Six decades of service, products and software
14 August 2024Fall exhibitions 2024
27 August 2024A transformative decade: 1974 - 1984
In 1974, we relocated to Raamsdonksveer, where we still are to this day. This move increased our visibility and led to a partnership with PLM AB, a Swedish conglomerate specialising in glass, aluminium, and carton packaging. PLM already had some conveyors in their range, and by combining our conveyor expertise with their glass knowledge, we strengthened our market position. The acquisition led to our specialisation in the transport of bottles and other primary small packaging.
For a customer, we were tasked with optimising their entire internal transport system. At the customer’s request, we ventured into rail transport, something we had never done before, but we immediately agreed to. This shows the optimistic attitude that we still have to this day.
Our first palletiser
A pivotal project for our future came in 1978 with DuPont, a worldwide front runner in the field of chemicals. We provided an Intelligent Inventory System that precisely tracked the location of rolls within an intermediate warehouse, using infrared-based communication technology for order picking.
At DuPont’s new facility, where they produced Tyvek (a tear-resistant paper-fabric hybrid), we were contracted to supply the conveyor system. The project quickly expanded to include the automation of the end-of-line packaging process. We developed a machine that placed the rolls of Tyvek on pallets according to customer orders. This was our first ever palletiser!
How projects shaped the decade
The major projects of this decade included Blue Band in 1974, De Bijenkorf Distribution Centre in 1975, Tetra Pak in 1976, DuPont in 1978, Procter & Gamble in 1979, and Fuji in 1983.
Thus, we began our true project-based approach to complex assignments using the turnkey formula. Before we had worked with other companies, relying on their expertise and outsourcing tasks. Going forward from 1984, we took on the execution of all project tasks, becoming both the main point of contact and the overall responsible party. This required a shift in our mindset and operations, as project management became an integral part of our work. A change with significant impact for the coming years.
As we exist 60 years in 2024, we’ll take you along with us through the history of CSi. You can read here how CSi came about: The beginning of CSi, or stay tuned for the rest of the eighties and beginning of the nineties.
In 1974, we relocated to Raamsdonksveer, where we still are to this day. This move increased our visibility and led to a partnership with PLM AB, a Swedish conglomerate specialising in glass, aluminium, and carton packaging. PLM already had some conveyors in their range, and by combining our conveyor expertise with their glass knowledge, we strengthened our market position. The acquisition led to our specialisation in the transport of bottles and other primary small packaging.