After almost exactly one year of construction, the new production hall at brush manufacturer Lessmann in Oettingen is ready for occupancy.
Since the potential for expanding the production halls on the current company premises has already been almost exhausted, implementing the current construction project was a logical step:
The so-called gap closure is a connecting structure 14 meters wide between two existing production halls. “Originally, the plan was to build the gap closure with a length of 42 meters. Later, 72 meters were discussed, and ultimately we decided to build the connecting structure with a length of 96 meters, thus a total area of 1,344 m²,” says Managing Director Jürgen Lessmann. “The company’s past developments have shown us that we are grateful for every square meter gained, where we can integrate new machines and technologies into our production.”
The idea for this construction project has been around for many years. The first concrete implementation was planned for 2022, but then the war in Ukraine intervened. Steel supplies could not be guaranteed at that time, as the steel would have come from a plant in Mariupol, Ukraine. Consequently, construction was not carried out.
In 2023, Lessmann resumed planning together with their architectural office, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the gap closure took place in October 2024.
“Constructing the hall was relatively complex, as it had to be seamlessly connected to the existing buildings,” emphasizes the architect in charge, Zita Frey, who has been involved in the construction from the very beginning. “For example, existing exterior facades had to be removed and new fire walls erected during ongoing production. Three large skylights, constructed as a shed roof, ensure good lighting conditions in the hall. At the same time, the challenge was to optimally design the hall in terms of energy efficiency and to integrate it visually harmoniously into the existing surroundings,” adds Ms. Frey from the architectural office.
The new production hall will integrate parts from the order picking warehouse as well as packaging machines from various production areas, creating a central packaging station. This will give Lessmann greater flexibility in throughput processes and create space for further growth in individual production areas.
“We are pleased that we have completed this construction project at this time. The current economic situation is not leaving us unscathed. But we are optimistic and convinced that this investment was the right decision. This means we are well positioned for the future,” adds Managing Director Jürgen Lessmann.
