Westomat Duo helps Handtmann hit increased production targets and innovate for automotive.
The Handtmann light metal casting division is no stranger to StrikoWestofen technology. For over two decades, the strategic system partner for aluminium casting has trusted StrikoMelter melting furnaces and Westomat dosing furnaces to help produce drivetrain, body, and chassis parts for a vast national and international customer base.
With demand for components increasing, and a busy R&D department working on new lightweight parts for automotive, they needed additional dosing capabilities that don’t take up too much space. Westomat Duo provided the perfect answer. Read on to find out why!
A super ‘space-to-benefit ratio’ too good to resist.
The Handtmann light metal casting division produces high quality magnesium and aluminum castings for leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers. The production site Annaberg in Germany is one of its busiest, producing around 16,000 tons of castings in 2024.
With 21 casting lines in full-time operation, space is at a premium. This was a key factor in the company’s recent purchase of a new Westomat Duo. It’s fifth to date.
Dosing made simple.
Space-saving isn’t the only reason Handtmann chose the Westomat Duo. This compact furnace offers impressive versatility — with two riser tube openings, sampling is faster and easier using the inactive one. As Heiko Blei explains: “The pneumatic base lets us simply ‘lift and tilt’ — no chassis or rails needed. It’s very easy to operate.”
A lasting, sustainable partnership.
With five StrikoMelter melting furnaces, fifteen Westomat Classic, and four Westomat Duo systems already running in Annaberg, Handtmann’s 20+ year partnership with StrikoWestofen continues to thrive. “We’re both innovators,” says Blei. “StrikoWestofen supports us in meeting evolving customer needs with excellent technical service and a strong focus on energy efficiency. For our goal of becoming CO₂-neutral by 2039, that’s invaluable. We look forward to many more years together.”
— Heiko Blei“We are innovators. So is StrikoWestofen. We know they will always support us meet the needs of our customers – however those needs change over the years."