Tokyo (SCCIJ) – Mitsubishi Electric will acquire ASTES4, a Balerna, Switzerland, based company engaged in the development, production and sales of patented automated sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines. With ASTES4 as a wholly owned subsidiary, Mitsubishi Electric wants to offer integrated solutions to the global market with ASTES4’s automated sorting systems embedded into Mitsubishi Electric’s high value-added sheet metal laser processing machines. The company aims to further expand its worldwide business through this acquisition.
Global expansion
Mitsubishi Electric’s sheet metal laser processing machine business is developing globally in Japan, the Americas, Europe, China, Southeast Asia and India.
Sheet metal laser processing involves loading the material, laser cutting, unloading cut materials as well as removing and sorting cut parts from the frame. Lately, worldwide demand for such sorting solutions is on the rise.
ASTES4 machines
The lack of human resources in production facilities and the ability of fiber lasers to produce higher volumes generally escalate the demand for a significant increase in productivity by automating sheet metal laser processing, including pre- and post-processing.
Superior engineering
ASTES4 provides flexible automated sorting solutions for the loading, unloading and specially sorting of various materials using its own patented technology with superior system engineering capabilities that can integrate the entire automation system.
By acquiring ASTES4, Mitsubishi Electric will further strengthen its lineup of automation systems together with sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines to provide its valued customers with integrated solutions that require less manual loading, unloading and sorting to realize higher productivity and efficiency.
About ASTES4
ASTES4 SA, only founded in October 2013, is an independent company based in Chiasso, in the Italian-speaking part of Southern Switzerland, which brings together the most highly qualified professionals with experience in the field of industrial automation, mechanical design and automation software development.
ASTES4 SA is focused on the development, production and sales of automated sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines and operates internationally, offering its expertise for special applications such as refineries and metal foundries, offshore and underwater installations, railway traction, aerospace and medical.
About Mitsubishi Electric
With nearly 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 4,444.4 billion yen (in accordance with IFRS; US$ 41.9 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.
Text: Mitsubishi Electric; Photo: ASTES4
