We use cookies to make our website user-friendly, to continuously improve it and to analyze access to our website. By using our services, you agree to this.
A few kilometres from Beaune, Mécanique & Services has built a solid reputation in the world of precision machining. This SME, with around forty employees, regularly receives requests for complex components, produced as individual parts or in small batches, for highly demanding sectors such as defence, nuclear and petrochemicals. But like many French workshops, it faced a major challenge: increasing capacity without losing flexibility. A goal achieved through automation, in partnership with Erowa.
For David Berthier, head of Mécanique & Services, the ambition was clear: produce more, but not at the expense of the flexibility that makes the workshop strong.
“We work with customers who sometimes ask us for ten different parts on the same day. The challenge was to find a solution that would allow us to run our machines at night and on weekends, while retaining the ability to manage a large number of different part references.”
An initial solution, considered together with the machine manufacturer, was quickly judged to be too rigid. Mécanique & Services then turned to Erowa, a recognised specialist in modular automation. With support from Dominique Ramousse, a tailored solution was developed.
The selected configuration includes a robotic cell capable of handling 20 large pallets and 60 small ones, connected to a machining centre. The entire system is supervised by the Erowa JMS software, which centralises production orders, tooling and program management, and priority control.
“This is a solution designed to last. From the outset, we incorporated the possibility of expanding into a larger cell and, above all, interfacing with several machines,” emphasises Dominique Ramousse.
The benefits are immediately apparent: production can now continue outside conventional working hours, machine utilisation has tripled, and operators have regained time to concentrate on value-added tasks.
“I can prepare my tools, plan my settings in advance and check the parts with greater peace of mind,” says Baptiste, the operator responsible for the cell.
JMS plays a key role in the project’s success. Designed to be intuitive and visual, it allows operators to get up to speed quickly, even if they have little experience with automated systems.
“The software is clear and easy to use. It lets us see at a glance what is ready for machining, what is in progress and what can be optimised,” adds David Berthier.
The company also relies on the system’s connectivity to centralise production order preparation, optimise tools and monitor the progress of operations in real time.
Building on the success of this first stage, Mécanique & Services has already ordered a second machining centre, identical to the first, which will be interfaced with the existing robot.
But its ambitions go even further. An extension to the workshop is being planned, with the aim of eventually installing a rail-mounted robot capable of supplying up to five machines.
“The return on investment was faster than expected. Today, the only limit is imagination. And we have no shortage of that,” says David Berthier with a smile.
The example of Mécanique & Services shows that it is possible to automate without disrupting the logic of craft-based or bespoke production. The modular and expandable approach offered by Erowa enables medium-sized SMEs to take a major step forward in productivity without abandoning their DNA.
The project’s strength also rests on the close relationship with the Erowa team, which can offer suitable, pragmatic solutions aligned with practical realities.
“It is a real asset for the workshop. It is a new way of working: smoother, less stressful and also more profitable,” concludes David Berthier.