Visitors impressed with new machinery

Helmond was the center of inspiration for the kitchen professional in October. On October 1, Arte, Helmond-based custom stone kitchen countertop supplier, organized a highly successful customer day, during which customers were taken through the production process by the organization in a culinary and inspiring manner. Central to this was the new upgrade of the machinery, explains Froukje van Osch, Arte's new commercial director who took office earlier this year. "For example, we showed a new machine Automated Guided Vehicle (AVG). But also 5 new CNC machines."

"The AGV is one of our newest acquisitions," Froukje continued. "This vehicle takes sawn parts to the gluing or polishing department in the evening, in order of importance. The AGV saves us one person. In addition, there is no need to pull carts around anymore." 

Quality Impulse
There was also a lot of interest in the CNC machines. Froukje: "Two have been commissioned to calibrate parts, the other machines to make cutouts in the blade. Quality has been boosted anyway because we used to work with pallets that were driven to the machines; now everything is fixed on pistons on a fixed lower bed. The machines make automatic corrections so that all operations are done correctly." 

Innovation, automation and improving working conditions in the factory are part of the organization's Corporate Social Responsibility policy. "We provide the best quality countertops for kitchens with passion and craftsmanship. In everything we do, we pay attention to the environment and the welfare of all the people involved in production. It is an integral part of the quality that we deliver and we go further and further in this. In this way, we can allow everyone - and future generations - to sincerely enjoy Arte." 

From quarry to kitchen worktop
"We want to be the driver for positive change along the entire value chain, from quarry to kitchen countertop. Consumers are becoming more articulate; they know more. That means we have to continue to inspire and above all inform: what to look out for when buying a sheet, how to maintain it or what is the origin of a sheet, is there child labor involved? In addition to our social ambitions, we also have clear environmental ambitions. For example, we ensure that our CO₂-footprint is minimal and we are looking at energy-efficient logistics processes. Circular economy is becoming a bigger and bigger part of who we are. This will continue to be an important priority in 2019," Froukje said.