Wink expands Cylinder Competence Center

The Cylinder Competence Center was established in 2014 when the Simmerath-based cylinder specialist FST Form- und Stanztechnik became part of the Wink Group. The product portfolio includes various rotary precision tools for the printing and converting industry. Wink's magnetic cylinders, rotary dies, and anvil cylinders are used, among other things, to produce labels, packaging, medical goods, hygiene articles, and automotive and electronic components.

According to Wink, speed continues to be a decisive success factor for labels and other die-cut products. The trend towards shorter runs and shorter product lifecycles is unbroken, and at the same time, the demands on die-cutting tools are increasing. 

‘For customers, minimum tolerances and maximum tool life are a matter of course nowadays. In addition, Wink's tools are often individually manufactured unique pieces requiring a high degree of specialization and coordination,’ said the company. 

‘By expanding and modernizing our production technologies, we continue to be a reliable partner for our customers and their expectations,’ added Dr Volkan Ünlü, COO of Wink Group. ‘Over the years, there has been continuous investment in the site, but this extension was another dimension: we expanded the existing workshop by 1,600 sqm to almost 3,000 sqm.’

‘It seems paradoxical at first, but we used the additional space to streamline production,’ said plant and production manager Willi Tontsch. ‘Certain production lines were replaced, spatially separated, and repositioned. In this way, existing processes were considerably simplified and paths between production areas significantly shortened. We have noticeably reduced throughput times and considerably increased our efficiency. In the end, our customers benefit from shorter delivery times and improved tools.’

With the investment at the Simmerath site, Wink aims to strengthen its profile as an attractive employer in the region. The site also considers the needs of employees, offering new washrooms and social rooms, modern offices and meeting rooms, additional parking spaces and a bicycle stand with e-charging stations.