KASTO’s automation solution assists one of the most innovative plants in Germany

July 27, 2026

SEW-EURODRIVE, a specialist in drive technology, received the prestigious “Factory of the Year” award in the “Outstanding Series Production” category.

This honour was presented during the 34th “Factory of the Year” Congress held in Dortmund on March 18 and 19, 2026. At the award ceremony, SEW-EURODRIVE showcased the Smart Factory North Hall (Halle Nord) located in Graben-Neudorf, near Karlsruhe, illustrating how modern series production is designed today.

Photo 1: The new storage system is the combination of a KASTO honeycomb storage system that accommodates 5,140 cassettes and a KASTO sawing centre with 450 locations.

The globally active company provides products that are utilised across various industries, including intralogistics, mechanical and plant engineering, as well as complex conveyor systems, such as baggage handling systems in airports. The award-winning North Hall facility in Graben-Neudorf is recognised as one of Germany’s most advanced production centres. Technology from KASTO Maschinenbau based in Achern, Baden plays a significant role in this acclaimed plant by supplying essential components for production and material flow logistics. Key factors contributing to the award include the innovative plant design, modern Industry 4.0 methodologies, and the implementation of the “never-touch-a-part” principle, which minimises manual contact with components throughout the entire production process.

Cutting-edge automation

SEW-EURODRIVE utilises several highly automated systems from KASTO to supply its production lines: Central to this unique global system is a honeycomb storage system that accommodates 5,140 locations for cassettes, each with a load capacity of up to three tonnes. Additionally, there is a sawing centre with 450 locations for individual bars.

Photo 2: Eight fully-automated production circular saws cut workpieces up to 180 millimetres in diameter. Robots sort and stack the cut-pieces.

These systems supply eight fully-automated circular saws equipped with robotic handling systems, along with a high-performance automatic bandsaw designed for large material cross-sections. Furthermore, there are seven output stations dedicated to material separation.

Thanks to the KASTO Warehouse Management System (WMS), all systems are fully digitally interconnected. This enables the completely automated system to be operated by as few as four people. KASTO technology ensures that production lines are consistently supplied with materials, as material movements are conducted automatically and according to demand.

A major lighthouse project for KASTO

The implementation of this significant lighthouse project at KASTO involved nearly all technical divisions, including robotics, sawing technology, storage logistics, and software development. This initiative is among the most extensive in the history of this family-owned business.

“We are extremely proud that SEW-EURODRIVE has received the ‘Factory of the Year’ award. Our systems played a crucial role in one of the most innovative factories in Europe. This lighthouse project will always stand out as a significant milestone in the history of KASTO,” says Armin Stolzer, Managing Director of KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG.

Photo 3: A total of seven output stations separate the bar stock and transfer it to the saw’s infeed roller conveyor.

180 years of expertise – KASTO technology in demand across the globe

KASTO has a rich engineering tradition that spans over 180 years. Originally a pioneer in sawing technology, the company has developed into a global leader in sawing, storage, and material handling systems. KASTO is at home wherever metal is cut, stored, and moved, playing a crucial role in the value chain for a wide range of metal products ranging from chair legs to high-rise building cladding, and e-bikes to aircraft. With a broad-minded approach, the company excels in managing complex large-scale projects, showcasing its exceptional strengths.

Author: Fabian Reiß, Marketing, KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, Achern, Germany

Further information

You can access the complete reference report on the SEW-EURODRIVE project at: www.kasto.com/en/testimonials

Links:

KASTO: www.kasto.com

Photo 4: Armin Stolzer, Managing Partner of KASTO: “We are delighted that SEW-EURODRIVE received this award—our systems play an important role in this modern plant.”

Photo credits: KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG

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