News

02.02.23 - An ear for medium-sized businesses – Bernd Mettenleiter visited STOPA Anlagenbau GmbH

Achern, January 27, 2023 – Bernd Mettenleiter, MdL, visited STOPA Anlagenbau GmbH, the innovative medium-sized company in Achern, last Friday. Topics of the visit included the role of climate change for the economy in Baden-Württemberg, the shortage of skilled workers, and the current supply of materials. Afterwards, the managing partner Michael Stolzer invited the guests to a tour of the company. Among other things, Mr. Stolzer proudly showed the new prefabrication showroom of STOPA Anlagenbau GmbH, which was inaugurated last September in the presence of the Minister of Economic Affairs of Baden-Württemberg, Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut. At the end of the visit, Mr. Stolzer invited Mr. Mettenleiter to the groundbreaking ceremony of the planned STOPA Energy Campus, which will take place in the coming months.

Photo: Michael Stolzer, Bernd Mettenleiter, Hans-Jürgen Morgenstern

19.12.22 - TRUMPF and STOPA establish strategic partnership for smart-factory solutions

Ditzingen, December 19, 2022 – High-tech company TRUMPF has opened up new opportunities for collaboration with STOPA, one of the leading manufacturers of automated storage systems. The two companies recently announced an agreement to work even closer together in the future.

STOPA’s automated storage solutions are used in a variety of settings, including TRUMPF’s smart-factory solutions. STOPA systems enable customers to load and unload their machines automatically and to link machines together to form logistics networks. This boosts productivity on the shop floor by significantly reducing non-productive time. 

Thanks to their versatile design, STOPA storage systems can be tailored perfectly to the growing challenges of modern smart-factory production environments or integrated seamlessly into existing factories. Their benefits come to the fore when combined with TRUMPF’s new Oseon software, which is designed to make production planning and control even simpler, up to and including fully automated automation of the sheet-metal fabrication process.
TRUMPF believes that partnerships and open standards are the key to developing and enhancing its smart-factory solutions. These include open interfaces from umati and open-locating standards from omlox as well as TRUMPF’s existing partnerships with intralogistics specialist Jungheinrich, coil processing, leveling and deburring machine maker ARKU, metal-industry software specialist Lantek, and STARMATIK, an automation company specializing in customized solutions. 
TRUMPF recently brought all the different aspects of its smart-factory solutions business under one umbrella with the goal of fueling further growth.
 
STOPA was founded in Achern, Germany in 1963. Currently employing some 370 people, the company specializes in automated storage systems for sheet-metal and long-span materials as well as fully automated parking systems. 

“After more than 35 years successfully partnering with TRUMPF on production automation solutions, we’re now looking forward to taking the next step together,” says Michael Stolzer, managing partner of STOPA Anlagenbau GmbH.


Till Küppers, CEO of TRUMPF Machine Tools, emphasizes the companies’ joint ambitions: “Our goal is to forge a solid new basis for embarking on the next stage of our successful journey with STOPA, especially the ongoing expansion of our smart-factory solutions. Partnering with STOPA will enable us to offer our customers an even more comprehensive range of efficient, sustainable and productivity-enhancing solutions in the future.”


TRUMPF’s investment in STOPA is still subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.    

Digital photographs in print-ready resolution are available to illustrate this press release. They may only be used for editorial purposes. Use is free of charge when credit is given as “Photo: TRUMPF”. Graphic editing – except for cropping the main subject – is prohibited. Additional photos can be accessed at the TRUMPF Media Pool.


        
    
        
About TRUMPF
TRUMPF is a high-tech company offering manufacturing solutions in the fields of machine tools and laser technology. The Company drives digital connectivity in the manufacturing through consulting, platform products and software. TRUMPF is one of the technology and market leaders in highly versatile machine tools for sheet metal processing and in the field of industrial lasers. 
In 2021/22, the company employed some 16,500 people and generated sales of about 4.2 billion euros. With over 70 subsidiaries, the TRUMPF Group is represented in nearly every European country as well as in North America, South America and Asia. The company has production facilities in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, the United States, Mexico and China.

Find out more about TRUMPF at www.trumpf.com

About STOPA
STOPA is one of the leading premium manufacturers of automated storage systems for sheet metal, long goods and automatic parking systems. The product range extends from stand-alone applications to integrative automation modules. 
40 years of practical experience, with complex designs and over 2,000 systems installed worldwide, ensure that the independent company has unique know-how in terms of product quality, process reliability, process automation and software development.


Press contact:
Rainer Berghausen
Head of Group Communication 
+49 (7156) 303-31720
rainer.berghausen@trumpf.com

TRUMPF SE + Co. KG, Johann-Maus-Str. 2, 71254 Ditzingen, Germany

Press contact:
Max Velsen:
Head of Marketing
+49 7841 704 178
mvelsen@stopa.com

STOPA Anlagenbau GmbH, Industriestr. 12, 77855 Achern-Gamshurst, Deutschland

23.06.22 - At Tube 2022 Trumpf and stopa present a new solution for automatically connecting laser tube cutting machines with storage systems.

