We are proud to announce that TCS (Timmers Cranes and Steelworks) and Vogten Staal have successfully delivered a large-scale, fully automated turnkey project in Maastricht. TCS managed to complete it within 24 months. The project elevates Vogten Staal’s steel processing to a new level of efficiency and innovation.
Thanks to this integrated solution, Vogten Staal can make significant improvements in its production process. The solution enables:
Coils to be automatically and optimally stored in the warehouse without damage
The decoiling and pickling line to be loaded automatically 24/7
Coils to be moved fully automatically between Hall A and Hall B
TCS delivered and installed:
3 automatic coil cranes with a lifting capacity of 36 tons
3 automatic transfer trolleys for up to 3 coils of 36 tons
1 overhead crane with a lifting capacity of 40 tons and a 42-meter span
625 meters of heavy-duty rail tracks
An advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS)
A ground PLC and PC in the control room for monitoring and safety management
The WMS and ground PLC/PC play a key role. These systems centrally manage storage locations based on coil specifications. A major challenge in this industry is that each coil is a unique item whose exact location must be known at all times. Furthermore, coils may be cut during the logistics process into new, separate items.
The central system communicates with the TCS cranes and trolleys, with the decoiling and pickling lines, and with Vogten Staal’s ERP system. This must be done in a safe manner, avoiding interference between machines and preventing movement into zones where personnel may be present. In this way, it ensures a seamless logistical flow without manual intervention.
The installation was designed to be energy-efficient, feeding energy back to the grid during braking and lowering motions.
Kris Loysch, Project Manager TCS: “This project was a large but exciting challenge: from design to completion in just 24 months, using innovative technology and close collaboration. As there is no operator present, the cranes, trolleys, and ground installations needed a wide range of detection systems, access control, and interfaces with the decoiling/pickling lines and the ERP package. Coordinating this demanded considerable effort, but thanks to excellent collaboration with Vogten, we have realized a future-proof solution that we as a team are particularly proud of.”
A Step Forward in Steel Processing
The new automation marks a major advancement for Vogten Staal in terms of productivity, safety, and reliability. With this infrastructure, the company strengthens its unique position in the European steel market: a rare combination of production and processing capabilities offered from a single source. With this investment, Vogten Staal is not only making a major leap forward in automation but also in capacity, with new production lines and an additional coil warehouse. The result: greater flexibility, higher quality, and a future-proof infrastructure.
Dennis Vogten, Managing Director Vogten Staal: “For us, this is more than an investment in automation: it is a strategic step to serve our customers faster, more flexibly and more safely. Thanks to TCS’s expertise, we are ready for the next phase of our growth.”
Patrick Körvers, Operational Director Vogten Staal: “With this new installation, we can operate efficiently and reliably 24/7, while ensuring the safety of our people. This project elevates our daily operations to a higher level.”