Efficiency in action: Busch central vacuum technology transforms CNC production at Vermeulen

The warm, earthy fragrance of freshly cut wood fills the bright production floor of Trappenfabriek Vermeulen. Three MINK dry claw vacuum pumps from Busch Vacuum Solutions hum quietly in unison, with a fourth standing idle and ready when needed. The central system reliably supplies seven CNC routers with vacuum for clamping and nesting, ensuring each wooden panel is securely fastened during cutting, without pressure marks or damage. The CNC process remains fast, efficient and low-waste while producing all the components required to build a wooden staircase.

The production floor at Trappenfabriek Vermeulen. Photograph courtesy of Busch Vacuum Solutions

Woodworking excellence

Founded by Johannes Vermeulen and his six sons, Trappenfabriek Vermeulen has installed over 400,000 staircases since 1958. The company is renowned for its wide portfolio of both wooden and steel stairs. Customers can choose from over 25 wood types, including European oak, cherry and bamboo. Handcrafted detailing is also available for handrails, newel posts and spindles, and both wood and steel can be combined in various bespoke designs.

Every week, 120 employees produce staircases at the North Brabant headquarters, which are then installed across the Netherlands, serving everything from large residential projects to unique luxury home designs.

Honesty, reliability & transparency

Before installing a central system, the company relied on 10 dry-running rotary vane pumps from various manufacturers. The pumps sat next to the CNC routers, occupying valuable floor space while generating high noise and energy costs.

Four MINK vacuum pumps are connected to seven CNC routers. Photo: Busch Vacuum Solutions

In 2018, after purchasing five new CNC routers, Trappenfabriek Vermeulen sought to optimise its vacuum supply. Busch proposed a central vacuum system as a work-friendly, energy-efficient solution.

“Busch clearly had our best interests in mind. Together, we found the best solution for our process,” says Ed van Halteren, Head of Technical Services.

The old pumps were removed and the new central system was installed. It comprises four MINK dry claw vacuum pumps – three in operation and one on standby – each consuming just 8kW. All pumps are equipped with ECOTORQUE variable speed drives (VSDs), which adjust motor speed in real time based on demand. Vacuum is delivered only when a wooden panel needs clamping, thus cutting the company’s energy bill in half.

The system is installed on a raised balcony overlooking the CNC area. Since 2018, two additional CNC routers have been added and seamlessly connected. The pumps run reliably for eight hours a day, Monday to Friday.

Noise levels have also dropped significantly, creating a quieter and more comfortable workspace while freeing up production floor space. “Our central vacuum system from Busch is a game-changer,” says Ed van Halteren. “The quieter working environment and extra space have improved employee satisfaction and reducing our energy costs by 50% is a huge win.”

Vacuum clamps firmly holding each piece of wood in place. Photograph courtesy of Busch Vacuum Solutions

Securely fastened with vacuum

The company uses CNC routers to cut wooden panels into all the components needed for a staircase – from balusters to handrails and newels. Designs are created using CAD software in 2D or 3D, then converted via CAM into CNC-ready code.

A technician loads the correct tools and places the wooden panel onto the CNC table. Vacuum clamps fasten the panel securely, preventing movement and ensuring precise cuts.

Nesting technology further reduces waste by mapping the cutting area with lasers – including clamp positions – so the cutting tool avoids them. In seconds, up to 16 cuts can be made, revealing the staircase components. Fine details, such as rounding stair edges, can also be completed on the CNC router.

A laser maps out the vacuum clamps. Photograph courtesy of Busch Vacuum Solutions

Cutting energy costs in half, reducing noise levels and increasing production floor space – this is how a central vacuum system from Busch Vacuum Solutions has transformed the CNC process at Trappenfabriek Vermeulen BV.

A trustworthy digital assistant

An IoT solution from Busch monitors the central system, reporting pump status around the clock. Predictive maintenance identifies early signs of potential faults and creates a maintenance schedule to prevent unplanned downtime.

“One time, I received a call from Busch telling me an alert had appeared on their system,” Ed recalls. “I was surprised because everything seemed fine, but they were right. We were able to prevent downtime and keep production running.”

With reliable vacuum performance, Trappenfabriek Vermeulen continues producing high-quality staircases installed throughout the Netherlands.

For further information on the Busch Group, visit www.buschgroup.com.