20 Fontbonne says Ensto was flexible enough to adapt its con-nector for CAMEG, create installation documents in Arabic, produce an instructional video, and send an Ensto Pro team to Algeria to train 100 installers. Auguste itself is so versatile that it can be adapted for almost any country. For lower kilovolt networks where it isn’t suitable, there is Ergoswitch, sometimes referred to as Auguste 2.0. Ergoswitch: Auguste 2.0 Since Auguste comes in one range, 36 kV, Ergoswitch was developed for 12 kV networks. Also an SF6 insulated overhead load-break switch, Ergo-switch embraces ergonomic optimization and reduces the number of essential components to ease installation in the field. While Auguste mounts vertically and is operated with a lever and telescopic rod, Ergoswitch can be mounted horizon-tally or vertically and has a horizontal lever operated with a stick and hook. “For the less-than-15-kilovolt markets you need a more compact switch,” says Sberro,“and the market for these prod-ucts is huge.” He says this market is new terrain for Ensto, who has previously catered to customers who want all the options on their switch. “But we’re able to add options to the 12 kV product.” Ergoswitch will go to market in January 2016 after inde-pendent qualifications are made in summer. But the team isn’t resting. Project Manager Yves Florian, designers Baptiste Sanchez, Christian Lisbani, Alain Chau-mette (from Villefranche), with Sberro as support, are cur-rently at work developing a 24 kV Ergoswitch. And of course, there’s also Smartcloser, for instance. Smartcloser Think of Smartcloser as the circuit breaker in your home, but one made for medium voltage lines. Made for every market in the world, Smartcloser is a gas-free recloser that can open and close lightning fast. Since Auguste is a dis-connector which breaks the load, Smartcloser is made to be paired with it. “You guys are Ensto’s mad scientists!” remarks a vi-siting journalist of the seemingly endless innovation. “Well, we try,” smiles Sberro. Secrets of innovation? Bagnères-de-Bigorre is a bit out of the way, located sev-eral hours by car from Toulouse. How is so much innova-tion generated from a locale where human resources are not limitless? First, tools have been developed which link Bagnères-de- Bigorre in real time to Ensto’s other resources. Alex-andre Fontbonne developed an elaborate Excel planning tool for the production of Auguste. While only physically in the plant a few times per month, he and Manufacturing Manager Eric Lavigne use the tool to monitor CAMEG production in real time, as well as speak every morning regarding other orders. This process has worked smoothly. After early batches, CAMEG performed visits to the plant to give authorization to ship, but halfway through the process they no longer feel the oversight is necessary. More people were of course required to meet the CAMEG order. Ensto hired 28 temporary workers, all from within a ten-kilometer radius. “It’s all about human resources,” says Fontbonne. “If you have good people involved in a project you can accomplish anything.” ensto today | THE WAY WE WORK “It’s all about human resources. If you have good people involved in a project you can accomplish anything.” ALEXANDRE FONTBONNE, INDUSTRIAL MANAGER
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