Germany: SPIE installs modern data network and fire alarm system at new SEW-Eurodrive smart factory

Graben-Neudorf, 21 August 2024 - SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, was awarded the contract by SEW-Eurodrive to implement a modern data network and fire alarm system in a new smart factory spanning over 60,000 square metres.

• SPIE was commissioned by SEW-Eurodrive to equip the new smart factory at its location in Graben-Neudorf, Germany with passive network and fire alarm technology

• SEW-Eurodrive is expanding its Graben-Neudorf location in line with Industry 4.0 principles

• SPIE and SEW-Eurodrive enjoy a longstanding business partnership

Bespoke solutions for Industry 4.0

SEW-Eurodrive, a global leader in drive and automation technology, is expanding its plant near Karlsruhe to ensure it is poised for the future. The new North Hall will see production digitalised in line with Industry 4.0 principles. SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa designed and installed the network foundation of the new smart factory, which includes over 100 data distributors, approximately 3,000 data ports, 200 kilometres of data cable and 45 kilometres of fibre optic cable. The fire alarm system is equally extensive: Eight fire alarm centres control the entire monitored area of 76,000 square metres, including a high-bay warehouse. The system features smoke extraction systems with a total of 16,200 metres of pipeline for extracting smoke, over 1,000 smoke detectors and 650 signal transmitters. Additionally, nearly 130 light beam sensors monitor the entire ceiling area of the production facilities.

"The technical solution is familiar territory - but the project's scale is enormous," saysWalter Müller, Head of Hazard Detection Technology of the SPIE Information & Communication Services (SPIE ICS) operational division. "All of the members of our highly coordinated team of experts comprising around 20 employees can fully rely on each other, allowing us to complete this complex project while meeting our usual high-quality standards," explains Michael Rausch, Head of Data at the Karlsruhe branch of the SPIE ICS operational division. The multi-technical service provider is always working on creating bespoke solutions to precisely meet its customers' requirements."A unique aspect of this project is that we developed and manufactured the fibre optic splice distributors for connecting the approximately 14,500 fibre optic strands in our Karlsruhe workshop,"says SPIE Project Manager Heinrich Schneider. The comprehensive project, completed in March this year, also required continuous and intensive coordination with other trades, not to mention forward-looking material procurement.

Longstanding partnership built on trust

SPIE and SEW-Eurodrive have enjoyed a strong partnership built on trust for over 20 years. "We are delighted that our longstanding customer entrusted us with this extensive project, allowing us to shape the digitalisation of the plant expansion together. The renewed confidence they have placed in us exemplifies the partnership and collaboration we have cultivated over the years,"concludes Michael Hartung, Head of the Information & Communication Services operational division at SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa.