In response to high demand in both new construction and the aftermarket for the Anschütz Standard 22 NX gyrocompass, the Kiel-based company has modernised its production.
Anschütz is renowned for manufacturing reliable and highly accurate gyrocompasses. To meet the growing demand for both gyrocompasses and spare spheres while maintaining a consistently high level of quality, Anschütz has made significant investments in its compass production capabilities. As a result, the company now boasts one of the most modern production facilities in the maritime supply chain.
“With the Standard 22 family, Anschütz offers an exceptional product that has rightly become the best-selling gyrocompass of all time, thanks to its outstanding price/performance ratio,” said Thomas Harlander, Managing Director at Anschütz. “By investing in the modernisation of our production, we will be able to reliably meet the high demand in the new construction market, but also, and most importantly, ensure a continuous supply for the global fleet at all times.”
After more than a year of work, Anschütz has successfully completed a major expansion of its compass production. New and additional machinery, testing equipment, and tools have been acquired, while existing infrastructure and premises have been modernised and the workforce has been expanded. The aim was not only to meet the growing demand for new compasses but also to build up stock to ensure a swift response to the ever-increasing after-sales demand for replacement spheres.
Anschütz installs state-of-the-art equipment
Anschütz’s factory in Kiel is now capable of producing more than 5,000 compass sensors and gyrospheres per year. To achieve this, all processes, layouts, and tools were carefully analysed and optimised, while extensive redesigns and relocations were carried out to streamline workflows and provide sufficient space for expansion. Major renovations included the relocation of walls and the installation of new electrical, air conditioning, and ventilation systems.
At the same time, older, less reliable machinery has been replaced with state-of-the-art equipment. What began three years ago with the introduction of highly automated, precision machinery in mechanical pre-fabrication has continued with the acquisition of new lathes for the caps and autoclaves, which are used for vulcanising the rubber caps. Additional testing stations and test benches have been installed in the compass assembly department, allowing Anschütz to maintain the highest possible quality by testing all compass sensors and gyrospheres—without exception—under both static and dynamic conditions, even at increased production volumes.
The expansion has not only enhanced production and assembly capacity but has also significantly improved working conditions and employee satisfaction. With optimised processes, modern machinery, advanced tools and testing stations, as well as a quieter working environment, key quality management standards have also been implemented.
“The project marked the largest production expansion at Anschütz in decades, and everyone understood its significance,” said Harlander. “Of course, there were challenges along the way, but thanks to the high motivation of our employees and partners, we were able to complete the project very successfully—laying the foundation for the future production of the world’s market leader, the Standard 22 NX.”
Innovative compass technology
The Standard 22 NX gyrocompass uses Anschütz’s proven and advanced sensor technology, delivering maximum reliability and accuracy, even in the harshest conditions. Its unique ruggedness is due to its use of inductive and optical transmission, eliminating the need for slip rings. This significantly reduces the impact of vibration and ship motion on heading accuracy. Additionally, its superior system features ensure the availability of heading information for safe navigation—even in the event of jamming or spoofing.
Alongside its long-term stability, the Standard 22 NX offers extended maintenance intervals and a longer gyrosphere lifespan. On average, the gyrospheres need replacement only every five years. After replacement, used gyrospheres are returned to the Anschütz factory in Kiel for inspection. Following thorough cleaning, maintenance, and the replacement of any worn parts, the gyrospheres are restored to full functionality and returned to ships as replacement spheres. This sustainable recycling management system has been a key practice at Anschütz for many decades.
