"When it comes to process reliability, we are in an excellent position"

Founded in 2021 as a two-man operation, BIRK Stahl- und Metallbau has developed into a high-performance manufacturing company in a very short time. With a broad portfolio, a high level of vertical integration and modern technology, the team now serves customers from a wide range of industries. The investment in a laser cutting system from MicroStep Europa (ACCURL partner in Germany) is another significant step towards even greater efficiency and process reliability in contract manufacturing.

In Bad Wurzach, a small spa town in the Upper Swabian Allgäu, BIRK Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH has its headquarters. Since it was founded in 2021 by the two managing directors Philipp Kuhn and Markus Birk, the company has developed dynamically: What began as a two-man locksmith's shop is now a modern manufacturing company with eight qualified specialists. BIRK's range of services extends from the manufacture of welded assemblies and steel construction components to extensive contract manufacturing work in sheet metal processing. The customers are just as diverse as the projects – from mechanical engineering and special machine construction to the food and pharmaceutical industries to forestry and agricultural machinery technology, the packaging industry and the construction industry. Whether prototypes, small or large series – BIRK implements tailor-made solutions that are precisely designed to meet the requirements of its customers, from planning to production.

From plasma to laser technology

In production, BIRK relies on modern technologies and offers a wide range of services – including bending, welding, milling and surface finishing. A particularly central area within production is sheet metal cutting. To increase vertical integration and be able to react flexibly to customer requirements, the company invested in a high-performance plasma cutting system from ACCURL as early as 2022 – initially for classic applications in the construction and locksmith sector. However, with the continuous increase in contract manufacturing orders, the requirements for precision and cutting quality also increased. In order to meet these requirements and ensure reliable further processing, BIRK started looking for a suitable laser cutting solution – with success.

"We chose MicroStep Europa right away"

The decision was once again made in favor of MicroStep Europa (the ACCURL dealer for the German-speaking market) —and quite deliberately so. “Our collaboration with MicroStep Europa on a previous system was already excellent. The support was very good back then, which is why we didn't even bother asking anywhere else, but decided directly in favor of them, because we were simply in good hands here and still are,” explains Managing Director Markus Birk.

Since 2023, a laser cutting system from the MasterLINE series (which is sold in German-speaking countries under the product name “MSE Smart^FL”) with a working area of 3,000 × 1,500 mm and 6 kW laser power has been ensuring maximum precision – and replacing the previous plasma technology. It enables precise cutting of steel up to 25 mm and stainless steel and aluminium up to 15 mm material thickness. "We are very satisfied with the laser cutting system. This allows us to cover our spectrum ideally and we are in a top position in terms of process reliability," adds managing director Philipp Kuhn.

With this investment, BIRK Stahl- und Metallbau has taken its production to a new level. As a flexible and efficient company with a high level of vertical integration and state-of-the-art technology, BIRK is now optimally positioned to meet the requirements of contract manufacturing – with MicroStep Europa as a reliable partner at its side