FACE TO FACE
this will bring us massive benefits such as worldwide network, specialised knowledge, the resources and expertise of a major international group and many more business opportunities for STOPA.
ISMR: What is your vision for the company? How do you aim to achieve this?
STOPA recently launched the new flexible STOPA Flex 25 storage system.
trade show in Stuttgart this October where STOPA recently launched a new flexible STOPA Flex 25 storage system. He outlined to ISMR what this closer alignment with TRUMPF will mean for STOPA, as well as his views on global market movements, trends, tariffs, challenges and new technologies.
ISMR: Please outline your latest product and technology innovations at Blechexpo / Schweisstec 2025 in Stuttgart.
DR: At Blechexpo, we are promoting the new STOPA Flex 25 which is a small, flexible storage system in the mid-range performance segment. It is a fully automated doubletower storage system that was launched this week. The storage system is connected to all TRUMPF machines to relay production status and will be the future of STOPA in the small storage business segment.
The biggest benefit for our customers is that the new system will use the same spare parts as our Compact 2( CPII) huge storage systems. So, there will be no issues on proven technology, technical service, spare parts availability or technician expertise. Different heights and configurations are available.
For the first time at Blechexpo, TRUMPF is presenting a fully automated, interlinked system from its next generation of TruBend Center 7030 panel bending machines, TruMatic 5000 punching and laser machines and our STOPA flex automated storage system. Compared to conventional interlinked production lines, this solution is particularly flexible. This is because of the STOPA storage system, which stores the parts between the individual production steps. In this way, TRUMPF combines the flexibility of individual machines with the efficiency of production lines. The networked system manufactures both individual parts and high-volume batches economically and efficiently.
The new STOPA Flex 25 on display at Blechexpo / Schweisstec 2025 in Stuttgart.
Our extensive product range offers futureproof solutions with intelligent warehouse management software and simple control. STOPA storage systems are designed for maximum efficiency in warehouse and production logistics. The space-saving solutions are designed to optimise material flow and revolutionise the management of sheet metal inventory.
ISMR: Please tell us more about this closer alignment with the TRUMPF Group and what this will mean for STOPA.
DR: STOPA is now part of the TRUMPF Group, which I am very happy about. TRUMPF is the biggest provider of flexible sheet metal processing machinery worldwide. STOPA is 60 years old and has been a partner to TRUMPF for the last 40 years, so we share a strong history together. TRUMPF now owns 74.9 % of STOPA and the remaining 25.1 % of the company is still owned by Michael Stolzer.
Our STOPA Compact 2 storage system is the“ spine” of TRUMPF’ s smart factory of connected machines. TRUMPF is a key proponent of the Smart Factory and digitisation principles. Now that we are part of TRUMPF,
DR: There are many good machine tool builders worldwide. The most critical focus for TRUMPF and STOPA is to make our customer successful, so that we can also be more successful. So, we are putting a strong focus on improving our service in coordination with TRUMPF resources.
Our partnership with TRUMPF means that we will have complete integration into its service system and can use its software and AI systems to improve our service offering over the next few years. This will benefit our customers hugely and is a big step for us. In terms of challenges, there will be a forthcoming new Cyber Resilience Act in the EU. We will need to check our software and engineering to fulfil the criteria, which is a lot of work and a key focus for us. We are also consulting with customers over eco systems and sustainability.
In terms of results, our revenue and margin is stable this year and our turnover is around 90 million euros.
STOPA Flex 25
Whether as a single-tower or double-tower storage system: STOPA FLEX 25 enables 360 ° connection of stations to optimise workflow. It can be linked to up to four processing machines. It uses established technology from STOPA COMPACT II( e. g. 200mm clearance above the towers, compartment rails for smooth insertion and removal, designed for 100 % full load, modern motors etc.). A new weighing unit has been integrated into the pallet lift.
The system also features a new control panel. The newly developed control architecture offers the operator and remote service improved diagnostic options for faster troubleshooting. It also enables direct connection and access to TRUMPF Oseon software for production control and warehouse management.
“ Our storage systems for sheet metal and long-span goods are designed with standard modules and are therefore expandable at any time. This enables individual adaptations to almost any situation. It guarantees optimal space utilisation and material flow, maximum planning security and flexibility for the future,” said STOPA.
ISMR November 2025 | ismr. net | 51