How can green sand preparation be improved?
The moulding system, based on green sand technology remains the most widely employed process for foundries around the world. As is well known, the basic components used are easily available. These are, silica sand, clay and water. Today these are available in consistent quality with a narrow tolerance range of variability. Coal dust, and other additives are casting finish enhancers and these are added to the basic components to the individual foundry requirements. Over the years foundry professionals have developed the best individual characteristics of each element to obtain optimal sand mixture for their foundry. The uninterrupted customer demand for continuous improvement in casting quality, along with casting price control, created a permanent research and development process. This continues today and involves close partnerships between foundries, raw material producers and equipment manufacturers. Modern infrastructure has reduced the influence of the material source location relative to the foundry market. In general, most foundries have no problems selecting the most suitable components for their needs. The continued challenge with green sand The instability of green sand characteristics unless handled by a well conceived processing plant and a reliable in line control instruments will produce ongoing problems in the foundry. The moulding sand quality must be adapted to the moulding equipment in use. But, once this has been established, it will be the consistency within a close range of variability that allows for a reduced level of sand quality-related scrap. It is well known that a good moulding sand should never be subject to temperatures above 40 or less than 25°C. This is fundamental but not the only consideration. It should also offer no free moisture, at all, and the compactability has to be maintained ± 2 % with a compressive strength ± 50 2gr/cm, on the target values. These are the most important parameters. Achieving consistency The big question is how is consistency possible when shake-out sand conditions, depending on the sand/metal ratio and core sand pollution, could vary so far as temperature from 70 to 160°C, moisture from 0 to 1,8 %. There is a range of green sand solutions available, at least in as many as the foundry equipment manufacturers available in the market. An ideal system brought to practice SPACE’s return sand processing philosophy was conceived in the ’70s, encompassing all that has been done and developed by other foundry equipment manufacturers. Paying close attention to our customer’s suggestions, learning also from our past mistakes, we now believe that SPACE’s green sand processing equipment, is the most advanced and reliable available anywhere SPACE SPR polygonal screen The dedusting system is designed to cooperate with an adjustable extra ambient air intake, installed all along the enclosing hood underside. This allows the sand falling through the rotating basket to be “counter washed” by the air stream directed up-wards. This feature provides a primary temperature reduction, combined with the possibility to adjust fines removal and keep the screening basket dry for a more efficient operation with reduced maintenance. SPACE MU Pre-mixer Cooling and tempering water is then added, and efficiently mixed, into the return sand in a continuous pre-mixer. The twin horizontal shaft, multi-paddles mixer, provide an intensive action and produces a very consistent and homogeneous sand mixture. As an option, the possibility of introducing additives at this stage, is available. Additions are made on a programmable percentage based on the true weight of processed sand. A notable first cooling effect is also obtained in the MU pre-mixer. SPACE TCR fluid bed cooler The Space TCR is the equipment designed for the processing and management of the final cooling stage. It is based on a vibrating conveyor fitted with micro-perforated stainless steel plates on the top surface of which flows the pre-mixed and extra-moistened sand. Under the sand conveying and fluidising steel plates there is a multi-chamber air plenum system. An adjustable quantity of air is then blown through each chamber, this feature allows for adjusting the air volume as a function of the sand conditions. Where the sand is hot and very wet, a high volume of air is blown, but as the sand moves towards the cooler discharge the temperature and the moisture are reduced proportionally and the air volume is then adapted in order to reduce energy used and fines removal. Since the quantity of sand may vary according to the moulding line output, sometimes ± 30% or more of the air blowing system is automatically adjusted to obtain the target value of moisture and temperature at discharge. SPACE PGF- Control equipment This is a very sophisticated and efficient component of our system. It provide for the full automatic control of many functions that all together combine for compensating the wide fluctuations of the return sand physical characteristics. The return sand, before entering the pre-mixer, is subject to the following parameters control: Continuous weighing, by means of load cell system installed on the feeding belt conveyor Temperature and moisture, by means of self cleaning probes installed in the sand stream. The processed sand, after the fluidised bed cooler, is subject to the following parameters control: Temperature and moisture by means of self-cleaning probes installed in the sand stream. The quantity of water to be added is calculated using the inlet readings, but the outlet readings produce a feedback adjustment factor, through a ‘p.i.d.’ function. We can confirm that the required target moisture and temperature level are easily achieved and maintained within a very close range in spite of wide property fluctuation at the shake out. Therefore, we are in a position to guarantee very consistent physical characteristics of the sand in the storage bins ahead of the mixer or muller. Pre-conditioned sand at 2% to 2.2% moisture and at 30 to 35 °C, after about one hour of resting, is in ideal condition for preparing the optimum moulding mixture to guarantee the lowest sand related scrap. Today, a modern, well maintained muller-mixer equipped with an efficient control system is the way to produce high quality repeatable mixes, and
