What Fastems does

Fastems Oy Ab is a Tampere-headquartered, family-owned automation and digitalization provider founded in 1901 that has built specialized CNC metal-cutting automation expertise over the past 40+ years. With approximately 4,500–5,000 installations across Europe, North America, and Asia and disclosed annual revenue of approximately €100 million, the company serves manufacturers ranging from local job shops to global enterprises — including Lockheed Martin, Wärtsilä, BAE Systems, Ingersoll Rand, Gilbert Products, Kempf CNC-Technik, and Tatra Trucks — across aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, machine building, and other metalworking verticals. The company is led by Chairman Kai Öistämö and operates with 251–500 employees.

The product portfolio centers on the proprietary Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) — a control and scheduling platform purpose-built for high-mix, low-volume production — which orchestrates a physical automation stack including the Multi-Level System (MLS) flexible manufacturing system, the Flexible Pallet System (FPS), AGV-FMS for heavy components up to 60,000 kg, Gantry Tool Storage (GTS) and Central Tool Storage (CTS) tool automation, Tool Service Cell (TSC), Robotic Production Cells, Robotic Finishing Cells, and Auto-Loading Cells (ALD). As an "open integrator," Fastems connects this stack to more than 100 machine tool and device brands, including DMG Mori, Mazak, HELLER, Starrag, WaldrichSiegen, and Fanuc, and extends the platform into digital manufacturing offerings such as myFastems, Work Cell Operations (WCO), and Factory Cockpit.

The business model blends one-time hardware capital sales with recurring software and service revenue: MMS software licensing and Software Maintenance Agreements (SWMA) on the recurring side, paired with 12–36 month service agreements, 8760 (24/7) support, preventive maintenance, and spare parts packages (Basic / Premium / custom). Go-to-market is primarily direct enterprise field sales with regional managers in the US East & LatAm, US & Canada West, Europe, and Asia — supplemented by machine tool reseller channels (e.g., Dormac CNC Solutions as Doosan reseller in the Netherlands), and supported by a "Living Factory" demonstration experience, recurring MMS webinars, trade show presence at MACH, IMTS, and AMB, and a Productivity Lab assessment offering.

Name

Fastems

Legal name

Fastems Oy Ab

Website

https://fastems.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1901

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Fastems Oy Ab is a Tampere, Finland-headquartered, family-owned automation provider that designs and services CNC flexible manufacturing systems, robotic production cells, and tool automation — all orchestrated by its proprietary MMS software — for high-mix, low-volume metal-cutting manufacturers ranging from local job shops to global aerospace, automotive, and energy enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CNC Automation Systems

NAICS

Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351), Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Factory Automation Cells & Integrated Systems (Assembly, Welding, Painting Lines) (IMAHAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Process & Batch Control Software (Recipe Management, ISA-88) (IMAGABAH), CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers) (IMAHADAA)

Keywords

• CNC automation systems
• Flexible manufacturing systems
• Manufacturing management software
• Robotic production cells
• Tool automation solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Lyon

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Automation Systems (Hardware): Sale of flexible manufacturing systems including MLS, FPS, robotic production cells, tool automation, and AGV-FMS. Hardware includes stacker cranes, gantry robots, loading stations, material pallets, and peripheral equipment. Revenue is one-time capital expense with potential for expansion modules.
2. Manufacturing Management Software (MMS): Control software that plans, runs, and monitors automated production. Software licensing and maintenance agreements provide recurring revenue. Includes version updates, security patches, and feature enhancements.
3. Service Agreements and Lifecycle Services: Service agreements covering preventive maintenance, 8760 24/7 support, software maintenance, and spare parts. Standard agreements run 12-36 months. Spare parts sold as ready-made packages (Basic/Premium) or custom. Next-day delivery for critical parts.
4. Software Maintenance (SWMA): Continuous software maintenance ensuring MMS stays current with features, error fixes, and security updates. Protects against end-of-life scenarios for key system components.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Fastems designs, manufactures, and integrates intelligent CNC automation systems for high-mix, low-volume metal cutting production. Its portfolio includes Flexible Manufacturing Systems (MLS, FPS), AGV-FMS, robotic production cells, tool automation (GTS, CTS, TSC), finishing cells, and auto-loading cells. The offering is unified by its proprietary Manufacturing Management Software (MMS), which plans, schedules, and monitors production across machines from over 100 brands.

