First Cut recently concluded a mutually beneficial agreement with the company Messer Cutting Systems in Europe to take over the latter’s South African operation.
Messer has had a presence in South Africa for the past 15 years from a single office in Gauteng. In terms of the new agreement, Messer will be able to service the entire country more effectively via First Cut’s presence throughout South Africa. The agreement came into force in January this year, and the Messer agency is now part of First Cut’s machine division managed by Anthony Lezar.
Messer Cutting Systems equipment comes into its own in industries such as motor vehicle and mining equipment manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding and railroad rolling stock manufacturing. Messer boasts a 120 years successful track record and its name is synonymous with high quality. In line with this, Messer equipment currently in service in South Africa is renowned for its longevity and outstanding performance.
Popular products available in South Africa and with relevance in the laser and fabrication sectors are Messer’s LaserMat and PowerBlade units. The LaserMat’s many advantages include large area processing with the CO2 laser and on-board resonator. The machine has working widths up to 4,500mm and working lengths of over 50 metres. Beam path length compensation guarantees the highest cut quality over the entire working area. The LaserMat’s onboard laser protection hood (laser protection class 1) permits direct crane loading, even with large special formats or parts. The infinitely rotating laser bevel head allows for continuous bevels from -45° to +45°.
This machine is highly dynamic and has simultaneous speeds of up to 140m/min with the highest acceleration of up to 1g. Its track has been specifically designed for laser requirements and has been grouted after levelling to deliver the highest positioning – and repetitive accuracies.
In addition to versatile products such as these, Messer places considerable emphasis on innovation in order to promote productivity. At EuroBLECH 2018, Messer Cutting Systems launched the notable new MetalMaster Xcel cutting machine. With an emphasis on fast process cycles, high acceleration and even better cutting quality and accuracy through smooth guidance from the helical gearing and linear guides, the MetalMaster Xcel is ideal for the busy fabrication shop.
In terms of the range of Messer Cutting Systems equipment, First Cut will be distributing the complete portfolio, and will be able to provide everything showcased on the Messer website. Furthermore, Messer welding electrodes will now be manufactured and sold by First Cut in South Africa.
With immediate effect, all Messer equipment in operation locally will be supported by First Cut and in order to maintain the continuity of Messer’s after-sales service, spares and backup, First Cut has taken over the company’s current service technicians and most of its local staff. Some members of First Cut’s technical team have already been sent for training in Germany.
For more information, please contact First Cut – Tel: 011 614-1112
