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

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2026-09-11
- Length: 52m
- Episode: 49
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop-ep-49

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop#t=0) Introduction: Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik and the Dream Shop
- [10:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop#t=609) The History: From 1990 to the Monoculture of Machines
- [16:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop#t=1010) The Central Tool System and Automation Infrastructure
- [21:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop#t=1300) Overcoming Utilization Drop and Scaling Challenges
- [37:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop#t=2238) Work Holding Philosophy and Multi-Skilled Labor
- [41:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop#t=2503) Incentive Systems and Final Advice for Shop Owners

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Factory operations & automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/factory-operations)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik (company)
- Fastems (company)
- swissMODULAR (company)
- Fanuc (company)
- Kennametal (company)
- Navu (company)

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- [Manufacturing's Past, Present, and Future w/ Jim Carr](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-06-15-manufacturings-past-present-and-future-w-jim-carr) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [160: Buying a Manufacturing Company and Reimagining Upskilling with Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-11-07-160-buying-a-manufacturing-company-and-reimagining-upskilling-with-bill-berrien) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Robot-Lean: Synthesizing Automation and Lean Manufacturing w/ Alex Webster](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [216: Automating Control Panel Design and Fabrication Featuring Rittal’s Brian Jung and EPLAN’s Kruno Kutnohorski](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-12-17-216-automating-control-panel-design-and-fabrication-featuring-rittals-brian-jung) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Lights Out.