ISMR June 2021 | Page 48

STORAGE AND STACKING

An automatic KASTOcenter varioplus 4 cantilever arm storage system was recently installed by Weser Stahl to help with efficient and ergonomic material flow .
“ The German steel stockholder wanted greater efficiency and productivity levels , as well as more ergonomic working conditions .”

GOING WITH THE FLOW

Weser Stahl recently installed a new KASTO storage , sawing and robotic handling system for unattended material flow throughout its factory .

German steel stockholder Weser Stahl , based in Stuhr-Brinkum , has extensively automated its operation to meet increasing competition from international suppliers . The key element of its in-house logistics is a recently installed storage , sawing and robotic handling system supplied by KASTO .

This provides unattended material flow throughout the facility , from storage of the raw stock to provision of the sawn sections for shipment . For Weser Stahl it means greater efficiency , higher productivity and more ergonomic working conditions . The installation has proved so successful that another automated warehouse is being planned for Weser Stahl ’ s site in Plettenberg .
More than 2,500 standard grades of steel are in use throughout the world , from simple construction steel to special alloys , and they are available in a wide range of dimensions and geometries , making the steel trade challenging . Companies who wish to succeed in the increasingly competitive international market must be able to supply their customers promptly with the materials they need , cut exactly to their requirements .
Increasing customisation
Weser Stahl has specialised for many years in the sale of hot-rolled and forged steel bars , steel tubes and bright steel . Production , testing and distribution are combined under one roof at the owner-managed company , which delivers mainly to customers in northern Germany and Scandinavia . It sells about 30,000 tonnes of the 250,000 tonnes delivered by the Westfälische Stahlgesellschaft group , of which it is a member .
More than half of the items shipped are cut to size . This is rising , as managing director Dr . Markus Krummenerl pointed out : “ Our customers are outsourcing more and more machining processes . For this
Stieven Harder , Sales Manager , Weser Stahl .
48 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR June 2021