Product overview

Fastems offers a comprehensive portfolio of CNC automation solutions built around its core Manufacturing Management Software (MMS). The MMS serves as the unified control platform that orchestrates all automation systems, enabling intelligent production planning, scheduling, and monitoring for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments. The product portfolio spans multiple automation systems including the Multi-Level System (MLS) for flexible manufacturing across milling and turning machines, CNC automation for specific processes (milling, turning, metalworking, supportive processes), and specialized modules such as tool automation (Gantry Tool Storage and Central Tool Storage with Tool Service Cell), robotic production cells, robotic finishing cells, auto-loading cells, and the Flexible Pallet System for compact milling automation. Digital offerings include myFastems for 24/7 real-time insights, Work Cell Operations for non-automated process management, and Factory Cockpit for visibility. The portfolio is complemented by comprehensive lifecycle services including 24/7 8760 Support, Service Agreements, Maintenance, Spare Parts, Software Maintenance, and Productivity Assessment services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MMS - Manufacturing Management Software Central control software that plans, runs, and monitors high-mix, low-volume manufacturing across all Fastems automation systems. Provides adaptive scheduling, real-time KPIs, resource checking, and shopfloor transparency for CNC production.
• MLS - Multi-Level System Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) automating milling and turning machines from over 90 brands. Handles machine pallets and raw material pallets from 400 to 1600 mm, integrates value-adding processes, and supports tool automation. Achieves 85% spindle utilization on average.
• FPS - Flexible Pallet System Modular automation for 4 and 5 axis milling and mill-turn machines with pallets of 300-630 mm. Features a 360-degree tower-like storage design for tight spaces and integrates with machines with or without automatic pallet changers.
• AGV-FMS Flexible Manufacturing System using an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) instead of a traditional crane as transfer device. Designed for large heavy components such as engine blocks weighing up to 60,000 kg.
• Tool Automation (GTS and CTS) Gantry Tool Storage (GTS) stores up to 1,500 tools above machining centers, while Central Tool Storage (CTS) stores up to 5,000 tools at floor level. Both transfer cutting tools between storage and machining centers just-in-time and integrate with MMS.
• TSC - Tool Service Cell Robot-based automated tool setup cell integrated with GTS/CTS. Handles tool insert changes, washing, drying, and presetting with MMS-scheduled optimal reworking order and timely tool delivery.
• Robotic Production Cell Modular robotic automation for machine tending with handling capacity up to 2.3 tons. Can be complemented with value-adding functions such as deburring, washing, and part measuring. Designed for operators without extensive robotic experience.
• RFC - Robotic Finishing Cell High-performance robot-assisted deburring solution available as standalone or integrated with FMS. Uses tool-to-part approach allowing unlimited tool selection, with offline programming and simulation for new part introduction.
• ALD - Auto-Loading Cell Robotic solution for automated loading and unloading of machining pallets in FMS. Extends lights-out production capacity with minimal space and fixture investment, scheduled via MMS integration.
• CNC Automation for Milling Machines Automation solutions specifically designed for milling machine tools, enabling flexible manufacturing and extended unmanned production hours for high-mix production.
• CNC Automation for Turning Machines Automation solutions specifically designed for turning machine tools, enabling flexible manufacturing and extended unmanned production hours.
• CNC Automation for Other Metalworking Processes Automation solutions for metalworking processes beyond milling and turning, extending flexible manufacturing capabilities to specialized operations.
• CNC Automation of Supportive Processes and Devices Automation for auxiliary manufacturing processes and devices that support core CNC operations.
• myFastems Digital platform providing existing customers with 24/7 access to real-time system status, performance data, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support from installation to optimization.
• Work Cell Operations (WCO) Digital solution for managing non-automated operations such as sawing, washing, or packaging digitally, reducing idle time, manual work, and unnecessary work-in-progress.
• Factory Cockpit Digital manufacturing visibility tool providing real-time monitoring and insights across manufacturing operations.
• 8760 Support 24/7 technical remote support service available every day with multi-language support, online service case management, remote troubleshooting, and video diagnostics.
• Service Agreements Comprehensive service packages including preventive maintenance, 8760 Support, software maintenance, and optional spare part availability for optimal system availability. Standard agreements run 12-36 months.
• Maintenance Services Preventive and corrective maintenance services for Fastems automation systems, delivered from a global service network with genuine spare parts.
• Spare Parts Spare parts support with next-day delivery, guaranteed fit, and exchange services for all automation systems throughout their lifecycle. Available as Basic or Premium packages or custom-configured.
• Software Maintenance Continuous software maintenance ensuring MMS stays current with features, error fixes, and security updates to protect against end-of-life scenarios for key system components.
• Productivity Assessment Expert productivity assessment service helping identify opportunities for improvement and optimize manufacturing operations through data analysis and consultation, delivered via the Productivity Lab.
• Living Factory Hands-on experience center at Fastems facilities where visitors can see automation systems in action and learn best practices of CNC automation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Lockheed Martin: 75% reduction in span time; 26% reduction in hours per unit (132 to 98 hours); monorail moves decreased from 18 to 2; enables manufacturing of up to 20 forward fuselages per month
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2026Three-party strategic partnership (Tampere University, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, and Fastems) focused on advancing solutions for the manufacturing industry through digitalization, automation, and intelligent manufacturing. Five-year partnership encompasses joint R&D, educational collaboration (courses and student projects), and shared use of the FMS Training Center. Aims to deepen ties between industry and higher education while supporting industrial development and competence building.
• WärtsiläflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 30-year strategic partnership. Wärtsilä uses Fastems automation for cylinder head assembly lines, module assembly facilities, and engine block manufacturing. At Wärtsilä's Sustainable Technology Hub (STH), Fastems systems handle over 60 component types with fully integrated single-piece flow from raw materials to finished parts. Wärtsilä also placed a robot at Technobothnia Research Centre for shared research purposes.
• Lockheed MartinflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership for F-35 Lightning II manufacturing automation. Fastems designed and delivered an integrated Machine Tool Transfer Line (MTTL) for forward fuselage production. System expanded in multiple phases (2011/2012, 2018, and subsequent expansions). Fastems also provided on-site support for the first several months of operation. Lockheed Martin credits the partnership for enabling 75% reduction in span time.
• StarragcoreTechnology or IntegrationStarrag (manufacturer of Heckert machining centers) partnered with Fastems for Tatra Trucks' automated production cell. Heckert HEC 800 machining center integrated with Fastems FPC3000 automation system. Tatra Trucks ordered the cell in 2024 for V8 and V12 diesel engine housing production.
• DMG MoricoreTechnology or IntegrationDMG Mori 5-axis and 4-axis milling machines integrated into Gilbert Products' Fastems FMS. Gilbert's first system includes 4 DMG Mori machines (two 5-axis machines with 240-tool magazines, and later two NHX 5500 4-axis machines).
• DMG MoricoreTechnology or IntegrationFour DMG Mori horizontal machining centers integrated into Ingersoll Rand's Fastems MLS at their Nokia, Finland production site (opened 2022).
• HELLERcoreTechnology or IntegrationFive HELLER horizontal machining centers integrated into Wärtsilä STH's MLS system for manufacturing over 60 types of connecting rods and cylinder heads.
• FanuccoreTechnology or IntegrationFanuc robots used in Wärtsilä's cylinder head assembly line (four Fanuc robots) and Lockheed Martin facility's automation. Doesburg Components uses two Fanuc robots in its dual-robot cell.
• WaldrichSiegencoreTechnology or IntegrationWaldrichSiegen portal machine integrated into Wärtsilä STH's AGV-FMS for manufacturing large engine blocks weighing up to 60,000 kg.
• Dormac CNC SolutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDutch Doosan machine tool reseller that partners with Fastems to offer Robotic Production Cell (RPC) automation solutions for small batch production on lathes and machining centers. Dormac serves as the customer's first point of contact while Fastems provides automation integration.
• ValkworksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFastems representative in the Benelux region. Henk Kremers from Valkworks represents Fastems and designed the dual-robot cell for Doesburg Components.
• MazakcoreTechnology or IntegrationMazak Variaxis 730 5-axis machining centers integrated into A. Abete's Fastems MLS for aerospace component production.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Hedelius: German CNC machine builder with automated pallet handling concepts for small and mid-sized job shops — a segment where Fastems's FPS and RoboCells are also expanding.
• Cellro: Dutch specialist in flexible CNC automation cells, deburring, and material handling for small-batch production. Targets the same Dutch/German job-shop and subcontractor segment that Fastems serves through Dormac and Valkworks channel partners.

