ISMR October 2024 | Page 81

FACE TO FACE

Manufacturing at SMT . Dishing press at SMT factory during test run .
Kasten Koert outlined global market trends , new customer requirements and his strategy for SMT ’ s development , as well as the company ’ s latest new product launches , to ISMR .
ISMR : Please highlight any notable successes and achievements for SMT over the past two-three years .
In the global market , we currently see great demand for the metal forming and production of tank and vessel heads , as well as 2D or 3D forming of plates and segments in sequential production , for the energy market and in the shipbuilding industry . These markets are growing , due to the investment in energy storage and energy transport in the broadest sense worldwide . This applies to new machinery as well as to retrofit projects .
SMT can cover these demands with its portfolio on dishing and segment forming presses as well as on the engineering of complex production lines .
In press automation , the sales market for our own products ( like the blankwasher , dry cleaner and spray lubrication systems ) does not really depend upon sales of motor
KK : Over the last couple of years , SMT has enjoyed great success with its dry-cleaning machine , the Cross Brush Cleaner CBC , for the automotive industry . In the forming sector , we have also developed new applications and very flexible machines for producing tank heads , as well as hemispherical tank segments , with 2D and 3D formed body panels and heads on one machine with the necessary manipulation and handling equipment .
Our strategy is to continuously adapt our technologies to each customer and increase our technical expertise . We always aim to be in the top three of potential suppliers to our customers , with our focus on reliable machinery and competitive solutions in a global , demanding marketplace .
In the global market , we currently see great demand for the metal forming and production of tank and vessel heads , as well as 2D or 3D forming of plates and segments in sequential production , for the energy market and in the shipbuilding industry
SMT shipbuilding presses .
ISMR : What are your views on the current global business climate for sheet metal professionals ?
KK : SMT manufactures products for a defined group of customers and these customers ’ requests are almost constantly in demand , so that a continuous requirement exists . Our great strength is a main product line that can be adjusted , within a short time frame , to the customer ’ s specification and requirements .
ISMR October 2024 | ismr . net | 81