Powering the Future: Why Thermal Management Defines the Future of Electronics
Standard of Excellence: Engineering Is the New Sales—How Technical Collaboration Wins Business
SMT Perspectives & Prospects: Artificial Intelligence, Part 7—Data Module 2
Scanfil: Significant Improvements in Material Flow in the Malmö Factory
July 17, 2023 | ScanfilEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
At the beginning of 2023, the expansion project in the Malmö factory in Sweden was finished and the factory area was expanded approximately by 2,000 m². Now, the new lines have been up and running for six months, and the results have been promising. With the new factory layout, the Malmö factory has been able to shorten lead times and be an even more attractive partner to their customers.
At the beginning of 2023, the expansion project in the Malmö factory in Sweden was finished and the factory area was expanded approximately by 2,000 m². The expansion was driven by the need to increase the final assembly area and the capacity for box-build. In addition, the new production area got a fresh coat of paint and a new ESD floor. A new dining area and restrooms were built during the technical installations of new lines.
Now, the new lines have been up and running for six months, and the results have been promising. The employees have been excited to work in the new uplifted environment, and with the new factory layout, the Malmö factory has been able to shorten lead times and be an even more attractive partner to their customers.
Throughout the expansion project, LEAN tools have played an important role. The tight cooperation with the Global Technology Team after finishing the project and nominating Heidi Åshammer to a new Lean Specialist role ensured that LEAN methods have been utilized also after finishing the construction work.
“I am proud of the work that we have done so far – from the first analysis of making current and future diagrams to designing layouts and implementing balanced lines onto our new floor design”, says Heidi. “To complete the new layout of the final assembly area, we started with production analysis to define the ideal technical requirements so that we can meet the customer demand. In addition, we designed the new workflow to be as efficient as possible. We have continued improving our production by utilizing LEAN tools”.
In the expansion project, the focus has been on continuous improvement and engaging the whole team in developing the practices, as highlighted by Heidi: “Every team and operator needs to engage in fulfilling the customer need and thinking how we can work smarter in different production phases”.
The future of the Malmö factory looks very promising. The factory plans to resume their continuous improvement path towards the Dream Factory and enjoy the results along the way.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Your magazines are a great platform for people to exchange knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do."
Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
April Issue of I-Connect007 Magazine: Beyond the Rulebook
04/14/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn this month’s I-Connect007 Magazine, we asked PCB designers, fabricators, and suppliers what it really means to operate without a rulebook. Their perspectives vary, especially between seasoned designers and experienced fabricators, but a common thread emerges: progress depends on pushing boundaries and finding a way forward, even when the path isn’t clear. In many ways, this mindset has always been part of what we do, whether we’ve called it that or not.
Defense Speak Interpreted: Hypersonics Report Back After Six Years of Silence
04/07/2026 | Dennis Fritz -- Column: Defense Speak InterpretedIt’s been six years since my Defense Speaks column about hypersonic weapons. Back then, these weapons were the most sought-after technology as there was little defense for them. They were the cornerstone of the “strike any location on earth within one hour” scenario. Of course, the war in Ukraine, and now the action in Iran, have grabbed the weapons headlines, but hypersonics still play a role and development continues. Here is the update.
SMTA Dallas Expo & Tech Forum: A National-level Local Event
03/31/2026 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Gary Tanel is the long-time chapter president of SMTA Dallas. He has been active in the industry for many years, retiring from Texas Instruments and Raytheon and then starting his own contract manufacturing company. He has been on the board of directors of SMTA and has held every office at the national and local level. He has received both the Founder’s and the Excellence in Leadership Awards from SMTA. Gary has been the SMTA Dallas Expo chair for many years, including for the 23rd annual show.
Punching Out: How Many PCB Companies Are There in North America Now?
03/19/2026 | Tom Kastner -- Column: Punching Out!When I am asked how many PCB shops are still in the U.S., my answer is usually, “About 130. How many do you want to buy?” However, I do not really know the number. My job is either to sell PCB shops or help people buy them, not to count them. I probably should keep better track of them, but many are small (70% have revenue below $10 million), or they say they are making boards even if they rent out their facility as an auto repair shop.
From Classroom to Boardroom: One Year Yields a World of Perspective
03/15/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Few college seniors can say their first plane ride took them straight into a global electronics boardroom. However, Emily Daley, a Michigan Technological University electrical engineering student, spent her senior year as the Student Board Member to the Global Electronics Association Board of Directors. She brought a fresh, student-centered perspective to the industry as she attended APEX EXPO, as well as board meetings in Taiwan and Lake Tahoe.