A technical partner in a 24/7 operation: HB RTS and Numafa

‘Numafa feels more like a technical partner than an external supplier.’ Yannick Schalken, Technical Manager 

Robust installations as the foundation for continuity

As Technical Manager, Yannick oversees technical policy, maintenance, investment projects and the reliability of installations across multiple sites. Numafa’s machines form an important part of the primary process. He engages with them daily through performance data, maintenance plans, failure analyses and improvement projects.

HB RTS locations process thousands of crates per hour on average. But Yannick does not focus on speed alone. ‘The combination of capacity, washing results, energy and water consumption and a stable process matters at least as much to us.’ Numafa’s installations meet the expectations that HB RTS set at the time of purchase. The consistent product quality at higher volumes in particular delivers major value.

Even under prolonged load, the machines perform reliably. “When we need support, we can switch quickly with Numafa. That combination of a robust installation, our own technical team and support from Numafa helps us maintain our capacity even during peak periods.”

Ease of use that proves itself on the production floor

Colleagues on the shop floor experience the machines positively. Operators find the controls straightforward and can quickly read the status of the process. When a notification or deviation occurs, they usually know exactly where to look first. New employees pick up the basic operation relatively quickly. After a proper introduction and guidance from an experienced operator, they typically work independently with the installation within a short period of time.

HB RTS gains the greatest operational benefit from the predictability and continuity of the process. ‘Stable capacity and consistent washing results allow us to manage our operational planning more effectively and organise staffing more efficiently.’

Service that matches a 24/7 operation

In an operation that never stops, fast and practical service support is not a luxury it is a requirement. Yannick experiences Numafa’s service department as accessible and solution oriented. When an installation repeatedly came to an unexpected standstill, Numafa’s team worked remotely alongside HB RTS’s own technician. ‘ By systematically checking signals and settings, they quickly identified the cause and brought the installation back up and running stably. The collaboration was practical and focused.’

Numafa responds fast when HB RTS raises an urgent issue, and the team actively thinks along about temporary solutions or rapid follow-up. ‘That fits exactly what we need in a 24/7 operation.’

‘Numafa understands that downtime has immediate consequences for our operation.’ Yannick Schalken, Technical Manager at HB RTS

Maintenance and spare parts: a shared responsibility

HB RTS’s own technical team carries out a large part of the preventive maintenance. For specialist maintenance, larger inspections and specific tasks, HB RTS brings in Numafa. ‘That combination works well, because we retain knowledge internally while also drawing on their expertise.’

Ordering spareparts runs clearly and directly. When HB RTS has any doubt, Numafa steps in to help identify the right part. For critical components, both parties decide together which parts HB RTS should keep in stock.

A lasting partnership built on trust

What Yannick values most is that Numafa listens to feedback from both the Technical and Operations sides. ‘They don’t just look at the machine they look at the entire process. That forms the foundation of a lasting partnership for us.’

Numafa keeps lines of communication short, knows the installations and understands the operation. Numafa grasps the importance of continuity and that, according to Yannick, makes them the right partner for companies that depend heavily on their cleaning installations. ‘The combination of technical knowledge, accessibility and practical thinking makes Numafa the right partner for businesses operating around the clock.’