Barbas Bellfires, based in Bladel in Brabant, develops and manufactures Bellfires gas fires, among other products. To bring as much heat, and therefore comfort, into the room as possible, these gas fires use Rotero Fergas radial fans. An excellent price/quality ratio, a long service life and good heat resistance combined with low noise levels were decisive factors for strategic purchaser Joost van Geloven. Not to mention the reliable, just-in-time delivery. The solution also fits in well with the manufacturer’s policy of continuously striving for sustainability in its production process and products.
Quick Response Manufacturing
Sustainable production is a theme that is a serious priority for many companies. This certainly applies to Barbas Bellfires, which has many years of experience in developing and building wood-burning and gas fires. The specific focus on sustainability is reflected in the “Quick Response Manufacturing” strategy. This strategy means, among other things, that a fireplace is only manufactured after it has been ordered and that the entire process, from picking and spraying to packaging, takes only six hours. To make this possible, Bellfires works with standard modules that can be used to quickly and professionally produce a large number of different variants (around 16,000), all with the same short delivery time. This approach also prevents waste of time, energy and materials.
Efficient operation
In addition to paying attention to sustainability during the production process, this focus naturally also applies to the operation of the products themselves. Joost van Geloven: “In the design department, there is a constant tension between the desire to achieve maximum efficiency from the fireplace and the desired user experience. In terms of atmosphere, for example, the user wants to see yellow flames, while the most efficient combustion of gas does not produce this image. So we are looking for solutions to optimise other elements of the gas fires to such an extent that we can ultimately deliver a fireplace with good efficiency and the right atmosphere.”
Rotero: more than just a supplier
Fans are now standard equipment, directing convection heat into the living room for extra comfort. Joost van Geloven: “The fireplaces have a steel casing, the back, sides and top of which naturally also become warm and radiate this heat to the adjacent wall surfaces. By installing fans here, this convection heat is blown into the room where it is needed and does not disappear into the building’s structure. As a result, the user receives more heat in their room for the same amount of gas consumed.”
The fans are purchased from Rotero in Woerden. ‘More than just a supplier,’ says Joost van Geloven. “This company fits in with our QRM philosophy and therefore understands how important it is that we always have the right parts available. Among other things, they keep these fans in stock for us as a kind of safety stock so that we never run out. In addition, Rotero is able to think along with us to find the right solution, especially when we are working on new developments. Even when we want to make a specific adjustment, they consult with the specialists at the Italian manufacturer of the fans (Fergas) and ensure that the desired product is on our shelves – or theirs – at the right time. This saves us a lot of work. We just give them the specs, and they handle all the communication with Italy, with the end result being the right product.
And by the right product, Joost van Geloven also means the best solution. ‘Firstly, the price/quality ratio is excellent, but these fans also have a long service life, even at these high temperatures. This is partly due to the use of heat-resistant bearings. Last but not least, these fans produce very little noise, which is of course essential for the customer’s comfort.’
‘In addition, Rotero keeps us closely informed of any innovations that are relevant to us. By taking care of these matters, they enable us to focus on what we do best: selling atmosphere and warmth!’
