Rautaruukki stepped up production at its pipe plant in Sundern, Germany, so that it could provide even better and more efficient service to its customers, especially the demanding German and French automobile manufacturers. Etteplan’s Oulu office was commissioned to plan and manage the project to revamp the plant.

The development of production included rearranging plant layout, a new precision production line for thin wall tubes, and equipment for tube finishing equipment. Etteplan’s commission included developing the plant’s preliminary and implementation plans. Etteplan also acted as the leader for the customer’s production line projects and as the project manager’s right hand. The project was carried out from 1999 to 2005.

Etteplan drew up technical and commercial agreements with different suppliers and subcontractors. The company also supervised the design work and manufacturing performed by equipment suppliers, drew up the final documentation for the plant and conducted equipment, line performance and handover testing. It also completed the plant’s plan to develop downstream processing, part of which still awaits the decision to go ahead.

The commission also reflects Etteplan’s strengths through its good project management and mastery of design. In addition, Etteplan also receive praise for its good cost awareness.