AN IDEA BECOMES REALITY

Arne Andersen came up with the idea of creating alternative body parts in his workshop in Klokkerholm. Most of their time in the workshop was spent customising original parts when repairing minor damage to cars. So along with his 12 employees, he began making moulds so it would be faster and cheaper to produce alternative body parts. In 1969, Arne Andersen took the first steps towards creating a company that would become a leader in the use of new technological solutions.

BOTH THE DREAM AND THE BUSINESS ARE STILL GROWING

Today, the production of alternative body parts still takes place at the address in Klokkerholm, where the now 25,000 m2 company has succeeded in staying local, despite the fact that 1.5 million parts a year are produced here and that they are available in more than 40 countries worldwide. In-house production involves an almost symbiotic relationship between humans and machines – and much has happened since the beginning in 1969: “The robots are part of the reason that we can keep up with demand,” says Klokkerholm, “because they can just do things faster than human beings.” However, the past has not been forgotten or discarded, and right next to the new fibre laser is a 3D cutter from 1992: “It’s now been over 25 years since it arrived, and technology has certainly advanced a great deal since then, but it can still do things that make it worth keeping.” Although the past is valued at Klokkerholm, the desire to be first and to find new and interesting solutions to problems stands out throughout the company’s history: One example was in 1973, when Klokkerholm purchased Scandinavia’s first laser cutting machine. Recent times have also brought exciting additions to the production process – including the aforementioned fibre laser, which was added after 2017 saw good sales numbers. It meant that upgrades were necessary in order for production to keep up with demand.

HIGH QUALITY AND AMBITIONS

There is great enthusiasm for the many technological advances at Klokkerholm: “There is always something happening in the industry, and it’s incredibly exciting.” Although the premises have been extended and production is more efficient, the goal remains the same: to create alternative body parts that fully measure up to the originals. The steel that is used is the same as in the original, and the dies are shaped by the original parts. For Klokkerholm’s employees, robots, fibre lasers and 3D scanners represent an exciting way to reach that goal: “We always want to be better – on every level – and that’s what drives us.” In other words, at Klokkerholm Karosseridele, the future doesn’t wait.