There is a lot of construction going on at the Vlotlaan in Monster, the Netherlands. Machine builder Koppert Machines is in fact expanding. A new production area is being added. "We see the projects getting bigger and bigger, so we need extra space to grow ourselves as well and to continue to meet the demands of our customers," says Paul Koppert.
7 June: time to drive the first pile
Before a machine leaves Monster to the customer, the complete machine or production line is fully assembled and tested in Monster. “Two years ago, we purchased adjacent land from the neighbors behind our existing building. A total of 1,200 square meters. A production hall of just over 800 square meters is now being built on this plot, while the rest is an open area that will be covered for storage."
July 17: pouring concrete
In recent years Koppert has grown in packaging solutions for snack vegetables, including the now-known Multipackers for snack tomatoes. But there also remains a demand for automation in radishes, where it all started for the company. "We are the global market leader in radish automation and see that the market is stable and even slightly growing."
August 27: highest point reached, flag hoisted
Nowadays, companies do have to think about sustainability. Not only about their products, but also with their production process. In Monster, therefore, more than 500 solar panels on the roof will generate 102,500 Kwh per year. "We expect these panels to generate 80% of our required electricity," says Paul. “For the under-floor heating in our building we have drilled 4 wells of more than 100 meters deep in order to pump around enough hot water. And of course, just like our entire present building, the new production area will be equipped with LED lighting."
Paul expects to be fully operational in October/November. “But whilst construction is going on behind our building, the entire production is also running as usual. After all, the demand for automation and machines does not stop."
For more information: 
Koppert Machines
www.koppertmachines.nl
[email protected]
Paul Koppert
[email protected]