Zero Setup Time: Inside Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik GmbH's 23-Machine Automated Shop | Ep. 49

Lights Out · 11 Sept 2026 · 52m · Episode 49

What this episode covers

Stefan Kempf, owner of Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik, explains how he transformed his father's 1970 turning shop into a 23-machine automated facility with zero setup time and over 90% utilization. Risto Niemi of Fastems and Yanick Müller of swissMODULAR discuss the critical roles of standardized tooling, flexible work holding, and long-term strategic planning in achieving this level of automation. The episode highlights the 'monoculture' of machines, the central tool system (CTS) with Fanuc robots, and a unique company-wide bonus system tied to daily machine utilization.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies: Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik, Fastems, swissMODULAR, Fanuc, Kennametal, Navu

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Zero Setup Time: Inside Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik GmbH's 23-Machine Automated Shop | Ep. 49

What this episode covers

Most relevant to

Topics

Mentioned

Related episodes from other shows

Bonus - That SCOOP Show Productronica Preview - Rob Raine and Alexander Hagenfeldt from ASM Assembly Solutions

Manufacturing's Past, Present, and Future w/ Jim Carr

160: Buying a Manufacturing Company and Reimagining Upskilling with Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision

Robot-Lean: Synthesizing Automation and Lean Manufacturing w/ Alex Webster

216: Automating Control Panel Design and Fabrication Featuring Rittal’s Brian Jung and EPLAN’s Kruno Kutnohorski