Lantek collaborates with Belgian laser manufacturer Balliu to achieve the digital transformation of its customers

The sheet metal sector is going through a stage of great changes, which is driving companies to interconnect machines, processes and plants globally using digital technologies. A high level of connectivity and integration provides a large amount of data and allows manufacturers to see production needs in real time, as well as to anticipate possible errors and carry out more efficient maintenance. The tangible benefits of having connected factories include a decrease in costs and an increase in productivity and efficiency. Companies that do not go digital in the next 3-5 years are likely to be shut out of the market.

"Despite the fact that access to technology has become democratized and its cost is not as high, the rapid changes we are experiencing make it necessary to carry out this digital transition in collaboration with firms who have the necessary knowledge to develop and implement the appropriate technology. In this sense, Lantek presents itself to its customers as a trusted firm to support them in their digital transformation", says Francisco Pérez, director of Lantek’s OEM channel.

Lantek’s mission is to promote and help the digital transformation of companies in our sector, accompanying them in this transition and adapting to their different states of digital maturity. The specific advanced manufacturing solutions developed by Lantek are exclusive for the sheet metal sector. "The digital transformation of our customers is the challenge that will keep us occupied in the coming years here at Lantek. We are facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which will change the way we manufacture. Our commitment to growth and to supporting our customers in the process of digitalization has led us to invest an additional 1.6 million euros during 2017 in R&D, as well as in our implementation and project development teams," states Alberto Martínez, CEO of Lantek.

"We are very pleased to collaborate with a company with such great digital qualifications. Thanks to Lantek’s experience, our customers can benefit from their know-how and move faster and more accurately towards Industry 4.0", says Lieven Vervaeke, Balliu’s General Manager.

About Balliu

Balliu is a multinational company that develops and manufactures machines that use laser technology for all types of applications—such as cutting, welding or cladding—and materials. Founded in 1894 in Ghent, Belgium, Balliu has a 10,000 m² production facility in Lokeren and has an extensive sales- and service organization. The ability to integrate and adapt the machines to the clients’ needs is the key point in which Balliu wants to support its customers in these challenging times. More information in: www.balliu.be

About Lantek

Lantek is a multinational company which is leading the digital transformation of companies in the sheet metal and metal industrial sector. It offers its own proprietary software solutions in business manufacturing intelligence which enables the connecting of factories thereby converting them into Smart Factories. It rounds off its service offering with the development of CAD/CAM/MES/ERP solutions for companies that manufacture metal parts from sheet metal, tubes and profiles with any cutting technology (laser, plasma, oxycut, waterjet, shearing and punching).

Founded in 1986 in one of the main European centers of machine-tool development, in the Basque Country (Spain), it enables the integration of sheet and metal processing technologies with the most advanced manufacturing management software. The company is currently the outstanding leader in its sector thanks to its capacity for innovation and commitment to internationalization. With more than 20,000 customers in over 100 countries and its 20 own offices in 14 countries, it has an extensive network of distributors with a worldwide presence. In 2017, its international business contributed to 86% of its revenue.

 For more information visit: www.lantek.com/uk or ask for more details at: marketing@lanteksms.com