Troublesome Component: Found Specialist in Japan After Three Years
By Kim Lesanner (Translated by Stenhøj)
Quality requires commitment, and the Danish company Stenhøj had to go to Japan to have a special bearing produced for their largest compressors, which are now available again after a three-year absence from the market. Sometimes, you must seek help from specialists abroad if you want to live up to your brand's good reputation for quality.
Klaus Schou Grønvang is pleased that they managed to get Stenhøj's largest blue compressors ready for sale again after three years, with the help of a Japanese supplier. PR photo
Quality Requires Commitment When You Are a Market-Leading Manufacturer
Two of Stenhøj's own blue compressors are now back on the market after being unavailable for three years due to a component that did not meet Stenhøj's standards. Stenhøj refused to compromise on its standards as a market-leading manufacturer.
The compressors in question are the two cast iron compressors, KA13 and KA112, out of a range of about 10 piston compressors. These two types are designed to deliver compressed air to larger workshops and small industrial businesses at over 500 liters per minute.
The solution was that Stenhøj chose to develop the component themselves—a special bearing for the compressor block—with their in-house engineers. However, very few in the world can produce the component to the quality Stenhøj requires. Therefore, the component is now produced in Japan.
This is because the special bearing must meet Stenhøj's high stress test standards, explains Klaus Schou Grønvang, sales manager for compressors at Stenhøj.
- "We did the engineering work in Denmark and scoured the market worldwide to find a partner who could produce the bearing. We eventually found a Japanese supplier who specializes in this type of component with the right expertise and know-how," says Klaus Schou Grønvang and continues:
- "We have been in continuous dialogue with our customers and found temporary solutions. It has also been an eye-opener that customers have been so patient and willing to wait for Stenhøj's products."
This compressor bearing had to be manufactured in Japan after three years of searching and development work. PR photo
Lasts for Generations
The KA112-model is three-cylinder and works with a special bearing for the compressor block with connecting rods—like a car engine.
- "Many of our compressors are built to last for generations, and we have parts for compressors developed and sold back in the 70s—going further back gets difficult. It commits us to deliver quality," says Klaus Schou Grønvang.
But even good compressors break down if they are not maintained, and perhaps run out of oil or operate too long with the same air filter, preventing them from 'breathing' properly.
- "A customer called and complained that his compressor had broken down. It turned out it had never been serviced since its purchase in 1997—but we got it running again with new bearings and valves, oil, and filters—and a little love," smiles Klaus Schou Grønvang.
He adds that every compressor, lift, or machine is inspected and approved before leaving Stenhøj.
We are always ready to show our range of workshop equipment and discuss how we can help create additional value for your business. Will we see you in our showroom in Barrit?
Contact us today to learn more at +45 76 82 12 22