The products of lafortec from Grünhain are rarely visible, because the short tubes are usually installed inside of machines and plants. What’s visible, however, are the investments.

Wherever things run smoothly, it could be because of products made by lafortec from Grünhain. lafortec is a specialist in the production of short tubes. Whether filter pipes, corrugated pipes, precision steel pipes or pipe cladding, the Grünhain-based company always finds a solution. However, their products are rarely visible. This is because in most cases they are installed inside larger machinery. lafortec supplies the filter industry, construction machinery manufacturers, mechanical engineering, manufacturers of measurement and household appliance technology and manufactures complete assemblies. “Our core competence lies in the development and production of completely individual solutions for our customers. We always manufacture precisely and economically – even in small and medium quantities,” says Torsten Rönsch, the company's Managing Director, explaining the extensive product range. The company, which was founded in Zwönitz in 1997 and has been based in the Grünhain industrial estate since 1999, currently manufactures around 11,500 different products. However, the company has only borne the name lafortec since 2008 and has grown steadily since the move to Grünhain.

Just over a year ago, a new hall was inaugurated, and the machinery was further expanded. “We have invested in a laser cutting machine and a sheet cleaning machine,” says Rönsch. This alone amounted to an investment of around 800,000 euros. A photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the hall. “A system for 350 kW,” says Rönsch, who emphasizes that the price of electricity has increased fivefold in the meantime. “And we're not even an energy-intensive company,” he says. The investments at the site have increased the degree of in-house product processing, explains Rönsch. Yet another new hall is already being planned. “It will be around 650 square meters in size and will enable an even better material flow,” says Rönsch. And it will still fit on the company premises, where work is currently carried out in two or even three shifts. Of course, lafortec is always looking for skilled workers, especially CNC setters. After all, flexibility to produce smaller quantities with highest precision is a trump card that the Erzgebirge company has up its sleeve and is happy to play in the face of low-cost competition from China.