Future of TLS Anilox

TLS has been producing and reconditioning anilox rollers at its Langenfeld site since 2009. Five laser machines now engrave the ceramic surface to the specifications for each application.

At the end of 2013, our President Christopher Wasserman decided to move the Anilox Division out of Langenfeld and build a completely new production facility for this product line.

It was planned to build the facility on a recently acquired industrial site in Salzkotten (near Paderborn). The first ground-breaking ceremony took place on 18. June 2014 and provided the basis for the completion of the production facility by October 2014.

The newly established company “TLS Anilox GmbH” will then operate independently of TeroLab Surface GmbH in Langenfeld and will be managed as a separate operating company of the TeroLab Group, under the guidance of the holding company in Lausanne. Christopher Wasserman is the Director of the new company. Roland Brinkmann is the Factory Manager, and Jörg Haar is the Production Manager. Sales and Marketing Manager Michael Franz will be your contact person.

A 1,920 m² covered factory accommodates all the processes that are required to produce anilox rollers. Only the coating process will continue to be performed and additionally outsourced at TLS Langenfeld.

Six laser machines will be installed in addition to two lathes, two CNC grinding machines, two conventional grinding machines and two lapping machines. A new laser engraving machine, uniquely equipped with two laser sources, enables engraving in WCCO layers and places TLS at the forefront of a new anilox roller technology.

The positioning of the machines enables an optimised production sequence, with short distances to the next workstation. In addition, central filtration of the grinding emulsion ensures clean water, and consequently optimal coating quality of the laser engraving.

Separate areas for the air compressor and central suction enable environmentally friendly recovery of waste heat for heating in winter.

The budget that is earmarked for 2015 should be below 5 million euros and increase to below 10 million euros by 2019. In order to ensure the expansion of the production facility, the site has sufficient space to build another identical factory.

We have produced the following mission statement for the project, detailing the objectives of the new site:

Welcome Anilox

We provide coated and laser engraved universal sleeves and rollers (anilox rollers) for the printing and coating industry. We offer our business partners optimal services at realistic prices. Our operational excellence is the key to success. Our company is committed to ensuring that we are socially responsible, make continuous improvements as well as efficient use of raw materials and produce recyclable anilox.

We know what our clients require and offer them customised solutions for each stage of their production process. We have gained a high level of trust from our clients as their competent contact person and troubleshooter. A solution-oriented network of established partners and the solid professional expertise of the TLS Anilox Team ensure that you receive personal support for the full and partial implementation of all printing processes, including small quantities. We offer innovative coatings that are as shiny as chromium and more durable than ceramic.

 We advocate job security and forward-looking personnel management. This is how we create an excellent working environment: A Great Place to Work.

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