How to achieve significant economies in the consumption of additives and reduce the level of casting scraps
How the SPACE concept for the treatment of return sand in green sand moulding plants delivers the best characteristics of sand with the least consumptions. SPACE, now part of JML Industrie, is specialized in the treatment of moulding green sand and has built its excellent reputation thanks to the innovative SPACE SYSTEM. How does the SPACE system work for treatment of return sand? Step One Premixer to homogenize the return sand, by batching water and additions. Step Two Fluid bed cooler, where the values of moisture and temperature are brought to the required parameters, in very strict limits. Step Three The treated return sand is introduced into the storage silos. Here the bentonite is activated slowly and in a natural way. Step Four Intensive mixer where it takes place the final adjustment of the moulding sand, also by mean of an accurate automatic management system. Advantages of the SPACE system The latest studies on SPACE installations at some of our most important customers have shown: Reduced consumption of additives between 10% and 16% Increase in the efficiency of the mixer between 65% and 85% Reduction of defective/broken moulds between 5% and 10% Improvement of the green sand properties, reduction of the scraps and lower costs for shot blasting and casting fettling. Why choose the SPACE system? Because the equipment proposed provides the most innovative and competitive solution in the world market. The SPACE system has the following benefits: High quality instruments of measuring and control Constructive quality of the machine Low maintenance requirements Negligible consumption of space parts
The development and impact of green foundry equipment
Compared to other industries, the foundry industry has always faced significant challenges in developing environmentally-friendly equipment and processes. It is well known that foundries face a particular challenge; substantial energy needs generally satisfied by burning fossil fuels. This has always made it unlikely that the industry would spearhead green innovations! Industry challenges in going green A second challenge within the industry has been the size of foundries globally. Traditionally the foundry industry has been made up of small foundries with unique processes and product combinations. This limited the development of machines and processes which could benefit the entire industry. Further combined with the small margins typically associated with casting, this has reduced the capacity for significant investment in major process changes. Regulation creates a final challenge for the development of new foundry technologies. Traditional processes such as casting shakeout and the use of melting furnaces are often subject to rigorous regulation, so changes often engage lengthy permitting procedures . This has meant smaller foundries unable to invest in new equipment continue to emit the same levels of CO2 and SO2 . Technology as a driving force With the advent of Industry 4.0 we are starting to see significant developments in foundry machinery. The industry has woken up to the importance, and the financial impact, of environmentally friendly foundry equipment. We need only look at the EcoMetals tour at GIFA 2019 to see the changing attitudes. The three main processes which drive energy consumption and pollution across foundries are generally: Mold preparation Melting raw materials Casting and shakeout Energy efficiency The U.S. Energy Information Administration Environment identifies the generation of electricity as the top source of foundry greenhouse gas emissions. Foundries who focus on a reduction in their energy consumption not only impact on the environment but also will positively affect their bottom line. Research by the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department at Pennsylvania State University found that when energy reduction strategies were used in conjunction with waste reduction techniques significant cost improvements were found. They recommend using a Green Value Stream Map to highlight key areas to review performance. Regardless of the methodology you choose the results are clear; the less you consume the lower your energy overheads will be. Waste reduction Technology also plays an important role in helping foundries reduce their waste output. The type of waste that foundries produce depends on their output and the foundry industry is so vast that we don’t have the word count to list all waste. When we take the classic example of sand, which is commonly reused and recycled, we know that a foundry can significantly reduce their overall waste. Many routinely recycle green sand. But, it still has an “end life” as it becomes too fine for reuse. Machines developed to wear sand less increase the life of the sand. One of the innovative machines JML Industrie will be presenting at GIFA 2019 significantly reduces the wear of the sand, as there are no mechanical parts in contact. Not only can the sand be reused more