This autumn, Stera Technologies Oy received the new CNC machine manufactured by Yamazaki Mazak, marking the thousandth machine tool sold to Finland. Mazak’s Finnish representative Wihuri Oy Technical Trade rejoiced for reaching the milestone and meeting the customer needs perfectly.
Mazak’s machine tools have served companies throughout Finland for more than 50 years. The VCN-700 is the thousandth Mazak machine tool delivered to a Finnish customer, when excluding second-hand machines from abroad, as well as manual or laser cutting machines. Wihuri Oy Technical Trade has operated as Mazak’s importer in Finland since 1994, when it acquired the business from Aspo.
Ultimately, receiving the thousandth Mazak machine tool means that Stera Technologies Oy will be able to provide customers with better service capacity.
“Stera Technologies is a contract manufacturer and we perform many operations, such as cutting, edging, welding, machining, assembly and painting. Machining has especially been increasing in our operations, as more and more of our products are manufactured with added value. The new Mazak will meet this need perfectly,” says Tommi Mero, Tammela’s unit manager at Stera Technologies Oy.
The seller of the brand new machine, Mazak’s product manager Matti Ranta at Technical Trade, is pleased that even large companies, such as Stera Technologies, are interested in a strong brand.
“Mazak is well-known as a Japanese company that manufactures reliable high-quality machine tools. The thousandth Mazak was our exhibition machine, vertical machining center VCN-700. It is a new model and the largest machine in its product line of high-performance vertical machining centers. Everything went well, as the customer needed a machine with large capacity and high productivity, which we managed to deliver to them quickly.”
More added value through investment
Stera Technologies operates in Finland and Estonia on seven different locations. Products and services include contract manufacturing, Stera equipment and distribution cabinet products, SteraLux LED lighting systems, SteraSmart production automation solutions and wireless monitoring systems for production environment. When we had to think about investing in a new machine tool, Mazak stood out with its excellent value for money.
“Mazak is the most cost-effective option, but the main reason to invest in a new machine is to increase our competitive edge. Now we can integrate machining better into our manufacturing processes and add value by ensuring better service to our customers,” Mero explains.
“Productivity will increase drastically to the point where we can call it a huge leap compared to the old machines,” adds Marko Hintsanen, manufacturing manager at Stera Technologies Oy.
The VCN-700 machine has more features and power compared to the previous models, and the modern touchscreen control makes it possible to use 3D models for programming.
“We at Stera want to be a close long-term partner to our customers, starting from the product development stage. The new Mazak will help us tighten our design collaboration with our customers,” says Mero.
Many things are better compared to the old machine. Automation has replaced laborious operations, such as measuring tools and workpieces
Topias Kujala, Machinist
Mazak as the safety factor in production
Hintsanen is grateful for how Technical Trade’s services have stood out to their benefit. He expects that the availability of original spare parts and Mazak’s maintenance workers will also be able to keep the quality of after-sales management high.
“I believe that having your own maintenance personnel will guarantee high quality, making Mazak the safety factor in our production.”
Technical Trade has concentrated on just one brand in their machines. “It has been a viable solution, which has resulted in great feedback from our customers. When we avoid dabbling, we are able to manage one brand thoroughly. Our close cooperation with Mazak has contributed to our vast expertise and high quality service. These have helped Mazak gain a steady foothold in Finland,” says Jani Pulkkinen, Mazak’s sales director at Technical Trade.
Stera Technologies is a contract manufacturer and we perform many operations, such as cutting, edging, welding, machining, assembly and painting … The new Mazak will meet this need perfectly
Tommi Mero, Unit Manager
Ecological and ergonomic leap
Stera Technologies focuses on responsibility and has steadily introduced new environmentally friendly practices. The Mazak machine tool is one step forward in reducing environmental impact.
“The new machine is much more ecological than the previous one. Environmental responsibility is important to our large customers, so focusing on it allows us to meet their service demands and guarantee the development of our own business,” Mero says.
Mazak keeps oil consumption under control with its grease lubrication system, which means that there is no need for constant oil lubrication. Energy-saving features include, for example, LED lighting. The new machine not only saves the environment but also the operator. It has great ergonomics, as the display panel can be adjusted and you can get close to the machine table without having to reach too far.
“Our previous machine had a step, which was a clear safety hazard when handling heavier parts. The new machine is much safer now, as you can operate it at floor level,” says Hintsanen.
“Many things are better compared to the old machine. Automation has replaced laborious operations, such as measuring tools and workpieces,” says machinist Topias Kujala, who has been studying the new machine for a few weeks now.
“There is a lot to learn about the new control system, but with two days of training and assistance over the phone, we have been doing well,” says Hintsanen.
New and old customer
The thousandth Mazak was transferred to the company’s largest location in Tammela, which has been expanded several times. Stera Technologies is a new interesting customer for Technical Trade.
“Stera is a very exciting customer due to its size, locations and growth. Technical Trade operates across Finland with a strong service network, so we will also be able to provide services in locations outside Tammela in the future,” says Teuvo Kauppinen, sales manager at Mazak.
Stera Technologies is a new customer for Mazak’s machines, but the cooperation with Technical Trade has so far lasted for more than 30 years. The company had been using a Mazak laser cutting machine successfully for several decades before the machine was moved abroad.
“We have purchased Finnklima filters from Technical Trade. For the past year, we have also been purchasing air conditioners by the same brand for the control cabins that we manufacture. The cooperation has been smooth so far, and the Mazak investment has greatly reinforced this,” Mero summarizes.
Automation had replaced laborious operations, such as measuring tools and workpieces
Topias Kujala, Machinist
