Winterhoff Picard specialises in the manufacture of machine knives. Regardless of whether it's films, composite materials, rubber, plastic, paper, cardboard or aluminium – the Remscheid-based family company manufactures the appropriate special knife for every application.
The typical notches the bags of gummy bears, the closing peroration on the kitchen paper roll or the clean cut on the coffee packaging – almost always, knives from Remscheid are involved in their production. Also the shrink film, which holds together the drinks six-packs, and the aluminium foil, wrapping the chocolate Easter bunnies, the knives cut off Winterhoff Picard.
„We produce a wide variety of machine knives for the packaging sector. Knives for food and beverage packaging These are our core business. But our knives are also used to cut ice cream, cheese, sweets, and vegetables in the food processing industry. And we also have the right knives for durable materials like rubber tyres or plastic window profiles. Our company is broadly diversified, and our products are used everywhere, where materials are precisely cut, perforated or punched “will have to be," says the Commercial Manager Marc Ohnhäuser.
Distinctive peak
A look at supermarket shelves reveals that many bag packages have a serrated edge, which doesn't always look the same. This is because customers, especially in the food sector, rely on the Optics of the cut on. The individual shape of the teeth is for many manufacturers to a Part of the brand identity become.
„Customisation is our daily requirement. Because every customer has different requirements for the cut, the material to be cut, the machine, inline processing in the manufacturing line, and much more. Therefore, no blade is like another,“ explains Ralf Hüttebräucker, Managing Director of Winterhoff Picard.
According to customer requirements, Winterhoff Picard therefore Special hardening processes employed, Optimised geometry or special Cutting angle specifications implemented. For example, if the bag is to have a tear-off aid, the knife is given an additional tooth.
Robots load machines
Winterhoff Picard has in recent years invested in various machining centres and a robotics centre invests. This means that knives with different geometries and designs can be produced more quickly and flexibly, e.g. special materials, coatings, hardening processes and surface treatments. Thanks to the modern facilities, the company can respond quickly to new requirements, if, for example, new packaging materials are to be processed. This means that they are also well-positioned for future requirements, for example, when it comes to Recycling and sustainability Goes.
„Bio-film is a Future topic. But the Films from renewable resources or compostable material have specific material properties. They can have different properties to conventional plastic films or be more paper-like in their texture. Knives must be individually adapted to this in order to perfectly cut cuts, serrated cuts, tabs, and tear-open aids. “If a customer wants to use bio-films, we definitely have the solutions," says Marc Ohnhäuser.
The company Processes approx. 100 different materials and manufactures according to samples, sketches or technical drawings upon request, always with reference to the respective requirement or as an individual special solution. Custom-made items are available in small quantities., large orders can sometimes include up to 20,000 pieces. Every year, the Remscheider produce over 2,000 different types of knives. „Some customers only order two pieces and then don't return for years, as our knives have a long lifespan depending on their use.“
At the heart of blade production
The Bergisches Land in North Rhine-Westphalia is known for its knife production. The "Blade City" of Solingen, together with Remscheid and Wuppertal, forms one of the Europe's largest and oldest metal cluster. The saw factory, founded in 1865 by Ewald Winterhoff, soon developed into a specialist in machine knives within this environment. Today the Family business in the fifth generation from Dagmar and Ralf Hüttebräucker managed. In 1997, they acquired the Remscheid-based company Picard, also a specialist in machine knives, thereby completing their offering. In 2003, both companies were merged at a new location on Wüstenhagener Straße in Remscheid. Around 50 employees Winterhoff Picard employs many people who have many years of professional experience. This is also necessary, for example, when a knife is still sharpened by hand before delivery. „All the knives we manufacture by machine are straightened by experienced employees with a hammer. Because no machine can do that.“
Among the customers include Brand manufacturers and suppliers of the most diverse markets. Winterhoff Picard is also Original equipment manufacturer for all well-known machine manufacturers. We deliver worldwide, to the USA as well as to China, but our core market is Germany.„
[infotext icon]Different knife types for every applicationBlade knives must be precisely matched to extra-thin, particularly thick, tough or elastic, shrinkable, printed, or coated film types. Pouch sealing knives, on the other hand, are responsible for the typical serrations on the packaging of gummy bears, chocolate bars, or detergents. Composite knives cut juice or milk cartons, resilient aluminium, or the die-cut openings for spouts. Paper is simultaneously packaging, shipping carton, or even the product itself. As it is more abrasive than film, the knives must be particularly protected against wear. Knives that process and cut food have special hygiene requirements. These are also individually adapted, because cheese, sweets, or ice cream do not want to be simply scraped over a knife. And for the recycling industry, Winterhoff Picard has developed its own machine knives for shredding and crushing plastics before the recycling process.
