Lillbacka Powerco Oy has made the largest single machine investment in its history. The Fox gantry milling machine from the Spanish manufacturer Correa will reduce the production time of crimping machine frames by up to two-thirds. The significantly increased manufacturing capacity will help secure the competitiveness of Lillbacka – one of the world’s most recognized crimping machine manufacturers – well into the future.
Lillbacka’s new Correa Fox is a gantry milling machine equipped with a two-pallet system. The company uses the machine to manufacture crimping machine frames, which are among the machines’ most critical components. The milling machine is equipped with all the features required for unmanned operation, allowing Lillbacka to multiply its production capacity while maintaining the accuracy Lillbacka is known for industry-wide. For certain frame types, production times can drop to just one-third of previous levels.
Throughout its history, Lillbacka has manufactured all its critical components in-house.
“The machine increases our self-sufficiency in component production and adds considerable flexibility.
The milling machine investment is the first step in our long-term investment program, the main goal of which is to support our ability to meet the growing needs of our customers well into the future”, says Business Director Mika Luopajärvi.
The machine, which was commissioned at the beginning of the year, is not only efficient but also precise. For customers, the investment means faster delivery times and even higher quality.
Machine investments strengthen the future of domestic industry
This type of large-scale investment is rare in Finland and represents a commitment not only to production efficiency and customer needs but also to employee well-being. The modern Correa Fox is ergonomic and user-friendly. It has also been tailored to take up as little floor space as possible, improving workflow. The investment was carefully planned in close collaboration with two of Lillbacka’s experienced machinists. On the technical side, the project was led by Component Production Manager Johannes Tyni.
“Choosing the right machine was a two-year process. Through careful comparison, we found a solution that truly fits our needs”, Tyni explains, noting that significant machine investments also help secure the future of Finnish industry:
“For example, at Lillbacka, you can already work with 3D printing, CAM programming, and modern machinery. We believe that investments in top-level machining technology will boost interest in the field among new machinists.”
Lillbacka’s new Correa Fox is currently in the commissioning phase. Production is already underway, and all features of the new machine will be fully in use by the end of the year.
“This has been a major project for us in many ways, and we’re pleased to have successfully launched our investment program that will help secure our competitiveness moving forward”, Luopajärvi concludes.
The project is co-funded by the European Union.