300th mobile bending cell delivered: A landmark achievement in manufacturing automation

In a significant advancement for metal forming technology, Bystronic recently delivered its 300th Mobile Bending Cell, marking an important milestone in the industry’s move toward compact, automated solutions. The recipient of this cutting-edge equipment was Josef Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG, a globally recognised manufacturer of toboggan runs, event slides, and water slides, based in Rasdorf, Germany. This development not only showcases Bystronic’s ongoing innovations in metal bending automation but also highlights the growing need for automation in modern manufacturing.

The growing role of automation in metal bending

The delivery of the 300th Mobile Bending Cell underscores a broader trend in the manufacturing sector toward automation, as companies increasingly look for ways to enhance precision, efficiency, and flexibility. Wiegand, which employs over 350 people in Rasdorf, handcrafts its leisure equipment with a focus on quality and custom solutions for its global clients. To meet the rising demand for their products, Wiegand recognised the need to modernise its production capabilities and chose Bystronic’s Mobile Bending Cell as part of its move toward more automated processes.

This decision to integrate automation reflects the realities of today’s fast-paced production environments, where manufacturers must be agile in responding to customer demands. Wiegand’s products, which include large-scale slides and toboggan runs for theme parks, ski resorts, and playgrounds worldwide, often require custom configurations and rapid production times. The addition of the Mobile Bending Cell allows the company to improve its throughput while maintaining the high level of craftsmanship for which it is known.

Why Wiegand chose Bystronic

At the heart of this purchase decision was Wiegand’s long-standing relationship with Bystronic. The company has previously used Bystronic press brakes and laser cutting equipment and was impressed by the performance and user-friendly software that Bystronic offers. During the handover ceremony for the 300th Mobile Bending Cell, Hendrik Wiegand, CEO of Josef Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG, praised Bystronic for its reliability. “We have always been satisfied with Bystronic’s press brakes and laser cutters, and their software was also convincing. It was clear to us that Bystronic would be our choice again. Besides, there was simply no alternative. We are particularly pleased to have received the 300th such machine,” said Wiegand.

This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the industry: automation solutions that are not only powerful but also intuitive to use. As manufacturers increasingly adopt smart factory technologies, ease of integration and operation become critical factors in selecting new equipment. Bystronic’s ability to combine advanced technology with simple, flexible operations has made its Mobile Bending Cell a popular choice among manufacturers, especially those in industries like Wiegand’s, where customisation and quick turnaround times are essential.

A look at Bystronic’s mobile bending cell

The Mobile Bending Cell represents a significant innovation in the field of sheet metal forming, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that face space and budget constraints. This compact bending solution, which integrates a ByBend Star 80 press brake with a Mobile Bending Robot, occupies a footprint of only around five square meters. In contrast, a traditional bending cell with a fixed robotic system can take up as much as ten times the space. This makes the Mobile Bending Cell an ideal choice for companies like Wiegand, where floor space is at a premium, and flexibility is key.

One of the standout features of the Mobile Bending Cell is its Plug in & Bend capability. Designed for ease of use, the system can be set up in almost any manufacturing environment and be operational within just five minutes. Moreover, the compact design allows it to be moved easily within a facility, enabling manufacturers to adapt quickly to changing production needs. This level of flexibility is particularly valuable for companies with diverse product lines or custom manufacturing requirements, such as Wiegand’s toboggan runs and slides.

Bystronic’s focus on automation extends beyond just the hardware. The Mobile Bending Cell’s integration with Bystronic’s software ecosystem allows operators to streamline workflows, from programming bends to executing precise, repeatable operations. This ensures high-quality output with minimal human intervention, reducing the risk of errors and significantly improving production efficiency.

The future of automated bending

For Marcel Fiedler, the product manager responsible for bending automation at Bystronic, the delivery of the 300th Mobile Bending Cell is a testament to the growing demand for automation in metal forming. “The delivery of the 300th Mobile Bending Cell shows that Bystronic is meeting a clear need in the sheet metal processing industry with this machine. We are pleased that we can support our customers in their growth plans,” Fiedler stated.

This achievement also signals a shift in how companies are approaching their manufacturing processes. As production becomes more complex and lead times become shorter, the need for highly automated, compact systems like the Mobile Bending Cell is expected to grow. Bystronic’s ability to deliver these solutions while maintaining a focus on customer needs has positioned it as a leader in this field.

About Josef Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG

Wiegand has been a pioneer in the design and manufacture of leisure equipment for decades, producing everything from water slides to alpine coaster rides. Its products can be found in locations as varied as Chinese mountains, European theme parks, and American ski resorts. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has made it a global leader in its field, and the decision to integrate Bystronic’s Mobile Bending Cell into its production line is part of its ongoing effort to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining its reputation for craftsmanship.

Incorporating the Mobile Bending Cell into Wiegand’s production facility will allow the company to continue to meet its customers’ needs with precision and speed, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the leisure equipment industry for years to come.

By delivering its 300th Mobile Bending Cell, Bystronic has once again demonstrated its commitment to driving innovation in metal bending automation. For companies like Wiegand, these advancements are not just about improving production efficiency—they are about staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. As more manufacturers embrace automation, the future of metal forming is set to be one of increased flexibility, precision, and productivity.