NTS builds plant with optimal conditions for ultra-precision parts production

NTS Drachten specialises in precision machining and ultra precision parts for markets such as semiconductor, medical technology, life sciences & analytical and optics. The company wants to invest in future-proof sustainable premises with optimal conditions and a pleasant working environment for its employees. "Ultra precise, ultra small and ultra clean. That's what it's all about at NTS Norma in Drachten," says Klaas Geschiere, Managing Director of NTS Norma in Drachten.

"We make ultra-precision parts from complex materials at the micron level, including for the semiconductor and life sciences & analytical industries. Our customers are all over the world. We operate on the frontier of manufacturability here. When high-tech OEM customers cannot get parts and associated processes stable, they know where to find us. With various competences under one roof, we are one of the few companies in the world that can guarantee accuracy and cleanliness of (less than) one thousandth of a millimetre with various complex materials."

"We see that the demand for ultra-precision parts has increased and our expectation is that this will continue in the future. To be able to meet this expected demand and because we strive for optimal conditions in the factory, we have decided to start new construction. We are currently renting an existing building. When it comes to optimal conditions and layout, that building does not match our future ambitions."

"When you work at micron level, things like floor stability, optimum air quality, routing, well-equipped cleaning lines and the right machines in the right place are essential. A new building we can fully equip for that."

Far-reaching digitalisation and advanced manufacturing
The new premises must meet all the conditions required for manufacturing and the sustainability requirements NTS sets for its buildings. "It offers us space for far-reaching digitalisation and advanced manufacturing techniques. Material science and production science are very important if you have to operate at crystal level. You could say that our building will be a factory of the future."

"With the construction of our new premises, we are already taking into account the roadmap for the future. This also means that we are not building the entire lot full right now, but also keeping space to be flexible in the future to continue to meet the growing demand for ultra-precision parts. Our employees are closely involved in the development process of the new site. From every department, someone has a place on the sounding board group."

"The increased demand facing NTS in Drachten is partly due to a shortage of chips," explains NTS CEO Tjarko Bouman. "In recent years, we noticed tremendous growth and our expectation is that, due to developments such as IoT, 5G and autonomous driving, this demand will continue to grow in the future. Much of our business comes from the semicon industry, but our medical and analytics markets are also expected to continue to grow. In Drachten, we were simply nearing the maximum of our capacity."

"In addition, the miniaturisation trend and the associated complexity is contributing to our growth," Klaas continues. "As components become smaller and more complex, they are increasingly at the limit of manufacturability and that is what customers come to us for. In addition, it is an absolute advantage for customers that NTS has a lot of disciplines under one roof. As a result, we need to outsource minimally."

"As far as the new building is concerned, we are now in the design phase. We first looked at the technology, what we need and what that means for the design. Then we will start discussions with architects, contractors and other parties. As mentioned, our employees are involved in the process. We want to create a pleasant working environment."

Sustainability is not only in a building and energy use, but especially in being an engaged employer. "We therefore invest in our people and their development. Our culture is that of a family business, people who work here have a huge passion for their work. Our employees are a mix of well-educated mbo graduates and some higher educated employees. That supply of talent is present in the region. Besides mbo's and hbo's, we also have contact with the University of Groningen, among others."

"In the Drachten region, there are few companies like NTS from a labour market perspective. Many professionals who want to work at the frontier of manufacturability in an attractive environment with the latest high-tech equipment come to us. And we are also an attractive employer for people who started their career elsewhere but want to move back to Friesland at a later date. Good, experienced people are always welcome with us."

Source and photo: NTS-Group