frequently but the equipment parts also see a significant reduction in wear, increasing the lifespan of the machine. For the non-ferrous and steel foundries the presence of lead, zinc and cadmium generates harmful waste. A report by Ijsee estimated that molding and core sand make up 66% to 88% of total waste from ferrous foundries . Chemically bound sand used for cores and shell molds is more difficult to reuse and can become waste after a single use. When additional materials are identified in sands after use treatment may be required prior to disposal. Equipment and processes that reduce toxicity improves the negative impact on the environment as well as disposal costs. The industry as a whole is working to reduce the amount of waste generated. This includes recycling initiatives and policies to reduce toxicity . On advanced sand mixers, it is possible reduce waste and improve overall quality by delivering the exact sand recipe and quantity along with a fully automatic filling sequence. Pollution reduction The net result of more efficiently managing waste and controlling energy consumption is that foundries are becoming more environmentally friendly. Internal programs and policies help to conserve energy, reduce waste and enhance efficiency. Adoption of ‘right-first time’ production has a significant impact on the above . Reduction of waste and quality improvements Reviewing the advancements in environmentally friendly technologies it is clear these improvements also drive higher quality output for foundries. Focusing on quality, and getting production right first time, automatically reduces waste and energy consumption. This is both positive for the environment and for production overheads. As the industry develops we will continue to see innovations that reduce environmental impact. Industry 4.0 is starting to gain traction, especially in Germany. As technology continues to drive further improvements in efficiency and output, we will continue to see a reduction in the industry’s environmental footprint. JML Industrie’s commitment to the environment Recently JML Industrie launched a range of environmentally friendly equipment. A new logo has been designed to help customers recognise that the equipment is a step towards greener foundry production. We recognise that the industry is changing as a whole in their attitudes towards environmentally friendly foundry equipment. We want to help clients to stay ahead of the competition and have a more positive effect on the environment. Since the beginning of January, JML Industrie and all the companies which are part of the group have adopted rules for a drastic reduction of plastics. The target for 2020 is a reduction of more than 70% of the use of plastic. This includes our warehouses and manufacturing workshops. We’ve also asked our main suppliers to limit the use of plastics in packaging. One of the first measures taken in this context is the abolition of plastic cups and we are now using very fitting metal cups.
JML Industrie takes control of SPACE
Recently, JML Industrie announced their purchase of SPACE S.R.L. SPACE S.R.L, based in Italy, is internationally recognized for their design and construction of sand cooling and preparation equipment for green sand. The Italian equipment manufacturer was established in 1979 and has developed a unique methodology to achieve the highest quality sand with the lowest consumption of raw material, which is mainly Bentonite. JML Industrie recently launched their new thermal sand preparation unit with low energy consumption. JML’s expertise in green sand plant development combined with the SPACE team methodology will help foundries move towards greener production. Combining the SPACE and JML Italy team means JML Industrie now offers a complete sand plant with equipment internationally recognised as being of the strictest standards to their worldwide clients. JML Industrie is consistently developing its European operations. The Italian arm opened last year and the workshop at JML France was expanded at the end of 2018. Jean-Francois Bouveur, Sales Director at JML Industrie, further explains the reasons for this further investment: “Taking control of SPACE S.R.L is part of our strategic vision towards industrial autonomy. We can now offer a complete sand plant with high performing equipment where the quality is recognized by foundries all over the world” He went on to clarify: “JML Italy, alongside the SPACE team will continue to deliver exceptional after sales service and consultations for clients. Both companies have 40 years’ industry experience and we believe it is a significant asset to be able share this knowledge across the teams. There are 5 core SPACE products which help complete our sand plant offer; the SPACE VR, SPACE MUR, SPACE GSM, SPACE PGF and SPACE MU.” For JML Industrie, the ability to be able to offer clients the High-Intensity mixer SPACE VR as well as the SPACE MUR/JML pre-mixer cooler is a significant advantage. This combined with the opportunity for foundries to improve their green sand quality using the On-line Laboratory SPACE GSM, which allows for immediate additive adjustment within the mixer, puts the JML Industrie equipment and service offering in a strong position for the years to come. The SPACE PGF was first introduced in 1984 and is now recognised by many as the most accurate sand moisture controller. It is available for both batch and continuous mixers and allows for real-time control. Completing the sand plant is the SPACE MU which delivers a homogeneous distribution of water and additives in the return sand. This process helps spontaneous reactivation of the bentonite and therefore reduces the volume of additives required.
