A partnership agreement has been signed by the UK subsidiaries of Swedish robot company, ABB, and German sawing and storage equipment manufacturer, KASTO,
whereby each will promote the other's products in the UK market. It is the first time that a saw supplier has been integrated into ABB's global partner programme.
Behind the latest move is a formal co-operation between the two companies in Germany, where KASTO has in recent years delivered a number of automated
sawing centres incorporating an ABB robot for loading of raw material and / or unloading of cut billets, including in KASTO's own factory.
Commented Ernst Wagner, Managing Director of KASTO Ltd, Southampton, "For all new enquiries we receive where the customer is looking for automation in the manufacturing and handling process, an ABB robot will be our preferred
solution.
"Three graduate engineers at our parent company specialise in robotic solutions, adding further expertise to the large range of sawing and material storage and handling products available from within the group. The arrangement allows us to offer standard turnkey options quickly and at competitive prices.
"Our engineers in the UK are currently being trained in the integration of ABB's hardware and software products, and we will be able to demonstrate
systems to prospective customers either in ABB's Milton Keynes facility or at our showroom in Southampton."
Added Alan Spreckley, Channel Partner Manager for ABB Robotics -United Kingdom, "We will be offering KASTO customers our full service package, from pre-sales support through installation and training to preventative maintenance, service agreements, and round-the-clock technical support and spares availability."