Customer Case– Nordisk Teknologi i Kåge AB

NORDISK TEKNOLOGI I KÅGE AB OR NORDTEK INVESTS IN THE FUTURE WITH LMI AB AND HSG – 20 KW LASER PROVIDES FULL CONTROL OVER PRODUCTION

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN IN-HOUSE LASER CUTTINGSTRATEGISK INVESTERING I EGEN LASERSKÄRNING

When Nordtek faced the decision to take the next step in its production, the objective was clear:
to take control of laser cutting, increase flexibility, and secure future competitiveness. The result was an investment in an HSG HS G3015H with a 20 kW laser source, delivered by LMI in December 2024 – a solution that today forms a central part of Nordtek’s production.

A FAMILY BUSINESS WITH LONG INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE

Nordtek is a family-owned company with roots dating back to 1991.
After several ownership changes, the founder Krister Koch took over the business again in 2002.
Since then, the company has been run by the Koch family – with Joakim Koch as CEO, together with Jimmy Koch.

Today, Nordtek has 11 employees and works with subcontracting and manufacturing assignments for a broad customer base.

THE CHALLENGE – DEPENDENCE ON EXTERNAL SUBCONTRACT CUTTING

Before the investment, Nordtek faced clear production challenges.
– The challenge was that we were always in someone else’s hands. We were dependent on suppliers’ lead times for subcontract-cut material,
says Joakim Koch, CEO.

Annually, Nordtek purchased subcontract-cut materials for large sums of money, which resulted in:

• bottlenecks in production
• limited flexibility
• longer lead times to customers

At the same time, the existing plasma cutting had reached its technical limit.
– The plasma had done its job. The question was: what is our next step?

Filip Lundberg, operator, Jimmy Koch, co-owner, and Joakim Koch, CEO and co-owner

THE REQUIREMENT THAT GOVERNED EVERYTHING – STABLE CUTTING IN 40 MM PLATE

For Nordtek, the requirements were clear from the start:

• stable and repeatable cutting in up to 40 mm mild steel
• high quality
• a future-proof solution

Several suppliers were skeptical – most claimed that it simply was not possible to achieve stable laser cutting at these thicknesses.

WHY LMI WAS CHOSEN

When the dialogue with LMI gained momentum, the picture changed.

– Niklas at LMI presented a solution that actually met our requirements. That was decisive,
says Joakim Koch.

LMI AB’s advisory approach was characterized by:

• technical competence
• understanding of Nordtek’s real needs
• long experience in laser technology

– It felt right with LMI. The dialogue was excellent throughout and built strong trust.
After further discussions and technical reviews, the decision was made in the summer of 2024.
– If you’re going to do it, you just have to go all in,
says Joakim Koch.

The machine, an HSG G3015H with a 20 kW laser source, cuts 40 mm plates without any problems.

The decision was to invest in LMI’s solution – an HSG G3015H with a 20 kW laser source.

THE SOLUTION – THE RIGHT MACHINE FOR THE RIGHT NEED

LMI’s role was not to “sell a machine”, but to put together a functioning production solution.
– LMI presented the solution in a very convincing and knowledgeable way. LMI showed that they know what they’re doing,
says Joakim Koch

DELIVERY, INSTALLATION AND START-UP – A PARTNERSHIP IN PRACTICE

Delivery and installation were carried out according to plan, but the start-up involved technical challenges – especially in the thickest material ranges.

– It took some time. I was even a bit discouraged for a while, but the reason was a very difficult product where the details were too close to each other, which we later solved with the help of LMI,
says Joakim Koch.

Here, the collaboration with LMI proved crucial.
– LMI didn’t give up. They supported us in a really good way and helped us achieve proper cutting in the critical 40 mm material. Once it worked – it worked really well.
LMI was available throughout the entire process and took responsibility until the solution worked fully in production.

THE RESULT – FREEDOM, FLEXIBILITY AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Today, the effect is clear.
– The investment has given us freedom, opportunities, and jobs.

Filip and Joakim are the ones operating the laser machine to a large extent.

Nordtek now has:

• full control over laser cutting
• faster and more flexible order handling
• better quality overview
• shorter lead times to customers

The next step is to increasingly offer subcontract laser cutting to external customers.

– Now we know it works. We will push marketing more going forward.

THE OPERATOR’S PERSPECTIVE

The difference is also clearly noticeable in production.

– Compared to plasma, the laser delivers better results, faster and more flexible work – and a much cleaner working environment,
says Filip Lundberg, machine operator.

A LONG-TERM COLLABORATION

The collaboration with LMI continues even after delivery.

– LMI has supported us all the way and never given up, despite challenges in the beginning,
says Joakim Koch.

When asked whether Nordtek would recommend LMI to others, the answer is clear:
– Absolutely. LMI is easy to work with and has extensive experience in laser technology.