Gripped by Innovation
Nemag, an international leader in the design and construction of four-rope mechanical grabs and rope connection systems, celebrates its 100th anniversary. “Our drive to keep improving is deeply embedded in our DNA.”
“Together with our customers, we strive to improve their bulk handling a little more each day.” This is, in a nutshell, what sets Nemag apart, says Martine Dekker-Grootveld, co-owner and account manager at the Netherlands-based leading designer and manufacturer of the world’s most efficient dry bulk grabs. “We always ask ourselves: how can we do better?”
This attitude is emblematic of Nemag, which is also known for its rope pear sockets and quick release links, providing the fastest and safest rope connection systems. The 100-year-old family business from Zierikzee, a town in Zeeland near the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, is recognised not only for its high-quality standards but also for its warm, long-lasting customer relationships.
“We continuously evaluate customer feedback and experiences,”says Martine. “This helps us better understand how to further improve the performance of our grabs.” The importance of this cannot be overstated. “With the right grab, you can increase efficiency, becoming more productive at lower costs.”
Close Collaboration
Take the NemaX, a new generation grab already considered a game changer in the industry. The NemaX is lighter, allowing for more bulk to be handled, and has fewer moving parts, requiring less maintenance. Additionally, the NemaX uses a significantly shorter cable, speeding up the handling process. Martine says, “Customers know that saving a few seconds per cycle brings enormous cost benefits over a year.”
Initially, the NemaX was developed for iron ore pellets. Thanks to close collaboration with an enthusiastic early adopter, the Nemag team made adjustments to the basic design. Today, the NemaX is also used for other materials such as limestone, blast furnace sand, bauxite, aggregates, minerals and concentrates. For all bulk materials with a density greater than 1.4 t/m3 and a grain size less than 50 mm, the NemaX shows better performance. The design also lends itself for
transhipment using floating cranes.
At SMT Shipping, handling speed increased from 1,000 to 1,250 tons per hour. “The NemaX paid for itself more than four times in its first year,” says Marc Smeets, Technical Project Manager at SMT Shipping. Other customers report productivity increases of between 10% and 25% compared to clamshell and scissors grabs with similar specifications.
Working in close alignment with customers has earned Nemag several industry and non-industry awards for innovative designs. The awards, including various IBJ awards and the Red Dot Award, fill the team with pride. “Competing with other renowned manufacturers and then taking home such prestigious awards is just fantastic – a wonderful recognition of our hard work!”
From Idea to Practice
The drive to enhance performance is also evident in partnerships with research institutions and universities. Long-term studies involving research and testing in both laboratories and the field have been providing valuable knowledge for Nemag’s own products, as well as for existing and new customers. Ever more often, Nemag is regarded as a knowledge center, offering advice on streamlining logistics processes.
Niels de Vries, who graduated from the renowned Delft University of Technology with simulation models on the interaction between cranes and grabs, is proud of the mutual collaboration. “The lead time from idea to practice is really short here,” he says. “We can quickly see the tangible result of creativity.”
According to Niels, this is because the office and factory hall have traditionally been near to each other. In recent years, when a new ultra-modern office was built for Nemag, the architect ensured that the design encourages seamless collaboration between colleagues, fostering a strong team spirit. “Contact between office and production is very close,” Martine says, “so as a team, we can respond and adapt very quickly.”
Looking Ahead
Much has changed since Abraham Grootveld laid the foundation in 1924 for the international company that Nemag is today. Initially, he repaired everything from tools to stoves. Due to the proximity of the port of Rotterdam, he focused more on machine construction. While repairing grabs, ‘Bram’ noticed inefficiencies, so he started to tinker and see how grabs could offer a better balance between weight and grabbing capacity – work that he would continue to refine.
Martine, a granddaughter of the founder: “Nemag has come a long way by always looking ahead. We feel an obligation to respond to new challenges in our field.” Now, as the modern family business is led by the third generation, the focus is still on the future. “Our drive to keep improving,” she knows, “is deeply embedded in our DNA.”
Nemag is the internationally renowned designer and manufacturer of the most efficient and innovative grabs and rope connection systems for dry bulk handling at terminals worldwide. Nemag works with a concern for quality, reliability, safety and the environment.
On 28th of September we welcome the public to visit Nemag between 13:30 and 17:00.
