Bilfinger's strategic collaboration with TKF: Ensuring a long-lasting success in manufacturing

Engineering is where imagination meets reality and constantly keeps pushing boundaries. This was exemplified in a recent project for Twentsche Kabelfabriek (TKF), where Bilfinger together with TKF embarked on a strategic process for a Greenfield engineering project that challenges traditional norms.

Bilfinger was tasked to conduct a feasibility study for TKF to expand its operations, particularly focusing on the production of subsea cables. The team assessed various options and potential locations and after thorough evaluation and discussions with TKF, Eemshaven emerged as the optimal choice.

Following successful completion of the site selection, permits acquisition, and coordination of the positioning and layout of the entire plant, meticulous engineering was required to design the factory. This involved incorporating machines extending an impressive 260 meters, towering structures reaching 40 meters in height with a diameter of 26 meters. Some machines required foundations for installations up to one million kilos.

Collaboration was a cornerstone of this project, with around 10 different parties working simultaneously. Moreover, the project faced a remarkably short timeline, increasing the potential for process errors and highlighting the need for strong coordination. It was during this period that Bilfinger took responsibility and played a pivotal role in coordinating information flow, fostering a culture of shared insights and collective problem-solving. Collective work of Bilfinger and TKF teams with vastly experienced people and short lines of communication helped to meet the milestones even in a short period of time.

This project serves as a testament to the synergy between engineering innovation and strategic foresight, highlighting the limitless possibilities that collective effort and pursuit of innovation can unlock in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.