The impact of industry 4.0 on foundries across Europe
Industry 4.0 was all over GIFA 2019 and is quickly becoming an industry buzzword. But what are the realities of 4.0? How close are we? Is there a 4.0 foundry up and running? We explore the realities and challenges for foundries globally and what they might need to prepare for. Industry 4.0 is going to impact on the way that foundries operate in the future. What is not currently clear, is the road map for becoming 100% rather than taking a piecemeal approach. Benefits of 4.0 Industry 4.0 is the progressive evolution of industry. Unsurprisingly it comes with a number of benefits: Monitor and control all critical operations remotely Collect and analyse data continuously Receive feedback on product performance in real-time Make better, more accurate decisions about production and product developments Improve client satisfaction through improved quality and delivery timeframes Despite Industry 4.0 being nearly 10 years old, few foundries have embraced the advantages of new connected technologies, in part due to the challenges with replacing existing equipment. For the majority of foundries the principal challenge is finance, followed by operational challenges such as managing new processes and retraining staff. Key Industry 4.0 challenges There are certainly advantages to Industry 4.0 but it does not come without challenges. A large percentage of foundries operate with non-compatible equipment. Significant investment is required to upgrade machines and to reap the benefits of a 4.0 system. This is why the long-term strategic gains versus the short-term infrastructure costs need to be carefully calculated. Industry 4.0 also changes the risks that foundries will face. Hacking will become a real danger for foundries. Once entire operational systems go online, unless properly protected, they will be at risk from viruses and malicious attacks. Investing from the beginning in a secure system with robust securities will help foundries protect themselves. To give an idea of the kind of investment required to protect a network, the new Inacore shop in Ergoldbach invested €100,000 on data security. The recruitment profile of foundry workers will also change as 4.0 becomes more readily adopted across the industry. IT skills and detailed statistical analysis will become indispensable to optimise workflows and output quality. Although maintenance will always be required at a mechanical level. However, electrical support now will come into its own as a field for larger foundries. The final challenge remains around qualified suppliers who can integrate their 4.0 technologies with existing 3.0 (or 2.0 infrastructure). Whilst, 4.0 is cited as being realised, the truth of the matter is that industry-wide adoption has been slow How Industry 4.0 differs from Industry 3.0 Silica sand monitored by a smart system Mark Lewis of Omega Foundry Machinery Ltd was featured in Foundry Journal. He explained that when the sand level dropped below the re-order level, the order is placed automatically. This is an example of a reactive system, which is Industry 3.0. To take the system to the next level it would need to become proactive. A 4.0 system would also be connected to the production control within the foundry and would use data from material consumptions. This would allow for prediction and management of the sand, chemical and consumable requirements for the coming week or month. Again orders would be placed automatically but the person controlling the process would be able to access the information in real-time. The future of Industry 4.0 for foundries Industry 4.0 began in Germany and has given the German market a head start. You will see the majority of research and literature comes from Germany. A PWC Industry 4.0 report predicted that German Industry would invest €40 billion annually by 2020. At GIFA 2019 last year there were some excellent displays of Industry 4.0 compatible machinery, such as our new E-shooter. The industry is certainly making significant investments to secure the future development of foundries. The foundries that will come out on top of the Industry 4.0 developments are those who are able to use the data to drive their processes and inform their teams. The smart use of automation Optimisation of 4.0 is about the smartest use of automation, which doesn’t necessarily mean automating the entire production chain. It is about the synchronisation of the physical and virtual processes. We believe that the principal advantage for the foundries that adopt an Industry 4.0 infrastructure is the ability to become highly strategic. Calculating the total cost of production will be straightforward as will ROI. A secondary advantage is that through improved quality and processes, waste reduction will occur naturally thus making foundries greener. Smart castings are a key component in a full Industry 4.0 foundry as they enable data gathering of the casting when in use. Load conditions can be monitored remotely and any challenges quickly identified. The constant supply of data would also drive design improvements and reduce sizing and load errors. One of the clear advantages is the ability to embed the smart sensors at critical load points, which could help ensure the safety of the casting in its application. The use of such technology allows for a “cradle to grave” monitoring and control of castings to drive manufacturing improvements. Industry 4.0 will always be about more than technology. It is the alignment of people, technology and process. If you are considering upgrading your existing equipment, it is important to work with a partner who understands your long-term strategic objectives. You should also be prepared for internal resistance to 4.0 as some fear the increased automation and the impact on job security. The focus on electrical systems and data analysis will also likely shift your recruitment strategy in the future as well as your training requirements.
