Steel processor enters next phase

In 2017, Harry Seijkens, Domien Driesen and Remi Moonen set out to make Meco Metal in Oudsbergen, Belgium, independent and profitable. LEAN manufacturing was introduced and since then there has been continuous investment in people and equipment. There is now a stable basis for further growth in the coming years. Reason for Harry Seijkens to step down. Domien Driesen and Remi Moonen will continue on the chosen course and continue to develop the company.

Meco Metal specializes in the design and production of (heavy) steel structures. Over the past six years, the company has undergone a true transformation. The 75,000-square-foot production facility has been modernized and redesigned with an eye toward optimal logistics. "The course that the three of us set out on will be continued by Remi and I, with a continued emphasis on LEAN working," says Driesen, officially appointed manager of Meco Metal since March 1. 

Work smarter

Through continuous investment in people and equipment, Meco Metal has grown sharply over the past six years from 4,500 tons of steel in 2017 to 9,500 tons in 2023. And to think they've gone down in personnel from 55 to 33 FTE. "The current labor market is quite challenging," says Driesen. "Technical workers are running out, but they remain very important to us. That's why we invest a lot in training and in the well-being of our people. There is plenty of room for development." Meco Metal also puts a lot of effort into employee flexibility, adds production manager Moonen. "All our people are now employable on at least two or more machines. In combination with the planning in Liemar software, this makes us very flexible. The software shows us where the 'gaps' might be, so we can respond immediately by shifting people around. That's what LEAN is all about: working smarter instead of working harder."

Heavy metal

At Meco Metal, mainly heavy steel structures are assembled for industrial hall construction. "We are equipped to handle large volumes and a lot of tonnage," says Driesen. "And that too in a short lead time. In this, we are really leading the market." The last few years have also seen substantial investment in the (more sustainable) machinery with new lasers and new side loaders capable of moving steel beams up to 25 meters in length and 8 tons in weight. "The third new side loader will be delivered at the end of this year. In addition, we continue to explore further automation and robotization of the production process. Nevertheless, technical workers remain as important as ever in our industry. We therefore have close contact with schools in the area and, for example, have students on the floor every Wednesday for a whole year to enthuse them about the profession."

Thanks to all investments in people and equipment and continuous improvement (LEAN), Meco Metal is ready for the future. "Heavy Metal? Try us."