Founded in 1991, Brazilian bakery and kitchen equipment manufacturer Prática has grown from a small family business into an international supplier, supported by continuous investment in advanced manufacturing technology. Central to that growth has been a long-standing partnership with Prima Power, helping the company improve productivity, automate production and expand into global markets.

Based at a 20,000 m² manufacturing facility in Pouso Alegre, Prática was established by brothers Luiz and Andre Rezende to produce energy-efficient bakery equipment for the Brazilian market. As demand increased, the company sought manufacturing technologies that would support higher output and improved quality.

The partnership with Prima Power began in 2004 with the installation of a CO2 laser cutting system, followed by a C5 turret punch press to accelerate punching operations for holes, vents and louvers. Continued growth led Prática to make a major leap in automation in 2012, installing a fully integrated production system comprising a Night Train FMS, FBe Bending Centre, LPe laser/punch combination machine and Shear Genius. The installation was the first of its kind in Brazil.

According to Luiz Rezende, the automated system delivered significant gains in production speed, material handling, storage control and employee safety, while supporting the company’s expansion into international markets, including subsidiaries in Chile and the United States.

More recently, Prática has continued to invest in upgraded Night Train software and hardware, additional manufacturing capacity and new Prima Power equipment, including a Laser Genius+ fibre laser and servo-electric press brakes. The company also works closely with Prima Power’s local service team to maximise machine uptime through preventive maintenance and technical support.

Today, Prática combines advanced automation with sustainable manufacturing to strengthen its competitive position while continuing to develop innovative food processing equipment for customers worldwide.

More information www.primapower.com

Since 2007, Schuhmacher Metalltechnik and LVD have worked side by side to optimise performance on the shop floor. Beginning with LVD press brakes, the co-operation has evolved into a journey of transformation, including two Taurus 24-m laser cutting machines and an Ulti-Form robotic bending system.

As a trusted name in sheet metal fabrication, Schuhmacher Metalltechnik offers end-to-end expertise, from concept development to full-scale series production. A renowned neighbour and key customer is Liebherr, a global manufacturer of construction machinery, cranes, and industrial equipment.

“We’re a family-owned company, founded in 1953, with over 70 years of experience in sheet metal processing,” says Stefan Zimmermann, managing director of Schuhmacher Metalltechnik. “As a subcontractor processing metal blanks from 1 to 200 mm thick, we combine expert advice, efficient execution and high-tech production.” 

In 2022, Schuhmacher Metalltechnik took a bold step forward with the Taurus FL, a fibre laser cutting system designed for big ambitions. The system features a cutting length of 24 m and processes sheets up to 3.3 m wide and 30 mm thick with ease. No more time-consuming repositioning, just pure efficiency at scale. One of the Taurus’ key advantages is its bevel cutting capability.

“With the Taurus, we can integrate weld seam preparation quickly and precisely during cutting,” states Zimmermann.

This feature delivers a major competitive advantage: secondary steps are eliminated and automation takes over. The impact was so significant that the company ordered a second Taurus shortly after, doubling capacity and unlocking new levels of flexibility.

To tackle the shortage of skilled labour and optimise production, Schuhmacher has also invested in a robotic bending cell. Powered by the CADMAN®-SIM software, Ulti-Form automates programming and opens doors to new possibilities.

More information www.lvdgroup.com