Axzion certified according to KTA 1401
Axzion GmbH now also offers lifting beams and other lifting technology for the construction and dismantling of nuclear power plants. The company, which has branches in Langenfeld and Neustrelitz, recently provided proof that it meets the safety requirements of the Nuclear Safety Standards Commission (KTA 1401). Axzion is part of the SpanSet Group (Übach-Palenberg).
Following the successful audit in accordance with KTA 1401, Axzion is now taking part in tenders for nuclear power plants. “Our lifting beams have proven their reliability in onshore and offshore wind turbines, drilling platforms and other large industrial components,” says Managing Director Andreas Höltkemeier. “The KTA certificate opens up access to another highly interesting market for our company.”
Höltkemeier sees great growth potential here. On the one hand, the energy transition in Germany means that nuclear, coal and gas-fired power plants will be dismantled in the long term. On the other hand, energy companies are building new plants in other regions of Europe. In both cases, lifting beams and other lifting technology such as those produced, sold and rented by Axzion are required. The abbreviation KTA stands for the Nuclear Safety Standards Commission. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the committee defines the safety-related requirements for the operators, manufacturers and suppliers of nuclear power plants.
Comprehensive quality concept
Axzion is the first manufacturer specializing in load handling equipment to be awarded the KTA 1401 certificate. It applies to the Langenfeld and Neustrelitz sites. The audit was carried out by Pro Consulting Ingenieurdienstleistungen on behalf of Preussen Elektra. The prerequisite for an audit in accordance with KTA 1401 is ISO 9001 as basic certification. In addition, Axzion fulfills the requirements of the EN 1090 and ISO 3834 standards for the manufacture of steel construction products.
Lots of steel, but nothing off the peg
“The certificates form the pillars of our internal quality management system,” explains Höltkemeier. Under the name Quality Seven (Q7), Axzion has set up a seven-point programme with which the company monitors and optimizes its own performance throughout: from product development, the procurement of materials, drives and control technology to production, testing, documentation and service. “Even though Axzion works a lot with steel, there is virtually nothing off the shelf,” says Höltkemeier. More than 80 percent of all products delivered are individual modifications and customized solutions.
Large portfolio for the energy sector
By now also offering products and services for nuclear power plants, Axzion is rounding off its portfolio for the energy sector. Custom-made products and special solutions for the transportation and assembly of wind turbines remain a key focus. One of the products frequently used in this environment is the upending tool for lifting and erecting monopiles. With its six grippers, the three-arm gripper can carry up to 1,500 tons. The basic design of the tool always remains the same, but Axzion carries out project-specific adaptations according to customer orders. The Neustrelitz site in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is certified by DNV GL (Norway) as a manufacturer of load handling equipment for offshore use.
