CLAAS, one of the world's leading manufacturers of combine harvesters, partnered with Mankiewicz to develop a custom coating solution celebrating the production of its 500,000th machine. The goal was to create an exclusive metallic finish that preserved CLAAS' iconic design while meeting the highest standards for durability and performance. In this case study, discover how Mankiewicz's innovative Direct-to-Metal coating combined premium aesthetics with long-lasting protection and enabled an efficient coating process for the limited anniversary edition.
A special coating for a milestone machine
The coating manufacturer Mankiewicz has developed a new coating in cooperation with combine manufacturer CLAAS Group to celebrate the production milestone of 500,000 machines.
CLAAS combines are renowned for their iconic seed green color and are recognised worldwide. The new coating, featuring a striking metallic finish, maintains the robust and durable properties that farmers and contractors rely on, ensuring that these machines stand out while working in the field.
Direct-to-Metal in metallic look
On the technical side, Mankiewicz has developed a Direct-to-Metal (DTM) metallised coating that retains the iconic silver and seed green colors, while offering unique brilliance and robustness. Thoroughly tested for corrosion protection, UV resistance and durability, the coating can be applied directly to pre-treated metal or as a topcoat on primed substrates.
So far, nine combines have been upgraded, eight of which are already in use and one is on its way to Australia. Another machine will be painted for the Chinese market. In addition, special '500000' stickers enhance the visual appeal of the anniversary models, which include the LEXION, TRION, EVION and DOMINATOR.
Efficient implementation through close collaboration
“Up to 60 parts of each machine had to be removed, upgraded, and reassembled. The efficient coating process and excellent cooperation made everything go smoothly,” has declared Matthias Mumme, head of trade media & deputy head of group communications at CLAAS.
