-run business, now in its third generation, operates its own precast concrete plant. With around 555 employees, Glass covers almost all areas of construction – from civil and bridge engineering to structural and turnkey industrial building.
Modernization of the production line
The existing battery mold with pit installation had become outdated. The objective was to modernize production by integrating a new, precise and ergonomic mold while maintaining the existing infrastructure. As part of the project, the old scissor lift platform was also replaced to further enhance workplace safety and ergonomics.
After several technical discussions and plant visits to RATEC in Hockenheim and other reference plants, Glass decided in favor of a tailor-made solution from RATEC. Key factors in this decision included the technical expertise of the development team, flexibility in adapting to local conditions, and the open, cooperative project approach.
Technical features
The delivered battery mold consists of 2 × 3 pockets designed for element sizes up to 8.00 m × 3.55 m and wall thicknesses between 10 and 25 cm. It is designed for the use of self-compacting concrete (SCC), which is poured from above, with the concrete pressure transferred from the outer panels to the central wall.
A hydraulic clamping unit with automatic pressure monitoring and re-tensioning ensures uniform pressure distribution during casting and curing. Magnetic shuttering components enable fast adjustment of wall thicknesses, allowing flexible production for a variety of element geometries.
The new scissor lift platform, designed for a load capacity of 1,000 kg and equipped with two electromechanical extensions of one meter each, provides improved accessibility and safer operation. Integrated walkways and guardrails further enhance workplace safety.
Result and conclusion
By integrating the new mold into the existing pit, the modernization was achieved with minimal structural modifications. The system now offers high dimensional accuracy, ease of use, and long-term structural rigidity.
Franz-Rainer Göhrle, Head of the Precast Plant at Glass, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration:
“Working with RATEC was extremely pleasant at every stage. We always felt that everyone involved was passionate about their work and fully committed to a common goal. A big thank you to the entire RATEC team!”
Jörg Reymann, Managing Director of RATEC GmbH, also emphasizes the cooperative nature of the project:
“We are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities in this project. Every solution we deliver is developed in close collaboration with our customers – we don’t sell off-the-shelf products. Our goal is always to make our customers’ production processes more efficient through customized solutions.”
The installation in Mindelheim clearly illustrates how open communication and careful coordination between manufacturer and customer can lead to a solution that optimally supports daily production processes.