Optima has invested €3.5 million in renovations at its headquarters in Schwaebisch Hall, thereby reinforcing its commitment to operations at this location. A new 1600 square meter assembly area has been created along with the corresponding infrastructure. This means that machines can now be assembled even more efficiently. Employees benefit from an ultra-modern infrastructure and optimized air-conditioning.

As part of the restructuring of Optima Materials Management and the opening of the Optima Logistics Center in July 2019, the high-bay warehouse at the Steinbeisweg site was no longer needed and has been dismantled. The new assembly area “Nonwovens West” has now been erected at this site. This was gradually brought into operation in March 2020 and has been in full use since May 2020. As a result, the Optima Nonwovens business unit now has a total assembly area of 5,200 square meters. The facility is equipped with the latest gigabit network cabling. This means that Optima Nonwovens has been ideally prepared for virtual acceptance tests. Cranes capable of bearing loads of up to 5 metric tons facilitate the relocation of assemblies and machine modules.

The statics as well as the light domes were also renewed in the course of this project, which now allow considerably less heat into the building, provide brightness and enable better air circulation. The working conditions for the staff in the warehouse, in parts production, and assembly have significantly improved as a result. A porch with a special air lock and three high-speed doors in the goods receiving area also protects the staff inside the building against draughts. Dimmable LED lighting strips have been fitted to the walls for optimal lighting. A catering area for the staff has also been included. The entire site including the administrative block is supplied with district heating.