Tailored Modernization at Ford
Ford’s Cologne factory upgraded more production units to improve efficiency and energy use, again partnering with StrikoWestofen after successful ProDos 3 control upgrades and relining.
After two years of reliable use, Ford’s Cologne factory saw further potential in its Westomat dosing furnaces and overhauled six more units. Satisfied with previous modernizations, Ford again chose StrikoWestofen to enhance dosing accuracy, energy efficiency, and system uptime. The upgrade from Westronics to ProDos 3 controls boosted dosing precision by up to 35%, reduced returns, and simplified operation — all completed with minimal production downtime. Over the past three years, seven furnaces have been converted, plus one new system installed during a die-casting machine overhaul.
Oldies become goldies
Relining of Westomat furnaces is inevitable over time. StrikoWestofen offers three options depending on acceptable downtime:
- At the supplier’s site (4–5 weeks)
- On-site with pre-sintered lining (7 days)
- Replacement furnace body (3 days).
Ford chose relining at StrikoWestofen’s premises, ensuring quick commissioning without rinsing batches. For one unit, a replacement furnace body enabled especially fast startup. After relining, even older furnaces match new systems in energy efficiency, with costs recouped within months.
StrikoWestofen also provides tailored modernization packages—from relining to full upgrades with new controls, pneumatics, and sensors. Many recent innovations, such as self-cleaning launders, improved dosing accuracy, and ProDos 3 controls, can be retrofitted. “Conversion and relining are worthwhile investments,” says Herweg. “New isn’t always better.”
Dosing furnace tuning at Ford
Relining and upgrading to ProDos 3 control make this Westomat state of the art too. Image: StrikoWestofen
