Since Netherlands-based Halter CNC Automation B.V. was established in 2013, it has been working closely with Finland-based Fastems on the engineering and development of the Halter Load Assistant robotic system for CNC machines.

This product was launched in 2014, and hundreds of units have been delivered to customers in more than 25 countries.

The two companies have now set up a joint venture — Halter CNC Automation GmbH in Issum (Germany) — to produce the Load Assistant product range.

Wouter van Halteren, CEO of Halter CNC Automation (www.haltercncautomation.com), said: “This joint venture will immediately create a unique sales, service and engineering environment, enabling an excellent customer experience.

"With the introduction of new models — including the Halter Big launched at EMO 2019 — and the offering of additional services such as application engineering and consultancy, we can help our customers to become more competitive and more profitable.

"With the ‘Halter activities’ of Fastems now being integrated into the Halter Group, we can do this more effectively and continue to operate on a world-wide scale.”

Heikki Hallila, managing director of Fastems Systems GmbH in Germany, said: “Both Halter and Fastems are passionate companies providing solutions based on extensive market knowledge.

"During the past years, the business for the Halter plug-and-play automation solutions has developed favourably, and it is now entering the next growth phase, where the requirements for co-operation are also changing.

"The joint venture will enable Halter to increase the speed of development and to improve the service level for
its rapidly growing customer base.”