Passionate about success – How NARGESA is rethinking production with ABUS crane solutions
In a world where precision and efficiency determine a company's success, PRADA NARGESA S.L. impressively demonstrates how innovative spirit and experience can lead to a strong connection. The family-owned company from the Girona region near Barcelona is not only a pioneer in the manufacture of metalworking machines, but also an example of how well-thought-out investments in modern crane technology can optimise production processes.
50 years of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
Since its foundation in 1970, NARGESA has stood for quality ‘Made in Spain’. Today, the company employs a team of 45 people and manufactures an impressive range of machines on a site covering more than 10,000 m², from bending machines and shears to forging hammers and hydraulic presses. Everything – from design to final assembly – is manufactured in-house. This high degree of in-house production is one of the keys to the company's global success: more than 16,800 machines have been sold in over 130 countries to date.
‘Our philosophy is based on quality and customer focus – values that have enabled us to grow and develop year after year until we have reached our current position,’ explains David Prada, managing director and son of the company's founder.
But this philosophy also brings challenges – especially when it comes to lifting, moving and assembling heavy machine parts.
The bottleneck in production - heavy loads and demanding spatial conditions
In a production environment where components weighing several hundred kilograms have to be moved, conventional solutions quickly reached their limits. With growing order volumes and changing processes, it became clear that a professional, flexible crane solution was needed – one that made optimum use of space, guaranteed safety and reduced the workload for employees.
‘It was clear to me that if we wanted to continue growing while improving quality and working conditions, we needed a well-designed crane system. And that's what we found at ABUS,’ says David Prada.
Managing Director David Prada of PRADA NARGESA S.L. looks back
In this video, David Prada from Nargesa talks about how the company has grown steadily over time, the challenges it has faced and what the solution looked like:
The solution: ABUS crane technology – individually tailored to NARGESA
In close cooperation with ABUS Grúas, the Spanish subsidiary of ABUS Kransysteme, a comprehensive concept was developed that is precisely tailored to the requirements of NARGESA's production. Three crane types play a central role here:
Overhead travelling cranes – the transport arteries of production
In the main production areas, robust single and double girder overhead travelling cranes handle the heaviest components. Their strength lies not only in their load capacity, but above all in their adaptability to the existing hall geometry.
Advantages
- Safe lifting of large components
- Efficient transport over long distances
- Optimal use of ceiling height
‘These cranes are the backbone of our production. Without them, we would no longer be able to carry out many work steps in-house,’ emphasises David Prada.
Jib cranes – flexibility where it is needed
Wall-mounted jib cranes ensure ergonomic and fast work directly at assembly and welding stations. Operation is intuitive and precise, which not only increases productivity but also reduces physical strain.
Advantages:
- Freedom of movement directly at the workplace
- Ideal for smaller loads and frequent lifting operations
- Space-saving mounting on walls or supports
Overhead conveyor systems – perfect for confined spaces
One highlight is the ABUS suspended rail system, which offers maximum freedom of movement with minimal space requirements. This system proved to be the ideal solution, especially in areas with low ceilings or a large number of machines, recalls David Prada: ‘In our case, it enabled us to move workpieces weighing up to 250 kilograms with great ease, which is even easier than using an overhead travelling crane.’
Advantages
- Ceiling mounting, leaving the floor free for other work processes
- Uncomplicated installation, modularly expandable
- Smooth movement of loads in all directions
A noticeable change in production
Since the implementation of ABUS cranes, everyday work at NARGESA has changed significantly. Production routes have become shorter, processes more efficient and, above all, safer. Employees feel a significant reduction in their workload and are therefore more satisfied.
For David Prada, the project is a complete success:
‘ABUS didn't just supply the technology. They listened to us, thought things through and created solutions that were decisive for my decision: cranes are essential for avoiding downtime, and investing in these systems makes good business sense. An employee who is unable to work not only incurs high costs, and suitable aids not only improve safety but also optimise production.’
Passion as a drive
David Prada, who runs the company together with his father, is convinced: ‘Your work will fill a large part of your life. The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is right – and the only way to do that is to love what you do.’
With this conviction, a clear vision of the future and ABUS as a strong partner at its side, NARGESA is ideally positioned for further growth and new technological challenges.