In VBI’s new hollow-core slab production facility, it is not only concrete production that matters, but also a reliable and continuously operating railway system. We supported our long-standing supplier VBI, formerly known as Spanbeton, in expanding its production capacity with a tailored design and the delivery of an efficient railway system. For once, our supplier became our customer.

Starting point: existing situation, new requirements

VBI has expanded its existing production facility with a new production hall. With the new factory in Koudekerk aan den Rijn, VBI is investing in additional production capacity, advanced automation and sustainable manufacturing. Because the production process was already rail-based, an existing railway infrastructure was present on site. Materials are continuously moved through the hall via the trolley track, allowing production to continue efficiently. This makes a high-quality and available industrial railway essential for a smooth-running production process.

The challenge was to combine the old and the new: the existing railway infrastructure had to be modified and integrated into the redesigned layout of the production hall and outdoor area. As a long-standing partner, our expertise was called upon for the new design. The existing infrastructure served as the starting point, but proved not to be directly applicable to the new situation. Therefore, the entire site was carefully surveyed and mapped. Industrial railways must integrate seamlessly with day-to-day operations and support production processes efficiently.

Pre-assembly and controlled installation

After completion of the design, the track sections and turnouts were pre-assembled at our shared site in Hilversum by our sister company voestalpine Turnout Technology Netherlands. This enabled quality assurance in advance and ensured controlled installation on site. Delivery and installation were then carried out in close cooperation with our colleagues from Mobile Track Service. The work involved more than simply installing the track. Particular attention was given to connecting, integrating and commissioning the railway infrastructure within the existing infrastructure and production environment.

Performance under production conditions

Because the railway infrastructure forms part of the production process, it had to perform correctly from the very first moment of operation. Validation therefore took place in practice: following completion, the railway infrastructure was inspected several times during production activities. In an environment where the railway infrastructure directly affects lead times, production capacity and operational continuity, this is essential. This provides assurance that the railway infrastructure is not only technically sound, but also contributes to a stable and reliable production process.

Working together towards the right solution

This project demonstrates that industrial railways present specific challenges in practice. Together with VBI, we developed a railway solution tailored to this particular situation: technically well considered, practically feasible and supportive of the customer’s core production process. Would you like to know whether we can also provide a suitable industrial railway solution for your site or project? Please contact Roy Versluis, Key Account Manager.