Cutting waste by 15 to 20 percent while improving internal agility by reducing reaction time by 18 to 20 percent

Achieving success via consistent transformation

In the constantly evolving advanced manufacturing landscape, strategic digital adoption is a prerequisite for remaining competitive. Plasma-Tech Systems Ltd., a Hungarian machinery manufacturer established in 2010, focused on technological investment, particularly in computer-aided design (CAD) systems, to enable rapid capability expansion, international reach and sustained operational efficiency.

Originally focused on distributing and manufacturing plasma cutting systems, the company underwent a significant transformation in 2014. “We identified the shift toward fiber laser technology early,” recalls Béla Ladányi, managing director at Plasma-Tech Systems. “This insight allowed us to develop and manufacture our own fiber laser equipment for the domestic market, making us one of the few Hungarian players offering this technology at the time.”

This strategic redirection was only the beginning. A major inflection point came in 2016 when Plasma-Tech Systems joined the VESZ-MONT Group, which enabled deeper integration of automation and robotics.

“This partnership allowed us to extend our activities,” says Ladányi. “In parallel with laser engraving machines, we began developing custom robotic and automated production systems, tailored, in many cases, to customer-specific requirements.”

After 2018, the company began intensifying its contract manufacturing services, a logical next step given their expanding capacity.

“We didn’t want to limit ourselves to product manufacturing alone,” explains Ladányi. “By entering contract manufacturing, we could leverage our skills in welding, machining, portal milling, painting and sandblasting to support partners across Europe.” Their export capabilities now reach multiple European countries.

Plasma-Tech’s growth is reflected physically as well, with their production area expanding to 3,300 square meters. However, this is not just a case of scaling up. “We moved from simple sheet metal work toward designing and manufacturing high value-added, complex machinery,” says Ladányi.

This shift up the value chain required a new level of digitalization, especially for how the company designs, quotes and manages projects.

Choosing Designcenter Solid Edge was Plasma-Tech Systems natural

Central to this digital evolution was adopting Siemens Digital Industries Software’s Designcenter™ Solid Edge® software, which is part of the Siemens Xcelerator business platform of software, hardware and services and supported by Enterprise Group Technologies Ltd., a Siemens partner.

“We needed a design solution that could be used throughout the entire process, from quoting to production handoff,” says Ladányi. “Designcenter Solid Edge proved to be the right fit.”

The software’s sheet metal module brought measurable value. “Most of the designs we receive are not optimized for our production environment,” explains Ladányi. “Using Designcenter Solid Edge allows us to adjust parameters quickly and intuitively, reducing scrap and improving cost accuracy.

“With Designcenter Solid Edge, we’ve been able to cut waste by 15 to 20 percent, which is substantial in contract manufacturing.”

Additionally, by leveraging Designcenter Solid Edge, Plasma-Tech Systems also improved their internal agility.

“Using a unified software environment like Designcenter Solid Edge has reduced our reaction time by 18 to 20 percent whenever we need to make design modifications,” says Ladányi. “That makes a big difference in time-sensitive manufacturing projects.

“Enterprise Group Technology’s support was key. They weren’t just software providers; they were development partners who ensured seamless onboarding and ongoing technical support.”

Achieving competitive differentiation

Plasma-Tech Systems goes beyond simply using Designcenter Solid Edge: they build around it. “Thanks to the user-friendly interface of Designcenter Solid Edge, we can customize machines based on specific client requests, minimize commissioning errors and accelerate delivery schedules,” says Ladányi.

This capability has become a market differentiator, enabling high product quality and precision under tight deadlines.

The strategic commitment to Siemens’ software platform is firm. “It became obvious that whenever we consider new digital tools or extensions, we’ll turn to the same partner,” adds Ladányi.

Learning lessons in scalable innovation

Plasma-Tech Systems’ journey from a niche plasma cutter supplier to a multi-technology manufacturer with international reach underscores a valuable lesson for today’s engineering decision-makers. Innovation is not merely about acquiring tools, but about building a systematic, scalable approach to design, production and
customization.

By aligning with Siemens and leveraging Designcenter Solid Edge, supported by a robust implementation partner, the company achieved quantifiable gains in agility, cost control and product flexibility.

“The right software, with the right support, can fundamentally transform a manufacturing business,” says Ladányi.