Faroe Origin’s department on Toftir had a BAADER IS031 heading machine, which after many years of use was worn down and desperately needed an upgrade.

Even though BAADER machines are very durable, there are apparent downsides using machines there are worn out. Regarding the BAADER IS031, fundamental parts on the machine were in such bad shape that a total renovation of the machine was needed if there would be any hope for maintaining the machine in production.  However, replacing the parts on this machine was both problematic and expensive.

Petur Larsen was already having a fully renovated BAADER IS033, a newer model of the IS031, in stock, so instead of an expensive renovation process, Faroe Origin could choose a much better alternative. The old worn-out IS031 was removed, and the overhauled IS033 was mounted instead and made ready for production. The swap only took a weekend to do, to minimise any interference in the production. The first week, however, Petur Larsen made some adjustments to optimise the machine. For example, a frequency converter, which is common in the newest model (IS034), but not with the older ones, was added to get better consistency with the heading.

After the swap and the adjustments on the new machines, the production flows better. The new heading machine is performing well and produces a higher yield. As Faroe Origin’s technician, Arnhold Berg, puts it:

"Even though the first week went with troubleshooting the IS033 and fixing minor issues the machine now works as if it is a brand new machine".