Innovation

Research and Development

To provide customers with the latest fan technology, Witt & Sohn re-invest on average some 5% of turnover into research and development. The modern research facilities at Pinneberg place at the forefront of fan design, typically working in close co-operation with various international and national research bodies.

 

Over and above a policy of continuous improvement of the standard axial and centrifugal fan ranges, recent examples of Witt & Sohn research projects include:

 

  • intensive research in fan noise and silencer interaction.
  • modelling of all fan types using finite element simulation.
  • development of a new generation of axial fans.
  • modal analyses on all fan types to reduce vibration and noise.

Quality

Witt & Sohn enjoy a reputation for excellent quality and have long been involved in helping establish international standards of performance and quality. As early as 1976 we were awarded certification to the strict quality standard for the German nuclear power industry (KTA 1401). It goes without saying that for decades our quality management has been in accordance with the international standard DIN EN ISO 9001:2015, currently certified by TÜV Nord, as well as the standards DIN EN ISO 14001:2015 and 45001:2018.

Safety

As a member of the European standardization committee for fans EUROVENT, we were one of the initiators for a new international safety regulation. All fans are supplied with a CE mark to confirm that they comply with the European Machinery Directive and are supplied with the relevant documentation.

Modular Flexibility

Witt & Sohn´s manufacturing philosophy is committed to providing custom created fan solutions within a fully computerized modular design framework. With a 'standard' fan design as the starting point for a given application, using the latest cad technology, the Witt design team can rapidly incorporate any requisite design modifications from standard component elements to accommodate even the most exacting fan specification. This means that such specification criteria − for example severity of duty; space limitations; special materials and surface treatments − can be incorporated efficiently and at considerably less cost and lead time than conventional 'one off' design approaches.

Reduced throughput times

Through continuous analysis of the processes and procedures, it has been possible to halve the throughput time of the products within the last five years, so that an average fan can be built in 3-6 weeks. Our goal is to reduce the throughput time to 2-4 weeks. In addition, the adherence to delivery dates has been significantly improved. The limiting factor is the availability of electric motors, which often have to be manufactured to order.

Computer Technology

Witt´s development of the modular concept is the result of continued investment in the latest IT technology to ensure full integration between all areas of administration and production. At the core of the system is the Fan Data Sheet which allows either customers or us to specify, on a single page, all relevant information for each fan including any special requirements. The Witt Fan Data Sheet has been adopted as the standard specification by the German shipbuilding industry.