Eficalu becomes the world’s first user of the elumatec SBZ 145

Eficalu is a metal construction company that enjoys an excellent reputation in the region. Founded 35 years ago by Antonio Neves and handed over to his children Jessica and Anthony in 2015, the company is headquartered in Martillac and has a site in Bordeaux.

Eficalu headquarters in Martillac, France
Image copyright: Verre & Protections Mag

As one of Profils Systèmes’ longest-standing customers and a certified window construction partner of the profile manufacturer for a decade, Eficalu believes in enduring partnerships based on trust that ensure mutual success. This philosophy is also reflected in the working relationship with elumatec – Anthony Neves had previously invested in an SBZ 122 3-axis machining centre in 2016.

Machine operator Remy Copol, who was trained by elumatec in operation and daily maintenance of the brand new SBZ 145, alongside Anthony Neves, Managing Director of Eficalu, and Cyril Benoist, Regional Manager South West at elumatec
Image copyright: Verre & Protections Mag

The joint Managing Director of Eficalu has always focused on high-quality all-round solutions for living areas, with the clear aim of establishing the company in the premium segment. The range includes aluminium and PVC windows, sliding and other doors, gates, sun protection systems, conservatories, pergolas, outdoor products, railings and other custom-made products. Eficalu’s clientele primarily consists of commercial customers such as property developers, public institutions and architects, while private clients account for around 30 to 40 per cent of sales. Its 27 employees, spread across the design office, technical sales staff, workshops and five specialist installation teams, offer a wide-range of expertise to produce tailor-made solutions.

This investment in the latest-generation machining centre from elumatec, a Voilàp Group company, is another step forward in Eficalu’s growth. It highlights the company’s core values: in-depth expertise and the drive to constantly set new standards.

Cyril Benoist, Regional Manager South West at elumatec, says: “Anthony Neves has taken a decisive step towards entrepreneurial independence by investing in the SBZ 145.” Neves initially had a different elumatec model in mind. But when he discovered the SBZ 145 at elumatec AG’s open day in September 2024, he immediately recognised its potential – and he complete the purchase at the Batimat trade fair that same year.

 

The SBZ 145 is loaded onto the lorry at elumatec in Germany, ready to be transported
Image copyright: elumatec AG, Mühlacker

“The investment was higher and required a complete redesign of our workshop, especially in terms of material flows. And commissioning took 3 to 4 months,” explains Neves. “But the benefits are enormous: I’ve halved production times, and we can now pre-machine significantly more aluminium bars with impressive precision. I’m very happy that I invested in the SBZ 145.”
 

Unloading the machine at Eficalu required maximum precision
Image copyright: Verre & Protections Mag

The new system boasts numerous key benefits: it can handle a wide variety of profile cuts and offers shuttle operation, meaning that pre-cut parts can also be processed efficiently, while the equipment specifically compensates for staff shortages caused by the economic situation. “Our long-term focus is now on management and assembly. This specialisation gives us the freedom to act faster and with more flexibility,” explains Neves.
 

Ready to use: the SBZ 145 in the Eficalu production hall
Image copyright: Verre & Protections Mag

For elumatec, listening carefully to feedback and the changing requirements of its partners is key. Benoist makes clear the importance of sharing technical information in order to deliver efficient solutions: “Sometimes even the smallest detail can become the spark for innovation.”

That sums up what elumatec is all about: based in Mühlacker since 1928, the German manufacturer has always blended tradition and innovation. The French subsidiary, headed by Yvon Wirz, has helped to enhance the company’s reputation for 15 years by offering outstanding service and uncompromising quality.

“We give our customers close and comprehensive support in order to encourage industrial transformation in companies that share our vision of performance and quality,” says Benoist. “Our process is clearly defined, and a crucial part of it is in-depth training in how to use the eluCad software so that our machines are used as effectively as possible.”

“The benefits are enormous: I’ve halved production times, and we can now pre-machine significantly more aluminium bars with impressive precision. I’m very happy that I invested in the SBZ 145.”
Anthony Neves, Eficalu Managing Director, France

Neves, who is now an expert in how to use the machine, has once again led the way and has taken his company’s industrialisation to the next level in order to meet the changes of an increasingly demanding market. “We’re very honoured by his courage and trust in us – after all, he’s the first customer anywhere in the world to buy the SBZ 145,” says Benoist.

Behind the scenes at elumatec

Once the machine had been built in Mühlacker, it was delivered to the customer. Transporting it was every bit as demanding as the construction itself: elumatec’s entire expertise was required throughout the journey, from loading in Baden-Württemberg to installation at Eficalu in Bordeaux, with a team of experts looking after the SBZ 145 with the utmost care at every stage to ensure that everything went exactly as planned without a hitch.

The 5-axis SBZ 145: top performance guaranteed

The 5-axis SBZ 145 has been developed by elumatec to meet all the requirements of steel and aluminium construction for industrial applications. The machining centre has a working area of 560 mm x 320 mm x 7,500 mm and comes with an autonomous clamping axis and an extensive tool magazine, making it perfectly suited for milling, tapping, sawing and other specific requirements. The system can be equipped with an additional clamping device, a measurement sensor, and tool measuring and profile length measuring options to enable a wider and complementary range of machining operations.
 

The 5-axis SBZ 145 from elumatec boasts a robust and stable gantry design
Image copyright: elumatec AG, Mühlacker

More about Eficalu:

https://eficalu.fr/

Text information:
This article was written and illustrated by the French magazine Verre & Protections Mag, which has kindly granted permission to elumatec AG and its media partners to print/publish it.