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JSV Metalen

Where small-scale operation meet large-scale precision

Testimonial JSV Metalen

  • Location:
  • Staff:
  • Machines:
  • Founded:
  • Balen, Belgium
  • 5
  • Drill-saw line (V631, VB1250) & V310
  • 2021
STEF VETS | Managing Director

“Two days after wrapping up our first project we got a call from the customer. He wanted to let us know that he had never seen this level of precision and accuracy before.”

SMALL TEAM, BIG IMPACT

At JSV Metalen, customers step into a family business rich with expertise in structural steel for both residential and industrial constructions. The Vets family, who previously owned a concrete company where cutting profiles to length was a side service, have now made sawing and drilling steel profiles the core focus of their business. This transformation is housed in their expansive 4000 m² production hall.

Stef Vets, the managing director, speaks about the future of JSV Metalen and how they have mastered unmanned production steel production. JSV Metalen is committed to maintaining control over their processes by minimizing reliance on external parties and maximizing in-house capabilities. This approach has led them to invest in CNC machines.

Stef Vets explains ‘’We wanted to reduce our dependency on third parties as much as possible, allowing us to switch gears swiftly whenever necessary.’’ He adds, ‘’Our vision is to achieve as much as possible with as few people as possible in as short a time as possible.’’ This forward-thinking approach has allowed JSV Metalen to make a significant impact with a small, efficient team.

HOW JSV METALEN MASTERS UNMANNED STEEL PRODUCTION

The difficulty of finding skilled workers remains a challenge for JSV Metalen, emphasizing the need for machines that can operate continuously without the need for human intervention. As Stef Vets explains, "Finding one qualified person is already challenging, let alone recruiting 10 skilled employees."

This is why the Voortman back-to-back drill saw line, featuring the VB1250 bandsaw machine and V631 beam processing machine, along with the V310 plate processing machine, is central to JSV Metalen’s production. "The machine doesn’t need breaks or get sick. That’s why we made this investment, even though we currently don’t have enough work to keep it running continuously yet." adds Stef Vets.

The strategic placement of the VB1250 and V631 back-to-back allows each raw profile to be measured only once, enabling seamless processing in a single operation. This setup significantly enhances throughput, efficiency, and productivity. The V310 further enhances their capabilities by precisely handling all plate processing tasks. JSV Metalen has perfected unmanned operations by drilling holes at night, allowing cutting during the day when supervision is necessary. This approach perfectly aligns with their vision of achieving as much as possible with as few people as possible in as short a time as possible.

WHY JSV CHOSE VOORTMAN

JSV's decision to choose Voortman machinery was straightforward after evaluating several brands. They found Voortman to excel in ease of use, quality, reliability, and customer service. The ability to operate the machines unmanned and the minimal rework required further solidified Voortman as the ideal partner for JSV's mission toward efficiency and quality.

1. Focus on excellence

A significant reason why JSV chose Voortman is the high speed and precision of the machines. JSV Metalen experienced a flying start in 2021 when their very first project immediately proved to be a big success. Stef Vets mentioned, "Two days after wrapping up our first project, we got a call from the customer. He wanted to let us know that he had never seen this level of precision and accuracy before." This level of precision is essential for JSV to ensure the high quality of their products and to keep their customers satisfied.

2. Easy-to-use control software

The VACAM control software was a decisive factor for JSV Metalen thanks to its comprehensive and easy-to-use interface. Stef Vets emphasized that, unlike other brands he considered, VACAM guarantees simple and intuitive operation. He supported this by saying, “even a three year old could operate Voortman’s control software.”

The unmanned mode of VACAM is frequently used at JSV Metalen. Stef Vets explained, "We can load ten beams onto the conveyor in the morning and just check occasionally to ensure it's still running." This automation allows their employees to focus on other tasks in the workshop while the machine handles the work, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency.

3. Voortman’s top-notch customer service

At JSV Metalen, the Voortman customer service is greatly appreciated. As a steel distributor, they want to provide their customers with top-quality products while maintaining short lead times. Efficient customer service from Voortman allows Vets and his team to address any issues or questions quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring that their customers’ are not impacted.

“When I call [Voortman], someone answers. Everyone on the phone is friendly, and the same goes for those who visit us in person”, says Vets.

The machines at
JSV Metalen

Voortman V631 Fast drilling and heavy duty milling without concession

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Voortman VB Range High performance miter cut bandsaws up to 1250 mm / 49"

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Voortman V310 The ultimate, most complete cutting and drilling flexible plate processing machine

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Drill saw line back-to-back Most advanced drill-saw lines for increased productivity and efficiency

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