Customer experience in conversation with Machinefabriek van den Elsen

“Our cleanroom purchase has made our company more complete.”

March 2022

At ProCleanroom, we’re proud of our products and services, but we’re even prouder of our customer relationships. This blog series showcases customer stories from different sectors. What’s on the mind of entrepreneurs in these sectors, and what role do cleanroom solutions play within their organisation? This time we’ll be speaking to Stefan Willems of Machinefabriek v.d. Elsen. A conversation about increasingly strict delivery demands, the advantages of the in-house cleaning and packaging of high-tech products, and working together with ProCleanRoom.

Machinefabriek v.d. Elsen is a supplier of high-end, precision mechanical components and modules. Their speciality lies in metalwork using rotating and milling techniques. Components are produced on the basis of customer-specific orders. Machinefabriek v.d. Elsen offers a wide range of metalwork options for various materials, such as aluminium, stainless steel, steel, titanium, and other materials, as well as non-ferro metals.

The combination of their ‘Lean’ organisational structure, craftmanship, and modern CAM techniques and high-end machines allows for large variations in batch sizes. V.d. Elsen produces both small and large series. Assignments vary between the more repetitive assignment and more project-based, prototype assignments.

By operating using the Lean Manufacturing Principles, maximum value is created for the customer. With more than 38 years of experience, 22 CNC machines, 27 highly-educated craftsmen, 2,200 m2 of production space, and the desire to continuously improve, Machinefabriek v.d. Elsen is a reliable and flexible partner whose proactive, customer-oriented attitude contributes to its customers’ competitive power.

Decisive
When we asked Stefan how we ended up at ProCleanroom, he responds: ‘We have a good relationship with D&D Kunstofbewerking in Geldrop. Ronny Moors, their managing director, got us in contact with ProCleanroom. At D&D, we were able to experience first-hand how having an own cleanroom gives more grip on quality and delivery times.

Due to increasingly strict cleanliness demands, organisations in the high-tech supply chain are required to supply increasingly clean products and components. Naturally, this also applies to us. As a result of that development, the quality being demanded from us is rising. Processed components are first cleaned in the  cleanroom environment (and optionally also assembled there), and then packaged.

We used to outsource our cleanroom cleaning and packaging needs with an external party. However, at a certain point, we found ourselves facing increasingly longer delivery times. As a result, we were no longer able to guarantee our intended delivery times. On top of that, it’s incredibly important for us to always be flexible when it comes to the clean delivery of large and small product series. The positive stories we heard from D&D Kunstofbewerking about having its own cleanroom were definitely decisive in coming to our decision to also invest in one’.

Suitable partner
Stefan continues: ‘Prior to our first meeting with ProCleanroom, we internally spoke extensively about our specification wishes and where the cleanroom needed to be built. The location on our premises was not without its challenges. (It had to be built underneath a mezzanine floor.) After speaking to Niels Ferguson for the first time, it quickly became clear that ProCleanroom could be a suitable cleanroom-solutions total partner for us. The entire process was incredibly efficient and smooth, thanks to their knowledge and expertise creating tailor-made cleanrooms’.

A cleanroom with our own specifications
During the design phase, ProCleanroom’s engineers already planned for the placement of an ultrasonic cleaning line. Different spaces were created to protect critical products in the cleanroom from contamination from the industrial cleaning line. A stainless-steel transferring cabinet with interlocking system was installed between the cleaning area and the main area. Cleaned products are directly placed inside one of the two transferring cabinet after coming from the ultrasonic cleaner, guaranteeing optimal cleanliness before entering the cleanroom’s main space for assembly and packaging.

Stefan explains: ‘By aligning the internal layout of the cleanroom with our work process, we’re able to produce, assemble, clean, and package both simple and complex composite products with a high degree of precision and cleanliness (ASML Grade 4) in-house. The cleanroom is also suitable for cleaning, assembling, and packaging products at an ASML Grade 2 level. In this way, we can grow alongside the increasingly stringent demands being placed on our clients’.

When we ask Stefan whether the appearance of the cleanroom is also important, he responds: ‘Absolutely. At Machinefabriek v.d. Elsen, we’re constantly innovating in the area of precision mechanical components and modules. The robust and sustainable design of the cleanroom is highly appealing to our customers and suppliers, and fits perfectly with our organisation’s professional image’.

Fast, professional, and all-in-one
Thanks to an extensive planning, preparation, and competent installers, the complete ISO Class 6 cleanroom (42 m2) can be assembled on location very quickly. Our experience with ProCleanroom has been good. We experienced their short, fast lines of communication and easy-to-understand, extensive advice as highly positive. It was also pleasant that we could direct all the questions we had for ProCleanroom at one person. From advice, guidance, installation, up to the ISO validation, and the complete setup of the cleanroom. ProCleanroom also supplies all consumables for in the cleanroom, such as protective clothing, cleaning and disinfection products, and equipment. While the cleanroom was being installed, a select group of colleagues went on a cleanroom training course to have the right knowledge to get started after delivery. Stefan adds: ‘The cooperation with ProCleanroom inspired confidence. They were always true to their word, which was pleasant’.

In the middle of the Netherlands’ technical heart
ProCleanroom is located in the technical heart of the Netherlands, in the middle of the Brainport region. Due to our experience and cooperation with numerous companies working in or supplying to the high-tech sector, we’re well acquainted with the cleanliness demands placed on large companies such as ASML or VDL. This allows us to advise our customers well and join them in coming up with cleanroom solutions that ensure deliveries that meet the required specifications and cleanliness demands, now and in the future. In addition, ProCleanroom is set apart by its quick delivery times and design-option flexibility.

An investment with returns
As a company, to make an investment in a professional area you’re not comfortable in is a big step. Looking back at this decision, we ask Stefan about Machinefabriek v.d. Elsen’s reflections on the investment it made in its own cleanroom. Did the investment achieve the desired results? Stefan explains: ‘The choice to have our own cleanroom built has been more than worth it. From the very first moment, the returns, which came in the shape of faster processing times, flexibility, and greater quality control, were visible to us. We extended our own production processes and are internally developing knowledge and expertise in a professional area other than metalwork’.

Satisfied?
Machinefabriek v.d. Elsen is a satisfied customer. Stefan ends: ‘We’re incredibly satisfied with the end result. The people at ProCleanroom know what they’re doing and base their advice on solid facts and experience. Even after delivery, lines have remained short, and we can always turn to them for advice. On top of that, we can order consumables (which are always delivered quickly) through their webshop. Like D&D Kunststofbewerking, who recommended you to us, we would definitely recommend ProCleanroom to others’.

A satisfied customer: that is why we do it. ProCleanroom: build your expertise.

Are you curious about the possibilities, opportunities and cleanroom solutions for your company? Then contact us and allow us to inform you. Call +31 (0)40 400 28 74 or send an email to info@procleanroom.com.

Would you like to read more about the technical specifications of the cleanroom at Machinefabriek v.d. Elsen? View their case study on our website: https://procleanroom.com/portfolio/panelbloc-cleanroom-machinefabriek-van-de-elsen/https://procleanroom.com/nl/portfolio/hardwall-cleanroom-assemblage-van-hightech-vacuum-en-precisie-onderdelen/

In the next blog, we will introduce to you: Joseph Nijhof of Faes: a well-known Dutch manufacturer of custom packaging solutions for companies in many sectors.