Stable, flexible machines enable single-piece production

But not just any old one. With a strong focus on accuracy, Rowil resolutely opts for prototyping and small series in which it can maximize its craftsmanship. A diverse machine park, machining, welding and sheet metal included, allows them to tackle everything in-house in order to be short on time. The choice of Mazak guarantees quality and stability.

Rowil, you can still hear in it the name of Roger Willems, who founded the company in '78. He originally focused on heating and electricity. But the technical baggage he had gained in the maintenance crew at his previous employer eventually proved to be the path to operations today. "Small overhauls and repairs he took in between got the ball rolling. Gradually we evolved away from installation techniques and more toward metalworking pur sang," Chris Willems recalls. He joined us back in '85, as the first employee, and as a young lad he witnessed the evolution at close quarters. "In '90 we already had a complete metalworking workshop for conventional machining. The following years we started building our CNC capability." Today Rowil supplies machine builders, the general, food and pharmaceutical industries, interior and project builders ... 

Laser brings additional flexibility

But it didn't stop at machining alone. In order not to depend on suppliers and to be able to respond flexibly to customer requests, Rowil chose to invest in sheet metal working itself in '98 with its own laser cutting machine and bending bench. It was the first introduction to Mazak. A cooperation that tasted like more. "We want to distinguish ourselves as a supplier by focusing on single pieces and prototypes. A niche in which you can still make a difference with craftsmanship and thinking along with the client about how his pieces can best be made. By combining machining and welding with sheet metal, we keep all the reins firmly in hand to be able to respond quickly. But to produce small runs profitably, you need stable, reliable machines that can deliver the quality customers demand. That's what Mazak stands for. With the proximity of the European Spare Parts Center, the machines are also back up and running quickly in case of problems." Speaking is Bert Willems. He joined the company in '98. Together with his brother, they took over from father Roger as business managers in 2001.

CO2 laser with automation solution

The company has continued to invest in top technology all these years to make a difference. Incidentally, in 2018, Rowil signed up for a Belgian first with its latest laser by interfacing with Mazak's Compact Manufacturing Cell 3015 pallet changing system for, in this case, ten pallets. Chris: "We had decided not to move our existing laser cutting machine with us to our new building, which we inaugurated in November 2018. The OptiPlex 3015 II proved technically the best solution for us with its unique U-axis to maintain a constant beam length, ensuring stable cutting at any position on the machine table.  

That it became a 4 kW CO2 laser source instead of a fiber has everything to do with the quality we strive for. The cut is still a lot smoother, especially in stainless steel that is regularly on the table here. Because we work exclusively with small series, being able to change quickly is a must. That's the added value of the Compact Manufacturing Cell." 

New five-axle truck brings additional technical capability

But even in the difficult coronary year of 2020, Rowil continued to invest. Bert: "To be ready as soon as the economy picks up. We are convinced that by opting for our first five-axle truck we have taken another lead. We have assured ourselves of additional technical ability to be able to process parts of great complexity yet in a single fixture." Once again, it was Mazak that was able to present the best papers with its CV5-500. "We are certainly not married to each other, with every investment we always weigh which manufacturer can offer us the best solution. But we have always had a good feeling about the company and the technology," Chris said. It didn't stop with the five-axle machine tool alone. The VCN-530 C vertical machining center also joined the ranks. "For both machines, by the way, we opted for a larger tool magazine. Just again to have additional flexibility to switch quickly."

Continue to step up

A five-axle truck does bring with it a new way of working. Rowil therefore invested in a CAM package at the same time. Bert: "Digitalization is a must in order to switch to five-axis. But a lot also depends on the people at the machine. Our team of fifteen employees really makes a technical difference. It is great to see how eager to learn our operators at the five-axle machine are. They have mastered the machine in no time and are already achieving great results on it. Gears for example, components where play and accuracy are just crucial and which are now finished flawlessly in one set-up." So a bright future beckons for Rowil. Chris: "We still have plenty of ambition in the tank, we want to keep growing and keep going that extra mile. For example, we are investigating how we can add value for defense and the medical industry."  

Top sports and top technology

Were you also on the edge of your seat for the opening stage of the Tour of Italy? Then you undoubtedly saw a strong example of Rowil's technical prowess pass through your view. It involved a connection piece between the bracket of the time trial handlebars and the handlebars themselves of the Ridley Bikes Dean Fast. The time trial bike used by, among others, the Belgian Lotto Soudal Cycling Team. The company delivered this precision part for Belgian Cycling Factory from Beringen. "The collaborative and smooth communication, the guaranteed delivery deadlines and the product quality were decisive for this short state-of-the-art development process, said Jochim Aerts, CEO of Belgian Cycling Factory.