Jansen Machining Technology in Valkenswaard recently commissioned two horizontal five-axis machining centres from GROB. The two G350 machines are connected to a large-scale automation system from BMO Automation. The company has since purchased a third machining centre of exactly the same type, which will further expand the production cell. With this cell, Jansen Machining Technology is focusing on unmanned high-mix, low-volume production for demanding customers in sectors including the semiconductor and optical industries.
Jansen Machining Technology employs around 75 people and specialises in high-quality precision machining. Its focus is on customers with stringent requirements for accuracy, cleanliness and short lead times. Products range from small to medium-sized batches, often featuring complex geometries and tight tolerances. To serve these markets, investing in stable processes and reliable unmanned production is a prerequisite rather than an option, as Twan Bussers, former Managing Director of Jansen Machining Technology, knows well. He recently took on the role of Director of Technology for machining within the Anvil Group, of which Jansen Machining Technology is a part.
150 hours per week
“The demand for small batches of highly accurate, complex components that must meet challenging tolerance and cleanliness requirements calls for a new approach to manufacturing. Particularly in high-tech markets such as the semiconductor industry, which we serve, requirements have increased enormously over the past ten years. At the same time, customers expect short lead times and smaller batches, while margins are under pressure. We therefore aim to keep our machines producing for 150 hours per week, without manufacturing for stock. Achieving this requires reliable, accurate machining equipment, and processes must be automated and optimised as much as possible. That is why we invested in the two five-axis machines from GROB in combination with a flexible automation solution from BMO,” explains Bussers.
Horizontal five-axis machining
The original reason for investing in the new production cell was to expand capacity. However, changing circumstances meant that the project also became a replacement investment. Switching to horizontal five-axis machining was a deliberate choice. “In vertical configurations, chip evacuation is not always optimal, and chips often remain in pockets, creating a risk of damage to the workpiece and cutting tool. In an unmanned production environment, that is something you want to avoid at all costs. With horizontal machining, chips fall away from the working area, improving process reliability.”
After a lengthy search during the purchasing process, two horizontal machines ultimately made the shortlist. The final choice was GROB. “We already had someone in our company with experience of GROB machines, which strengthened our confidence in the brand. GROB’s machine design also played a decisive role in our choice. The robust machine construction and the positioning of the three linear axes minimise the distance between the guideways and the machining point, ensuring high stability,” says Bussers. Iggy Rolando of GROB adds: “Another important advantage for Jansen is the tunnel concept, which allows the spindle to retract fully into the machine housing. This means that even very large components can be machined safely and without collisions within the working area, including when using extremely long tools.”
The G350 machines at Jansen are part of GROB’s standard machining centre portfolio. The machine has been available for many years and has been continuously developed over time. The G350 has axis travels of 600 mm x 855 mm x 750 mm (X x Y x Z) and can accommodate loads of up to 400 kg and workpieces with a diameter of up to 720 mm.
Stability ensures accuracy
The complete production cell was commissioned in July 2025, and the first workpieces were produced shortly afterwards. “We use the two GROB G350 machining centres to manufacture our most critical workpieces. These include workpieces with tolerances within one hundredth of a millimetre across the entire working area, with some dimensions machined to an accuracy of just a few micrometres.” According to Bussers, GROB stands out precisely in terms of stability and repeatability, providing the foundation for successful unmanned high-mix, low-volume production. Achieving these high levels of accuracy consistently in an automated setting depends not only on the mechanical and thermal stability of the G350, but also on the fully climate-controlled production environment and the actively temperature-controlled coolant. “To achieve this level of accuracy repeatedly, the entire process must be under control.”
High-mix, low-volume automation
Jansen Machining Technology has connected the two GROB machines to a large-scale automation system from BMO Automation. The cell combines pallet and workpiece handling and is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing a wide variety of products to be manufactured in a mixed sequence. The cell is equipped with a robot that uses a track system to handle pallets and workpieces between the various machines and stations. In addition to the two GROB machining centres, the cell includes a cleaning bath to clean and blow-dry workpieces immediately after production, preventing coolant residues from drying onto them. Workpieces can also be turned over automatically, allowing the sixth side to be machined without operator intervention. A key component is an electrically controlled clamping system that automatically adjusts to the dimensions of the workpiece. The cell is also prepared for the addition of a third machine, making future expansion relatively straightforward.
“The integration of the two machining centres and the automation cell went smoothly. GROB and BMO carried out this project together and delivered a fully operational system. We are extremely satisfied with the result, and knowing that we can rely on it adds considerable value.”
High utilisation and repeatability
An important objective of the investment was to achieve high utilisation. In Bussers’ view, the cell needs to run for at least 130 to 140 hours per week for the automation to be economically viable. This is challenging in a high-mix, low-volume environment, but there have already been weeks in which these figures were achieved. In practice, a weekly production schedule is started on Friday afternoon, after which the machines continue producing unmanned until Monday morning. During the day, the focus is on setup, process adjustments and logistics. “In theory, with a fully loaded cell, we could continue producing unmanned for several weeks,” says Bussers.
Anvil Group
Jansen is part of the Anvil Group. The group consists of several specialist manufacturing companies, including Job Precision, Rols, De Valk, Slagman, Contour Covering Technology and BKL Engineering. Together, they operate under the name Anvil Industries, with capabilities in turning, milling, sheet metal fabrication, additive manufacturing and engineering.
The Anvil Group’s strategy focuses on economies of scale and expanding its range of services for customers. By combining capabilities, the group can take on more complex projects and play a greater role within its customers’ supply chains. Project-based collaboration between the various companies is becoming increasingly common. At the same time, there are concrete plans for international expansion into Asia and North America. Manufacturing forms the foundation, supported by VADO, a long-term investor with a clear focus on continuity and technological development.
