Moving to the newly opened Beauchamp Business Park – developed by Clowes Developments and designed by IMA Architects – in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicester, KASTO said the relocation marks a commitment to its main customer base in the Midlands.
The company hopes to improve its rapid response requests from users and to further develop its personalised pre- and post-sales service, by being closer to its clients.
At a grand opening held at the new premises on December 3, 2024, 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 firm's 180th anniversary year.
Underscoring the family-owned company's commitment to the UK and Ireland, they emphasised 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 tool and mould making, window construction, the automotive and aerospace industries and the energy sector, amongst others.
Highlights of the opening event in Kibworth Harcourt included guided tours of the new facilities 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.
In a statement, Emilio Lens, managing director of KASTO Ltd, said: “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.”
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