Historic Milestone for Traditional CzechManufacturer
May 2025 marks a watershed moment in the storied history ofMSV Metal Studénka, as the Czech engineering company officially inaugurated itsmost significant investment in recent years. The fully robotic forging line,centered around a massive 4,000-ton press, represents not merely an upgrade buta transformative leap in the company's manufacturing capabilities. With aninvestment of approximately 280 million Czech crowns ($12.3 million), thistechnological marvel will boost the company's annual production capacity from14,000 to over 18,000 metric tons of forgings, positioning the firm forenhanced competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. Theceremonial launch underscores the company's commitment to maintaining itsindustrial heritage while embracing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Efficiency Gains Through TechnologicalInnovation
"This significant investment will allow us to improvethe efficiency of the main forging process and thus strengthen ourcompetitiveness," explained Pavel Krajča, Chairman of the Board ofDirectors of MSV Metal Studénka. The new line's sophisticated designincorporates automatically controlled cooling processes for productsimmediately after forging, a technological advancement that eliminates the needfor subsequent heat treatment requiring material reheating in many cases. Thisinnovation not only streamlines production but delivers substantial energysavings, aligning with growing industry imperatives for more sustainablemanufacturing practices while simultaneously reducing operational costs. Theintegration of these efficiency-enhancing features demonstrates how traditionalheavy industry can evolve to meet contemporary economic and environmentalchallenges.
Robotics Revolution Transforms TraditionalCraft
The new forging line specializes in producing forgings fromstructural, carbon, and alloy steel weighing between 10 and 22 kilograms.Perhaps most significantly, this installation represents a complete paradigmshift in how forgings are produced at the facility, transitioning fromtraditional methods to fully robotic operation of the forging process. Thisautomation dramatically reduces the physical demands placed on blacksmiths,transforming roles that have historically been characterized by intense manuallabor and exposure to extreme conditions. The implementation of robotics inthis context illustrates how digital transformation can preserve industrialcapabilities while addressing workforce challenges and improving workingconditions in physically demanding industries.
Strategic Investment for Market Competitiveness
Petr Popelář, Chairman of the Supervisory Boardrepresenting parent company Moravia Steel, emphasized the strategic necessityof such investments: "If we want to be successful in both domestic andforeign markets, it is absolutely necessary to invest in modernization. Thiswill not only develop production at the highest technological level but alsosatisfy the most demanding requirements of our customers." Thisperspective highlights how technological modernization serves as both adefensive measure against competitive pressures and a proactive strategy toexpand market opportunities. With over 85% of production exported, primarily toEuropean markets, maintaining technological parity or advantage is essentialfor the company's continued viability in an increasingly competitive globalmarketplace.
Engineering Feat: From Construction toOperation
The implementation of this ambitious project began in late2023, with the first half of 2024 dedicated to constructing foundations capableof supporting the enormous machinery. The installation process presentedsignificant logistical challenges, particularly the transportation andpositioning of the "main press stand" weighing an impressive 120metric tons. Moving this colossal component within the company premisesrequired precise planning and specialized equipment. Following the issuance oftrial operation approval in August 2024, the company conducted extensivetesting of the forging production technology before the recent transition tofull serial operation. This methodical approach to implementation reflects thecomplexity involved in integrating advanced manufacturing systems into existingindustrial operations.
Broader Modernization Strategy Takes Shape
The new forging line represents just one component of MSVMetal Studénka's comprehensive modernization strategy. In paralleldevelopments, the company recently completed the installation of a fullyrobotized CNC lathe from manufacturer Balák, designed to streamline theproduction of nuts for screws and tension devices. Additionally, to increaseproduction capacity for bumpers, the company installed another robotic weldingworkplace at its Studénka facility. These coordinated investments acrossmultiple production areas demonstrate a holistic approach to industrialmodernization rather than piecemeal upgrades, suggesting a carefully consideredlong-term strategy for maintaining competitive advantage through technologicalleadership.
Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Markets
MSV Metal Studénka, the successor to the historic VagónkaStudénka, along with its Polish subsidiary, specializes in the production ofsteel drop forgings through hot forming, with capabilities extending to heattreatment, machining, welding, and assembly of parts and assemblies. Thecompany's products serve diverse industrial sectors, including railway,construction, automotive, agricultural, and mining industries. This broadapplication base provides resilience against sector-specific downturns while allowingthe company to leverage its core competencies across multiple markets. With aworkforce comprising over 450 employees in Studénka and an additional 180 atits subsidiary near Wrocław, Poland, the company represents a significanteconomic presence in its regions of operation, making its technologicaladvancement relevant not only to its own future but to the broader industrialecosystem it supports.
Key Takeaways:
• MSV Metal Studénka has invested 280 million Czech crowns($12.3 million) in a fully robotic forging line with a 4,000-ton press,increasing annual production capacity from 14,000 to over 18,000 metric tons.
• The new automated line features controlled coolingprocesses that eliminate the need for subsequent heat treatment in many cases,delivering significant energy savings and reducing the physical workload forworkers.
• With over 85% of production exported primarily toEuropean markets, this investment strengthens the company's competitiveness inrailway, construction, automotive, agricultural, and mining industries.
