Pictured at the official opening of the new facility are Armin Stolzer and Jonathan Riegel (centre) from Kasto Maschinbau with Kasto Ltd managing director Emilio Lens and UK staffKasto Ltd, the UK and Ireland subsidiary of German metal sawing machine, storage system and materials handling equipment manufacturer
Kasto Maschinenbau, has relocated its headquarters from Milton Keynes to be even closer to its main customer base in the Midlands. Kasto Ltd’s new address is Unit B4, Beauchamp Business Park, Wistow Road, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicester, LE8 0YE. The telephone number has also changed to +44 300 131 9112.
Rapid response to requests from users and provision of a personalised pre- and post-sales service is the rationale for the company move. At a grand opening held at the new premises on 3 December, Jonathan Riegel, one of the sixth-generation members of the board of directors in Germany and fifth-generation managing partner Armin Stolzer both made presentations in what is the company’s 180th anniversary year.
Underscoring the family-owned company’s commitment to the UK and Ireland, they explained that the move is part of Kasto’s expansion strategy to enhance customer service and support in these markets. They explained how, from early beginnings in 1844 when carpenter Karl Stolzer established his own workshop in Achern, Baden-Württemberg, the enterprise has grown into a global market and technology leader with over 170 patents and many industry awards.
More than 700 people are now employed worldwide manufacturing, selling and servicing the company's band, circular and hack saws, semi and fully automatic storage systems, and automated handling equipment for long stock, sheet and cut pieces. To date, in excess of 140,000 sawing machines and 2,400 storage systems have been installed and commissioned worldwide. The latter products range from compact, stand-alone storage towers to fully automated, high-bay storage systems with thousands of cassettes.
A particular strength is the supply of sawing centres that combine the company’s different specialities. End-to-end processes are carried out automatically and seamlessly, from storage of raw materials to picking the cut pieces, including with the help of industrial robots. As a result, stockholders receive the complete equipment for material storage, production and distribution from a single source, including the software. Other customers are to be found in areas such as tool and mould making, window construction, the automotive and aerospace industries and the energy sector.
Highlights of the opening event in Kibworth Harcourt included guided tours of the new facility and live demonstrations of high-performance sawing machines. A particular feature was the SmartSolutions Corner, showcasing the company’s extensive expertise in metal sawing machines, long goods and sheet metal storage systems, as well as services and integrated technologies.
Emilio Lens, managing director of Kasto Ltd, concluded: “The new location allows us to respond to our customers' needs more quickly and flexibly. Leicester’s proximity to important production sites in the region enables us to create clear added value, with shorter response times and optimised processes. We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone with our customers and partners and look forward to continued success together.”