New thermal cutting machine arrives
JML Industrie continues to invest in their infrastructure and equipment. The latest addition, is a new thermal cutting machine which drills, mills and cuts sheet steel up to 60mm thick. The large capacity table can take sheets of 3.1m x 12m. The swivel head technology on the machine allows chamfers to be made in a single operation. We look forward to sharing our projects using this new equipment in the future from JML France.
E-shooter unveiled
At GIFA 2019, we unveiled our latest innovation, the 100% electric core shooter (E-shooter) is designed to deliver green core making. The e-shooter is environmentally friendly, more efficient and has the advantage of being Industry 4.0 compatible. Advantages of an electric core maker In addition to being a more environmentally friendly solution and improving the quality of your foundry’s cores the electric core shooter offers the following advantages: Oil-free hydraulics No pit or foundations required No core box movement during shooting and gassing 30% energy saving Clean and silent Predictive and straightforward maintenance Industry 4.0 ready Operational costs are significantly lower thanks to the energy savings, removal of insurance fees and reduced maintenance staff, when compared to conventional machines. The design of the core making machine ensures a completely closed core box without movement during shooting and gassing. Key e-shooter performance figures Cycle time* 16 seconds Machine efficiency 98% Number of production cycles 98 per hour Estimated number of cycles** 2,058 per day Total cores produced*** 10,290 per day Viable cores produced**** 10,080 per day *based on horizontally split core boxes** based on estimated process cycle of 20 sec.***based on 5 cavities core box****based on 2% cores’ scrap Indradrive energy benefit in the e-shooter The E-shooter uses a Rexroth 4EE electric solution. When compared to a standard hydraulic power unit with vane pump for pressure supply, this machine requires 31% less cooling power whilst reducing noise in operation. 2,397 kWh/a are saved using the 4EE solution. This can amount to 383 €/a of savings (404g/kWh, 0.16 €/kWh) and a carbon dioxide reduction of 1 t/a. How a 100% electric core maker could help your foundry Industry 4.0 is already 10 years old and yet many foundries have yet to take steps to become 4.0 compatible. The E-shooter brings economies in terms of energy performance and is a fully connected machine that integrates into a 4.0 infrastructure. Downtime always has a negative impact on foundries and the E-shooter, thanks to its closed core box, has significantly less wear compared to a traditional shooter and simplifies maintenance. This means you can run more efficient cycles and increase your productivity.
We celebrate our 40th anniversary
A lot can change in 40 years! In 1979, Jean-Michel Lavoisier (JML) created the company in Vrigne-Aux-Bois, which was at the heart of the French metallurgical industry. Originally JML started by producing trailers but we quickly developed foundry equipment manufacturing in 1981. You can read more about our history and growth here. We saw steady growth during the first 15 years. By 1995 our capacity had doubled within the engineering team. We are also proud to say that we were early adopters of the SolidWorks 3D software, which we still use today. 2018 was an important year for JML with the expansion of our covered work area to over 10,000m2 as well as the opening of JML Italy. Obviously none of this development and growth would have been possible without the JML team. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our collaborators; you have been a fundamental part of our expansion. How will we surpass last year’s achievements? GIFA 2019 marks a key milestone for JML Industrie. This year we will showcase our largest ever stand (150m2) where we will present machines from each of our branches. We hope that many of our clients and future clients will come and visit us at GIFA this year (15H14). On the first day of the event we will be revealing, in a dramatic fashion, our latest innovation from our Italian team. We believe our newest machine will set JML Industrie apart from the competition and offer our clients an interesting alternative to traditional foundry equipment.
