FOCUS ON PLASMA CUTTING
A STRATEGIC PATH
As part of its modernisation and sustainability strategy, Grosschädl Stahl in Austria has purchased a new MultiTherm plasma cutting system.
Service centre, Grosschädl Stahl( in Graz, Austria), has supported customers in the metalworking industry for over 75 years. It supplies a wide range of processed materials and services, including metal sheet; bar; beam; square / round tube; profiles; mesh mats; stainless steel; aluminium and bright steel blasting and coating.
The company has relied upon innovation and precision in flame cutting for many years. With the aim of expanding production capacity and ensuring long-term efficiency, it has now opted for strategic modernisation of its machinery. Its collaboration with metalworking machinery supplier, Messer Cutting Systems, has proved to be a crucial factor in the success of this endeavour.
True to its motto,“ Steel is our passion,” Grosschädl Stahl in Graz has been committed to innovation and precision in flame cutting for over 75 years. Continuous modernisation and the ongoing development of its production facilities are key to the success of this longestablished family business.
The OmniMat with eight oxyfuel torches.
“ The new plasma cutter has helped to improve productivity, cut lead times, shorten workflows and reduce the environmental impact of the Austrian metal service centre.”
The new MultiTherm with two HiFocus 280ineo power sources at Grosschädl Stahl.
Continuous modernisation and ongoing development of its production facilities are key to the success of this long-established family business
Markus Starchl, Sales Flame Cutting and co-decision-maker, Grosschädl Stahl, described the initial situation.“ The replacement of an old plasma cutting system was indeed the reason for starting the project. But we faced the challenge of further accelerating production processes, expanding manufacturing capacities, integrating modern technologies and making optimal use of the available space in the production hall,” he explained.
It became clear early on that modernisation should not only close technical gaps but also create measurable added value. This included optimising warehouse logistics and improving table positioning.“ We didn’ t just want to replace things, but to become sustainably better,” Starchl summarised.
Grosschädl Stahl‘ s headquarters in Austria.
Making the decision
An investment of this magnitude demands a reliable partner, both technologically and in terms of customer support. A good priceperformance ratio, high-quality service from the supplier and ease of use of the cutting machines were key selection criteria for Grosschädl Stahl.
“ Reliability in service was a central decision criterion for us,” explained Claudia Kronheim, Managing Partner, Grosschädl Stahl.“ Messer Cutting Systems was able to fully meet these requirements.”
She emphasised the strategic importance of the project:“ We’ re not just investing in technology. We’ re investing in future viability, reliability and the success of our customers.”
Messer Cutting Systems and Grosschädl Stahl have a history of longstanding collaboration. Since 2012, the Graz-based company has relied on Messer technology. The first OmniMat system that it bought prompted the company to buy new Messer machines to replace existing machinery in its portfolio.
“ We also enquired with other well-known suppliers, but Messer had the best offer,” explained Starchl.“ The first OmniMat convinced us. Every additional machine that we bought was a logical step.”
From planning to commissioning
Project management on the Messer Cutting Systems side was handled by Gerhard
The impetus for its latest modernisation project was the need to replace an ageing plasma cutting system. Production capacities were reaching their limits, and processes needed to be optimised. For this traditional family business, it was clear that this wasn’ t simply a matter of replacing equipment, but rather a step into the future.
32 | ismr. net | ISMR May 2026