Preparation and planning
A year ago, a long-standing and good customer approached us with a special request. Here, an entire production line was to be relocated from the site in Germany to central China. Since we as Quality Automation GmbH have a very wide range of services, we could support our customer on many levels. Over tasks of the project and travel planning, the electrical construction, the electrical dismantling and structure up to the implementation and adjustment of the entire plant software to the new location we were helping at the side of the customer. Foreign assignments, especially in Asia, have been part of QA’s daily routine over the past decades and do not usually present us with any major challenges. However, at the time of the request, the pandemic in China was at its peak and the Corona requirements were very strict and entry was not readily possible. The many requirements made the project planning much more difficult. The many restrictions on site and the long duration of stay in China including quarantine were met by an experienced and strong team of QA staff and flights were booked, invitation letters, visas, health passports and all other necessary forms were prepared. Company medical examinations with all necessary vaccinations were carried out.
Disassembly in Germany
Together with the customer, the project plan was finalized, the disassembly and subsequent assembly were planned down to the smallest detail. The project plan was tight and time-critical; it was not possible to order additional support or materials at short notice. The QA team accompanied the entire disassembly in Germany, documented it and already made preparations for the upcoming reassembly. Shortly before the start of the journey, the pandemic in China subsided and the strict entry regulations were relaxed. With a negative PCR test, our team now traveled much more relaxed and under less strict conditions. With a stopover in Shanghai, the journey went smoothly and the next day our team was already on site and could start with the first preparations and assessments.
The plant structure in China
Due to the long-standing cooperation with our customer, our team was pleased to see old familiar faces again after the long Corona period. Mechanics and electrics were installed in record time. The support from the local teams went smoothly and at a very high level. Any problems that arose were solved quickly and effectively, so that software commissioning of the equipment could start after just two weeks and the first important milestone was completed another week later.
The first finished product could take its long way through quality assurance and approvals of the customer. In the following weeks, the processes were optimized more and more and ideas and improvements were implemented immediately. We translated the software and the HMI into the local language and provided extensive training to the local production staff to ensure safe operation of the plant. Together with the local maintenance department, maintenance plans were drawn up, spare parts lists were developed and a detailed traini
After a total of five weeks, our team was able to head home, leaving behind an extraordinarily satisfied customer. From our side, too, this was a great project that, in addition to the effective and professional cooperation, was also a lot of fun for everyone involved. The land of smiles showed us its most hospitable side. We were able to refresh old customer relationships and look forward to supporting our customers in Asia again in the future.