Everything you need to know about GIFA 2019
The post below we take you through everything you need to know. This includes visitor demographics, what to expect and top tips for GIFA. Who attends There are over 2,000 exhibitors who represent every element in the casting process; from raw materials to product delivery. Whether looking for suppliers or to broaden your professional network, GIFA is the event for you. Furthermore, because the event is so prestigious the vast majority of attendees are industry decision makers so your new connections are likely to be valuable to your business. Each trade fair has a slightly different demographic of visitors and exhibitors. Planning out where your time will be best spent is a worthwhile activity: GIFA: Experts in ferric, steel and non-ferrous metal castings as well as engineering METEC and THERMPROCESS: Core visitor group is from iron and steel production, plant engineering, construction, apparatus engineering and tool making NEWCAST: Experts within the automotive and gear manufacturing tend to lead the visitor group but there is also growth within engineering, apparatus engineering and tool making. GIFA in numbers There are a lot of big numbers when it comes to GIFA. With thousands of international visitors and exhibitors this is comes as no surprise. To help you see the key stats relating to GIFA we have created an infographic: What to expect You can expect a busy couple of days when you attend GIFA 2019. 50% of visitors interviewed confirmed they had identified a new supplier during GIFA. Because of the high number of exhibitors and the numerous trade forums there are multiple networking opportunities. Check out our top tips for GIFA below to learn how to best organise your time. There are a whole host of businesses attending committed to improving the casting process. But, because there are over 200 exhibitors it is important to have created a shortlist of the companies that you wish to engage with. There are some stands that are hard to get a look at because of the number of people in them! We expect the JML Industrie stand (15H14) to be like this. Finally, you can expect to leave GIFA inspired and motivated. Because the event joins so many industry leaders and innovative working methods, you are likely to leave with new partnership ideas, fresh motivation and a pocket full of business cards. The GIFA lectures and conferences provide further opportunities for learning and networking. The GIFA exhibitor product profile includes: Foundry technology Raw materials Auxiliary materials Die casting technology Process materials Machine technology Processing technology Foundry chemistry Measuring Controlling Regulating technology Safety technology The graphic below shows the official GIFA 2015 breakdown of visitors: Top tips for GIFA To stay up to date with GIFA you can follow them on their many social media channels: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2QIoeh7Facebook: facebook.com/TheBrightWorldofMetalsTwitter: //twitter.com/@TBWoM“>@TBWoMXing (a German-speaking business network): http://bit.ly/2QEFN1q If you are in learning more about the specific trade fairs within GMTN trade quartet we recommend looking at their individual websites: GIFA =com METEC) = metec-tradefair.com THERMPROCESS = thermprocess-online.com NEWCAST = com How to make the most of your day Wear comfortable shoes – boring but important. In 2015 GIFA was over 47,000m2. You don’t want to be wearing a new pair of shoes on day 1 and regretting it for the following days. Plan your route – back to the fact that GIFA is huge! Once the venue plan is out try and work out the best circuit to avoid lots of long walks. Book key meeting in advance – because of the huge visitor numbers the key exhibitors will have very busy stands. We suggest booking meetings with key partners and prospects prior to the event. You can find the full list of the exhibitors and products at GMTN 2019 here. Leverage social media – if you have been unable to secure firm meetings then use GIFA as an opportunity to connect with your key prospects on LinkedIn. Also make sure that your content gets seen by using the right hashtags. The official GIFA hashtags are: #TBWOM2019 – central event#GMTN and #GMTN2019 – Trade fair quartet#GIFA #METEC #THERMPROCESS #NEWCAST- the individual trade fair tags Check out ecoMetals – GIFA is a real opportunity to see how the industry is changing. This GIFA initiative was performed for the second time in 2015 and supports exhibitors who make a positive contribution to the environment and present at GIFA for the first time. This initiative supports the industry focus around energy efficiency and smart use of resources. Visitors can follow the “ecoMetal trails” to see the participating exhibitors. Visit JML Industrie – We are currently working on our new stand, which is significantly bigger than last year. This year we will be showcasing the full range of equipment offered by JML Industries. We would love to talk to you about how we can help your foundry to stay ahead.
JML Italy opens and is ready for business
The Italian arm of JML Industries will supply the same three core ranges of equipment as the French and German branches: Green and core sand preparation Vibrating technology Environmental technology including dedusting and sand reclamation In addition to supplying equipment, JML Italy will also respond to reactive maintenance and planned maintenance inquiries across Europe. Currently, the production of JML equipment remains within JML France but the Italian branch will be able to fulfill all servicing and after-sales requirements for clients across Southern Europe. “The opening of JML Industrie Italy is incredibly important for us. We considered a number of locations but Italy allows us to further develop our growth into Southern Europe. We have an incredible team in Italy who we are pleased to welcome to JML Industrie” Jean-François Bouveur – Sales Director at JML Industrie JML Italy will also be the center for the engineering and development of the molding and core making equipment, much how JML Germany currently specializes in vibrating equipment. Each JML site will have its own specialist development area with the production centralized in France. This will allow for improved designs and innovation as each site becomes more specialist. Andrea Marceluzzo runs the Italian branch and will be developing the team further over 2019.