Direct peers

• DMG MORI: Large machine tool OEM that increasingly bundles its own automation and pallet-handling cells alongside CNC machines. Competes head-to-head with Fastems for integrated factory automation sales into aerospace, automotive, and machine building customers (e.g., DMG Mori machines are integrated into Fastems installs at Gilbert Products and Ingersoll Rand).
• Makino Milling Machine: Machine tool OEM with its own pallet automation (e.g., Machining Cell) and factory automation solutions. Targets the same aerospace and high-mix manufacturers as Fastems with vertical-integrated automation offerings.
• Mazak: Major machine tool OEM that sells its Smart Factory and Done-In-One automation solutions. Competes with Fastems for integrated cell sales and is also integrated into Fastems-managed systems (e.g., Mazak Variaxis at A. Abete).
• Grob Systems: German machine tool and system builder offering highly flexible manufacturing systems and turnkey automation lines for automotive and aerospace customers. Directly overlaps with Fastems's MLS and FPS in flexible, lights-out machining.
• Heller: Machine tool specialist with integrated automation and turnkey system sales for aerospace and engine components. Its HELLER horizontal machining centers are integrated into Fastems's Wärtsilä STH install, demonstrating both overlap and complementarity.

Broad incumbents

• Siemens (Industrial Automation / Digital Industries): Broad industrial automation incumbent whose CNC controllers (SINUMERIK), MES (Opcenter), and Digital Industries portfolio compete with MMS at the software layer and with Fastems's turnkey systems as a broader automation supplier.
• FANUC: Dominant supplier of CNC controls and industrial robots used inside and around machine tools. FANUC robots are integrated into Fastems installs (Wärtsilä cylinder head line, Lockheed Martin facility), but FANUC also sells integrated robotic loading and monitoring solutions that compete with Fastems's RoboCells.
• KUKA: Major industrial robot and automation systems integrator supplying automotive and general industry customers. Overlaps with Fastems's robotic production and finishing cells in machine-tending applications.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fastems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fastems