The solution showcased by Trumpf and Stopa automatically takes tubes from storage and conveys them to a cutting machine. For the first time, companies can now load their cutting machines automatically. This reduces non-productive time and increases productivity.

“Our solution is a major step towards fully automatic tube production,” says Trumpf’s product manager Dominik Straus. “Companies can schedule production more flexibly, and this gives them competitive advantages.” The new process also lets them change material much more quickly and produce small batches efficiently. The solution is available immediately for the Tru Laser Tube 7000 fiber and can be retrofitted. It is suitable for tubes measuring up to 8.05 metres. STOPA storage systems are available in a variety of sizes and designs, allowing them to be easily modified and integrated into existing production facilities. Companies can use this automated solution along with Oseon, a new software package for production planning and control.

Image source: TRUMPF

26.10.21 - STOPA at Blechexpo – greater efficiency through total process automation

Blechexpo opened its doors on 26 October, STOPA is again presenting exciting innovations in intralogistics – this year at Stand 1305 in Hall 1. In line with the motto “AUTOMATION WITHIN”, STOPA showcase its role as a trailblazer in hyperautomation of storage logistics. The focus is on four technical highlights.

Visitors get to see STOPA’s new automatic incoming goods station live and in action. Its plungers align sheet material fully automatically and gently, saving a considerable amount of work. Thanks to automation, the delivery and alignment processes are separated from the storage process, which is completed fully automatically. The time savings amount to approx. 2 to 3 minutes per pallet, which in the course of the day can significantly add up.

STOPA’s fully automated turning unit provides an intermediate step in production by clamping cut-to-size material and turning it by 180°. The machine is directly connected to the storage system for fully automatic storage and retrieval. After turning a workpiece, the machine brings it back to the storage facility where it is available for further production.

The STOPA tilt-and-lift station (KAS) provides a means of dispensing individual tubes and bars in lengths of up to 6.5 m or up to 8.1 m (with conveyor 9.2 m), permitting a fully automatic supply to metalworking machines. The result is a considerable gain in efficiency, as automation ensures a smooth workflow.

Finally, STOPA is displaying its ECO PLUS system. New modules can be added to the system as needed to meet market demand and enable future growth. The storage system is based on the push/pull principle. The control unit can be augmented at any time with warehouse management software and connected to an ERP system. STOPA’s experts will be on hand at the trade fair stand – a perfect opportunity to learn about the capabilities of the software.

These high-performance systems from STOPA significantly boost efficiency by fully automating the processes between incoming goods station, storage facility and metalworking machines.

Press Contact

Anna Ivantsova

aivantsova@stopa.com

10.08.21 - Baden-Württemberg state parliament approves applications for subsidies: STOPA says thank-you!

The announcement came on 26 July: In a special session, the economic affairs committee of Baden-Württemberg’s state parliament approved applications for financial subsidies from 14 companies and two research institutes in the state. Five of the subsidies went to individual companies, and two were for joint projects.

The funding, 9.876 million euros, is supplied by Invest BW, a support programme for investment and innovation that was launched by the state government on 15 January 2021. The purpose of the programme is to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic by providing fast, unbureaucratic support to companies for investment in future technologies.

STOPA Anlagenbau GmbH will receive a subsidy as part of the joint project “X-Forge: Smart Factory as a Service”. The project will invest in the development of flexible outsourced production for enabling other manufacturers to combine their individual production steps in a modular fashion.

The pandemic has had a considerable impact on the economy. On 16 April 2021, the applications for support that had been submitted to the economic affairs committee totalled 159 million euros – all the more reason to say thank-you for this help.

10.08.21 - After 47 years, the first STOPA storage system has gone into retirement. STOPA says goodbye to a piece of history.

The STOPA shelving system for long-span goods No. 1, the first such system ever built by the company, has finished its working life. Built by STOPA founder Paul Stolzer in 1974, it was a milestone in STOPA history and laid the groundwork for STOPA as we know it today. Finally, after 47 years, the system has gone into retirement.

Forty seven years is an impressive lifetime for a system of this kind. When it came out, it was a prime example of the durability and quality of STOPA storage systems, and it is still admired for these attributes today. With its capacity of 2,000 kg, the system set high standards – standards which Paul Stolzer and STOPA were repeatedly able to exceed in later years.

However, there comes a time when an old system must surrender its place to a new one. The new and more modern LG-E shelving system has replaced its predecessor, setting the company’s course for the future.

Our original shelving system for long-span goods is not only unforgettable as our first such system, it is also an important part of our history. We associate it with many precious memories of STOPA’s early years and of our founder, Paul Stolzer.

We therefore mark this occasion with mixed feelings: sad to say goodbye, but also happy to look forward from such strong beginnings.

