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Schröder Group has reported a successful EuroBLECH 2026 exhibition, with strong visitor interest focused on a new gantry-based automation solution designed to enable fully unmanned sheet metal folding operations.
Exhibiting at the Hannover trade fair, the German sheet metal machinery specialist showcased its MAK 4 Evolution UD folding machine equipped with a gantry system for automated loading and unloading. The company said the solution attracted significant attention from visitors seeking practical ways to increase productivity and reduce manual handling within existing manufacturing environments.
The gantry system works in conjunction with Schröder’s Advanced Handling System (AHS), which combines a rotary unit fitted with suction cups and an Up-and-Down folding beam. Together, these technologies allow folding programmes to be completed automatically. The addition of the gantry system, featuring a suction-frame arrangement for loading, unloading and positioning sheet material, extends the process to enable fully unmanned production.
Schröder said the level of interest in automation technologies demonstrated the continued importance of productivity-enhancing solutions for sheet metal manufacturers.
“EuroBLECH 2026 once again showed how important automation is for many of our customers,” said Thomas Ostermair, sales director at Schröder Group. “The focus is above all on solutions that can be integrated sensibly and flexibly into existing production processes. The strong interest in our new gantry solution confirms that we are on the right track and encourages us to continue along this path.”
In addition to the automated MAK 4 Evolution UD system, two other folding machines generated considerable interest during the exhibition.
The PowerBend Industrial UD 3200/6.0 was showcased as a solution for processing heavier-gauge sheet metal, while the PowerBend Professional 3200/3.0 attracted attention for its flexibility when handling a wide variety of folding applications and changing production requirements.
Completing the company’s EuroBLECH line-up was the PDC Power-Duo-Cut NC 3200/3.0 motorised guillotine shear. During live demonstrations, visitors were shown features including precise cutting performance, motorised blade-gap adjustment and pneumatic sheet support.
Founded in 1949, Schröder Group develops machinery for bending and cutting sheet metal and has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions including FASTI in 2006 and tool manufacturer SMU GmbH in 2021. Today, the group employs more than 300 people across multiple sites in Germany and international markets.