MBK Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary
Albert and Mario PfenderMBK Maschinenbau GmbH was established by Mr. George Pfender in 1961 who started its operation with a little machine shop in Kisslegg, Germany, is now celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Within a short span of time after its establishment, Mr. Pfender designed and developed his first cage machine for straight cages, catering to the requirement of the local concrete pipe producer Rinninger. Thereafter, MBK started making successful story with original design which was soon updated to bell cages and since then never looked behind.
The second generation, Albert Pfender, a mechanical engineer, succeeded his father in 1985 and invested all his time and energy ensuring consistent growth of the company by non stop updating of the machines with the latest available technology and focused on quality product backed by the well oiled after sales services network. Meanwhile over 800 MBK cage machines have been installed the world over and to ensure quality services a trained team of 15 technicians was set up to strongly support its quality product. In January 2011 the third generation Mario Pfender, joined his father supporting him in the day to day MBK management. His prime task is to streamline production and design and to integrate the family traditions with hi-tech and latest technology.
According to Mario Pfender, 'The quality of our machinery' is our best PR promotion and it also remains the key issue. Realizing that standing still means moving backwards, MBK designed a complete new generation of cage machines. New control and drive systems, combined with new and existing welding technology, allowed faster and better production of cages for concrete pipes and also for the construction industry.
The first model of the series, covering the diameter range of 220 – 1700 mm (9" – 67") with 12 longitudinal, has proven its potential by producing perfect cages at 64 RPM. This leads to a capacity of over 50 cages per hour, while an automated wire cutter, a cage removal and nesting device including a motorized decoiler will bring even more advantages. A pre feeding device in combination with a straight cut has been developed to create the non plus ultra in speed and operators' comfort.
MBK 1 built 1963. (Picture made in 2010)This new model BSM 170-R for round cages will be the “mother” of all future models and sizes: 190 – 250 – 300 – 360 – 400 – 450 and 520. All sizes will be available in the standard version R for round, or O for round and oval, or S for round, oval and square. These models and sizes will be built in modular mode allowing up-grades and accessories.
For the reinforcement of concrete pipes and boxes with cages up to 3600 x 3600 mm (12 x 12') MBK has started producing a wire cage machine for round, oval, rectangular and square cages up to a maximum diameter of 5200 mm (16.8').
Next to cages for the concrete pipes and manhole production, MBK produces cage and mesh machines for the construction industry. Piles, poles, bored piles, columns and beams, wall, roof and floor panels, can be reinforced with rigid and precise cages in round, oval, square and rectangular shape. New technologies like mid frequency welding, double drive technology, Microbox application in the PLC etc have been incorporated. The freshly designed cage removal device is actually available for cages up to 2.500 mm (100") and can be upgraded to allow cage nesting exactly next to the cage machine.
The new machines on the MBK development list include the production of tapered cages for reinforcement of wind turbine towers with diameters up to 9.000 mm (30'). A modular mesh machine for production of engineered mesh, for reinforcement of box culverts, wall, floor and roof panels, with and without door, window and stairs' openings.