05.07.21 - A VERY SPECIAL DONATION

The St. Anna nursery school in Kappelrodeck has been gifted two sandbox diggers – an act of generosity that doesn’t happen every day. The kind donation was met with many loud hoorays and cries of “thank you” from the nursery school children. According to two young enthusiasts, the new diggers are “really cool” and “amazing”. The diggers were donated last Thursday by STOPA Anlagenbau GmbH in Achern-Gamshurst.

According to the St. Anna nursery school’s website, smiles and laughter are the gateway to many good things in a person’s life. And indeed, the three STOPA employees who handed over the donation were welcomed with a great deal of smiles, laughter and joy. Even Edgar Börsig, STOPA’s Managing Director, and Stephan Hess, Training Manager and Personnel Developer, were blown away by the sheer amount of joy with which they were met at the nursery school. Above all, the apprentice construction mechanic behind the whole project, Leonard Jöst (currently in the second year of his apprenticeship), was particularly taken aback when, in the spur of the moment, nursery school director Agnes Hodapp called attention to him, announcing: “It is all thanks to this talented young man that our nursery school now has these two diggers, so what do we say?” She was met with several thunderous choruses of “thank you” from the children. Agnes Hodapp also personally thanked STOPA on behalf of the nursery school. The donation was particularly appropriate as St. Anna is certified by the “Haus der kleinen Forscher” (House of Little Researchers) foundation (a certification which must be renewed every two years). Thanks to the donation, the 89 nursery school children who attend St. Anna can learn about how the two sandbox diggers work through play. Stephan Hess explained that Leonard Jöst took two weeks (approximately 80 hours) to design and build one sandbox digger. The thank you certificate issued by the nursery school now hangs in pride of place at STOPA’s training academy. As many other nursery schools in the region are already hoping for similar donations, Managing Director Edgar Börsig was happy to report that their sandbox diggers will now be going into “mass production”. Frank Hogenmüller, Managing Director of St. Anna, was delighted with the donation, which is very much in line with the nursery school’s technical focus: “It is very appropriate and a wonderful gesture, thank you very much”. He also had a turn on one of the diggers, much to the amusement of the children.

The mayor of Kappelrodeck, Stefan Hattenbach. Nursery schools play a significant role in the development of our children. As they are the future, investing in our children at this stage is also key to promoting a successful, innovative local economy. As a partner of the “Haus der kleinen Forscher”, St. Anna is a nursery school which has a particular focus on science and technology. That’s why we’re particularly thrilled about this donation. Designed and constructed as part of a training project, STOPA’s high-quality diggers are a great addition to the nursery school and represent another way in which St. Anna can strengthen its technical focus. Mayor Stefan Hattenbach added that the diggers are a great way for the children not only to learn through play but also to generate interest in how things work. After the handover ceremony, the children were able to start putting the new acquisitions through their paces, and naturally there were a few struggles: “But tomorrow it’s my turn.”

Photo: R. Brunner

08.03.21 - An investment with many benefits

Pfanzelt, a manufacturer of forestry machines, has invested in a STOPA COMPACT system for storing sheet metal stacks as well as a variety of other materials in mesh boxes, on Euro pallets and in bulk. The advantages are clear organisation plus fast storage and retrieval.

According to Pfanzelt, the main advantage of the STOPA COMPACT storage system is its clear organisation, which puts an end to arduous searching. In order to see whether a particular item has to be reordered, employees only have to check the inventory by entering the article number. Another important advantage for the company is that it can store the many different parts it needs for production.

 

Here you can read the full report

09.02.21 - STOPA LG-E shelving system for long-span goods: designed with the future in mind

Lehnhoff Hartstahl, a supplier of hydraulic excavators and related equipment, has invested in an LG-E shelving system for long-span goods developed by STOPA. The benefits include efficient use of space, greater productivity and faster access to material.

Other advantages include reduced damage to material and simple handling. The system functions as a link between the material supply and the metalworking machinery. Supported by software, it enables rapid storage and stocktaking.

Cassettes are a more efficient solution than horizontal storage because they provide quicker access to the material and make it easier to keep track of inventories thanks to integrated material management. The storage system is also flexible when it comes to configuring the storage and retrieval stations.

Spengler sums up his assessment: “We’re highly satisfied with the solution we’ve chosen, which was based on a longstanding relationship with a partner in our vicinity. Our first order from STOPA was for a sheet metal storage system, and now we’ve invested in our first shelving system for long-span goods. We estimate that it will pay for itself in two years.”

Here you can read the full report

11.05.20 - Thank you for doing your part

Dear STOPA friends, at STOPA we’ve been working in coronavirus mode since mid-March. This has required flexibility and a willingness to compromise on everyone’s part.

Almost all of our office employees have been working from home. It has even been possible to do complicated CAD editing remotely.

In order to comply with the rules for physical distancing in production, we have been operating in several shifts. Customer service continues to be available.

To all those who have been working for the company under these difficult conditions and have “kept the ball rolling”, we say THANK YOU. This has enabled us to keep our customers supplied and stay in touch with them.

We’re enormously proud of how everyone has given their best and pulled together. Thank you for your great commitment during this difficult time.

May you and your families stay healthy. We’ll stick together!

 

The Management