Production and logistics
Fluidised bed Epoxy coating
To protect against corrosion, Hawle valves have a coating that is produced using the fluidised bed Epoxy coating technique according to the specifications of the Quality Assurance Association for Heavy-Duty Corrosion Protection (Gütegemeinschaft Schwerer Korrosionsschutz, GSK). Hawle has almost 40 years of experience in this technique. As a founding member of the GSK, Hawle played a major role in setting the standard for the valves and fittings industry. This extensive epoxy coating ensures long-term protection against corrosion.
Hawle also uses safe, environmentally conscious production methods to manufacture long-lasting pipeline networks.
Rigorous quality tests have verified the coating thickness of the coating, as well as its lack of pores and optimum adhesion both on the inside and outside (impact resistance, surface crosslinking, cathodic delamination). As our valves are used for potable water, their suitability for this area of application absolutely must be verified. This is guaranteed through in-house monitoring and third-party monitoring by neutral institutes.
Made in Europe
The product catalog of the Hawle Austria Group boasts an extensive manufacturing range. In addition to the core production processes of mechanical manufacturing, surface coating and product assembly, we also produce our own cast products, elastomer and plastic products and our own spindles. This exceptional manufacturing range enables us to respond to the needs of our customers as quickly as possible. Production plants in Europe and Turkey ensure that our high quality demands are always met. In these factories equipped to the highest European standards, the interaction between humans, robots, and digital solutions forms the basis for our high quality products.
Raw materials from Europe
Hawle requires a large amount of raw materials for its production processes, which it purchases from long-term partners. We have strict rules in place for these bought-in resources and place high demands on the raw material quality. More than 85% of our purchase volume therefore comes from the European Union – this also brings the benefit of short transport routes.
Suppliers to Hawle must meet our high demands. They do this by obtaining appropriate certification, such as drinking water certification; certification from the Austrian and German Associations for Gas and Water (ÖVGW and DVGW respectively); certification for plastics that come into contact with drinking water (KTW); certification according to UBA guidelines, WRAS, KIWA, ACS and more. Protecting human health and the environment are always important aspects of production. Hawle suppliers must therefore comply with the REACH regulations. We also give preference to suppliers who are certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. When conducting supplier audits, we pay particular attention to the working conditions for employees and to occupational and environmental safety.
Lean management
Lean thinking is heavily integrated into the working practices at Hawle and guides us in our day-to-day activities. Methods such as CIP, Muda walks, 5S, SMED, TPM, KATA, Poka Yoke, value stream and shop floor management help us to optimize every link in our value chain. As a pioneer, Hawle is always looking for ways to innovate. We use Industry 4.0 practices and digital solutions to boost efficiency and ensure quality. We make particular use of the benefits of digital technology for process monitoring and quality control, as well as consistently seeking out technological innovations for maintenance, logistics and service.
A stable supply
Hawle has subsidiaries and partners all over the world. When combined with the benefits of local warehouses, this regional presence guarantees a high level of availability and gives our customers a sense of security. When it comes to supplying water to people quickly, a high level of flexibility is essential. With the use of our own foundry and long-term partnerships all over the globe, we are able to meet the high demands of the market.
Hawle also uses its strong network to ensure efficient, competent distribution of its products. The optimized supply chain also reduces replenishment times, optimizes the flow of goods and ensures that deliveries are made on time.
Sustainable practices
For Hawle, sustainability means checking that every link in our value chain meets our requirements, making changes where needed, and – above all – putting our sustainable principles into practice. We attach particular importance to reusing secondary raw materials in the production chain. For instance, cast iron chips that are a waste product of the cast iron production process are pressed into bricks using a hydraulic press and reused in cast iron production. Plastic and elastomer waste generated during production is also recycled and re-used in the production cycle. When choosing tools, we select the ones that generate the least waste.
There is one thing that customers always notice when they visit the Hawle production plants: their cleanliness. To keep everything in top condition, we use solvent-free cleaners or lower-solvent options. We also reuse our detergents by cleaning them with active microorganisms. These environmentally friendly alternatives have helped us to significantly reduce the use of solvents in our production facilities.
