Schwarzer Precision – Reorganizing workflows improved efficiency, flexibility and well-being

Challenge: Variety of products with varying volumes 

The collaboration between Treston and Schwarzer Precision is a true success story built on years of partnership, trust in quality, and a shared attention to detail. That level of rigor is essential in this industry. 

Founded in 1970 and based in Essen, Germany, Schwarzer Precision develops and manufactures highly precise and durable miniature and micro pumps for medical, analytical, laboratory and safety technology, as well as demanding industrial applications. The portfolio includes gas and liquid pumps for both chemically neutral and aggressive fluids and gases. Despite the wide range, almost every solution is custom-built.

The variety of products and solutions, combined with highly flexible production volumes, made it necessary to optimise both assembly processes and equipment used. 

Key equipment in the project included Treston's ergonomic, modular workstations that support smooth and efficient workflows based on lean manufacturing principles, as well as ESD-protected furniture to prevent electrostatic discharges and protect sensitive end products.

Dirk Stiepelmann, Project Manager at Treston, explains:
“When Schwarzer Precision’s Production Manager, Gregor Kaminski, contacted me, he already had a clear vision of the requirements the workstations in the air-conditioned assembly hall needed to meet. The implementation was carried out in close personal cooperation and with careful consideration of the specific local conditions at Schwarzer Precision.”

Greater efficiency with Concept Workbenches 

Treston’s Concept workbenches not only provide the flexibility with extensions and modular add-ons but also meet essential standards for stability and durability. For these reasons, Schwarzer Precision decided to integrate Concept workbenches its new assembly setup. 

Each assembly line now includes four assembly workbenches plus a dedicated inspection bench for final quality control and digital documentation.

The new assembly lines have reduced space requirements and improved both efficiency and employee satisfaction, thanks to individually adjustable workstations tailored to each worker’s needs.

“Treston provided the ideal solution,” says Gregor Kaminski, Production Manager at Schwarzer Precision. “We were especially impressed with the professional execution of the entire project, from planning and delivery, including installation and commissioning, to the friendliness and clarity of communication. Not to mention the outstanding product quality,” Kaminski adds.

We were especially impressed with the professional execution of the entire project, from planning and delivery to installation and commissioning, and friendliness and clarity of communication.

Modular system supports ongoing optimisation and Lean manufacturing principles

With the newly designed assembly lines, Schwarzer Precision has achieved more efficient and transparent workflows based on the principles of lean manufacturing. The goal is to eliminate waste in both materials and time, and to focus on the entire process: how to create functional workstations, standardise workflows, reduce product lead times, and improve both efficiency and employee well-being.

Treston’s modular system supports ongoing optimisation. If individual process steps change, workstations can be reconfigured without disrupting workflow.

ESD furniture safeguards electronic components and applications

The second key aspect of the project was ensuring proper ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection for the work environment. When two conductive objects with differing electrical charges come into contact, a sudden discharge can occur. Such discharges can cause serious damage, especially to sensitive electronic components, circuit boards or connectors, often going unnoticed but leading to significant consequences in medical or laboratory applications by impairing product function or lifespan.

Treston’s ESD version of the Concept workbench prevents such electrostatic discharges by safely dissipating static electricity, creating a controlled environment that protects sensitive components from damage.

Next project completed: Modular workstations for cleanroom

Following the successful optimisation of the assembly halls, Schwarzer Precision approached Treston again with another crucial project. The company’s high product quality relies on technological precision, premium materials, strict cleanliness standards and continuous quality control. Cleanroom requirements can easily become a stumbling block if not all factors are considered, including clothing, equipment, and furniture and workstation design.

To equip its new cleanroom in accordance with DIN EN 14644 ISO-8 standards, Schwarzer Precision once again turned to Treston for modular workstations.

To equip its new cleanroom in accordance with DIN EN 14644 ISO-8 standards, Schwarzer Precision once again turned to Treston for modular workstations.

“For workstations, the most critical element is the work surface itself. It must not allow dirt or particles to accumulate and must be easy to clean,” explains Dirk Stiepelmann.

Between the planning phase in July and final project completion, less than six months passed. The cleanroom is now operational, and Schwarzer Precision is more than satisfied with the result.

Happy customer turns to Treston for repeat orders

Both the redesign of the assembly hall and the cleanroom installation were characterised by fast and professional execution. Customer satisfaction is clearly reflected in repeat orders for additional Treston solutions after project completion. Since the initial order in 2021, Schwarzer Precision has commissioned a new assembly line every year.

“We are extremely proud to look back on this long-standing partnership, and even prouder that our customers are so satisfied with our integrated workstation solutions,” concludes Project Manager Dirk Stiepelmann. “Our motto ‘Workspaces for happier workfaces’ truly comes to life here. We’re especially pleased that the Schwarzer Precision team recognised how we can provide solutions across multiple areas, whether in the assembly hall or the cleanroom.”