Interview with Lazzaro Simoncini, owner of INFISTIL

INFISTIL has had the privilege and honour of being the first company in the world to choose the V-Perfect technology since its debut in 2013: we were the ones who purchased the GRAF Synergy SL4 FF welding machine number 1 [see dedicated article link].

In fact, the collaboration with GRAF Synergy began even earlier, in 2011, with the purchase of a profile cutting centre. Later, when we acquired the FF welding machine, we replaced the cutting centre with a more modern cutting and processing centre that could adequately supply the FF, along with a reinforcement screwing and drilling centre, a multi-spindle frame drilling centre, and hardware assembly. Finally, we replaced the FF with the EVO.

We chose GRAF over other competitors because we wanted a company that was a pioneering leader in the industry, focused on innovation and the industrialisation of the production processes we needed at that time.

With the innovative FF, we had finally found a way to elevate PVC to a higher quality product, a goal our company had set for itself some time ago as we aimed to shift production from large-scale construction to a market with more refined aesthetic qualities. Additionally, a unique collaborative relationship had developed with the internal GRAF team, making us feel like a part of the project for the launch of the FF.

The aesthetic appeal of our PVC windows has reached unimaginable levels since the introduction of the V-Perfect patent. With the automation of work processes, the speed of execution, and the synergy between machines and programming software, we have achieved a significant increase in productivity, while simultaneously avoiding production errors caused by misinterpretation of work sheets. With barcode readers at various stations, and thanks to the ability to receive production information, we can prevent mistakes and accelerate work cycles. The advantages are such that at times, demand does not fully saturate our increased production capacity.

All of this was made possible thanks to the strong relationship that developed between our team and the GRAF technicians. We worked in complete synergy, receiving careful support throughout all phases of the project and during the periods following the launch of the production line.

The compatibility of GRAF machines with other equipment in our company has not been an issue; in fact, thanks to minor adjustments to coordinate production, all work cycles have benefited in terms of quality and speed. Compared to the production system we had before acquiring the new line, the quality leap has been radical. Previously, we had a fairly capable setup: a cutting centre, a reinforcement and processing screw centre, a two-head welder and a single-head welder, a semi-automatic assembly bench for door hardware, and two glazing benches with a jib crane. All these machines, from different brands and introduced in subsequent years, had their own timings and characteristics, often not in sync with each other. With the introduction of the cutting centre, the screw and drilling centre, the FF welder, and the frame drilling and assembly centre, we also had to rethink the glazing and assembly processes. The working times of the various phases were set according to the capacity of the welder, thus allowing us to eliminate “dead” times before and after the welding operation, optimizing both in terms of time and logistics, and removing or reducing “buffer zones” between the various stations that had different processing times. Furthermore, with a simple check of the number of welded frames and the number of pieces cut and processed by the centre, we gained a much clearer understanding of the progress of production, the times, and the costs involved.

Before the introduction of the GRAF integrated line, we could consider ourselves ‘master’ craftsmen, which meant it was essential to have a deep understanding of the product to carry out various processes in a semi-automatic manner. For this reason, we exclusively needed staff who were already trained and experienced. With GRAF’s automation, years of experience and training are no longer strictly necessary, as it is now possible to achieve excellent results in much shorter timeframes, allowing even new staff to become independent. In an increasingly dynamic and fast-paced job market, with more frequent staff turnover, these aspects are crucial: automation and ease of use are fundamental to ensuring production continuity.

To conclude this account of our adventure as pioneers, I would describe the relationship with GRAF as almost ‘familial’, especially after the purchase and sharing of the seamless experience of the FF. From that moment on, we had the opportunity to collaborate in a truly ‘synergistic’ way, as the name GRAF Synergy suggests, allowing us to experience firsthand how revolutionary and safe the V-Perfect innovation could be. GRAF opened its doors to us, and we both proved to be serious and reliable, working closely together to create a unique bond of ‘mutual trust’ that goes far beyond the typical supplier-client relationship.

In the photo, Lazzaro Simoncini