Focus on innovation

Quality made in France, made by CLAAS – that's what Woippy stands for. In addition to qualified welders, the factory relies on highly automated robotic arms to produce the ROLLANT cutting rotors, for example. "Individual parts are then checked for accuracy in the quality gates," explains site manager Cédric Zimoch. Technicians use lasers to check the accuracy of weld edges – "to an accuracy of 15 microns", quality assurance technician Hocine Ghilas proudly explains.

Only then are the individual parts – 2,000 to 2,500 units each day – sent to the paint shop, which was completely rebuilt in 2013. "The cathodic electrocoating process involves immersing the negatively charged parts in a paint bath containing positively charged particles. These particles are attracted to the parts, forming a uniform coating on the entire surface," explains paint shop manager Jérémy Jacquet. After the multi-stage painting and drying process, the parts pass through to the next quality gate, where they are checked once again.

Multi-stage quality assurance

"Regular ongoing tests and inspections during production enable us to produce a better product," says Zimoch. "At the same time, psychologically, it's enormously reassuring for the employees to know that production discrepancies will be spotted when they occur rather than after the machines have been completed."

Whether research, logistics or production – the production plant in Woippy is a core component of the CLAAS world. Here, skilled craftsmanship combines with technological excellence to create machines which make work easier for farmers in more than 100 countries around the world: the ROLLANT balers used horse-drawn by Amish people in the USA for religious reasons are made in Metz. The QUADRANT balers used to process sugar cane in Southeast Asia are also made in Metz.

Five facts about Metz

1.

With a population of 118,000, Metz is the capital of the department of Moselle in north-eastern France and lies on the banks of the Moselle river near the border with Germany and Luxemburg. This location makes it one of France's leading cultural and economic centres.

2.

The Metz region is famous for growing mirabelles, a type of small, yellow plum, which are a speciality of the region. These plums are used to make jams, spirits and desserts and are closely associated with the regional identity.

3.

Metz can trace its history back over 3,000 years from its founding as a Celtic settlement to Roman times right up to its current importance as an administrative and cultural centre.

4.

Metz Cathedral, famous for its impressive stained-glass windows, and the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a renowned arts centre, attract scores of visitors each year. The city also holds regular markets selling local products and specialities.

5.

Metz lies close to the Moselle wine-growing area, which is best known for its white grape varieties such as Riesling. The vineyards on the hillsides along the Moselle shape the landscape in this region and are a popular destination for tourists and wine enthusiasts.