ASTES4
ASTES4 SA is a Swiss subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric (founded 2013, Balerna) that designs and sells automated sorting, storage, and loading/unloading systems plus SortCAM software for sheet-metal fabricators, integrated with Mitsubishi Electric laser cutting machines.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersBalerna, Switzerland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ASTES4 does
ASTES4 SA is a Swiss industrial automation company headquartered in Balerna (Ticino), founded in 2013 and operating as a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The company designs and produces hardware and software for the post-laser portion of sheet-metal production: automated part picking and sorting (SORT, SORT XL, SortPro with 4-head grippers and 360° magnetic/vacuum tool change up to 100 kg per head), automated loading/unloading (SkyWay Linear and Cross), automated multi-level storage (StoreGo), and the proprietary SortCAM control software that configures sorting, kitting, stacking and pallet arrangement, provides full part-level traceability, and integrates with customer ERP/MES systems. Its systems are sold as integrated FMS production cells coupled with Mitsubishi Electric fiber and CO₂ laser cutting machines (up to 25 mm thickness, including the 2025 GX-F series with ZoomHead, AGR-MIX gas-saving nozzle, automatic nozzle changer, and MEL's EYE process monitoring).
ASTES4's customer base is concentrated in sheet-metal and metal-fabrication manufacturers across Europe, with global reach delivered through an authorized dealer network (MC Machinery in the Americas, Din Maskin in Sweden, TUWI in Benelux, Supraform in Spain, POLTEKNIK in Poland, Borak Solutions and Retsch Maschinen in Germany, Bionditec in Italy, Tampereen Konetekniikka in Finland, and Mitsubishi Electric itself in APAC), alongside direct sales in Switzerland and Italy. Named end customers such as PS Laser, Glüpker, BriMetal, Belia, Caccin, and CBS illustrate the target segment of mid-sized fabrication shops converting manual post-laser handling into automated cells.
The business model is hardware-led (laser systems, sorting/storage automation) augmented by SortCAM software licensing and recurring service and spare-parts revenue, with all solutions sold as quote-based custom-engineered installations rather than standardized SKUs. The company is private, subsidiary-owned, and shows no venture or private-equity funding activity in the available data; headcount is stated as 11–50 employees with no public disclosure of specific count.
ASTES4 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ASTES4
- Legal name
- Astes4 SA
- Website
- https://astes4.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ASTES4 SA is a Swiss subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric (founded 2013, Balerna) that designs and sells automated sorting, storage, and loading/unloading systems plus SortCAM software for sheet-metal fabricators, integrated with Mitsubishi Electric laser cutting machines.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ASTES4 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Laser Cutting and Sorting Automation
- NAICS
- Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515), Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517)
- SIC
- Metalworkg Machinery & Equipment (3540), Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching) (IMAHADAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures) (IMAHADAB), Industrial Saws & Cutting Systems (Band/Circular Saws, Abrasive Cutting) (IMAHADAL)
Keywords
Where ASTES4 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Balerna
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
ASTES4 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Laser Cutting Systems: Sale of high-performance Mitsubishi Electric laser cutting systems (fiber and CO₂) with cuts up to 25 mm thickness, integrated with ASTES4 automation.
- Sorting and Automation Equipment: Sale of proprietary SORT, SORTPRO, SORT XL, StoreGo, and SkyWay automation systems for post-laser sorting, storage, and material handling.
- Software Licenses (SortCAM): Licensing of proprietary SortCAM software for sorting configuration, pallet arrangement, traceability, and ERP integration.
- Technical Service and Support: Comprehensive service including preventive maintenance, remote diagnostics, on-site technician deployments, software updates, and spare parts supply.
- Spare Parts: Certified spare parts supply for both sorting/automation systems and Mitsubishi Electric laser systems.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels5 records
ASTES4 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ASTES4 designs, manufactures, and integrates fully automated laser cutting and sorting production cells for sheet metal fabricators. Its portfolio combines Mitsubishi Electric fiber and CO2 laser cutting machines with proprietary SORT, SortPro, StoreGo, and SkyWay automation hardware, all coordinated by the SortCAM software platform. The company delivers complete Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) production cells spanning cutting, automated part picking, kitting, stacking, palletizing, and multi-level storage, supported by technical service and spare parts.
Product overview
ASTES4 is a Swiss company (founded 2013) offering an integrated portfolio of laser cutting automation and industrial sorting solutions, developed in close collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric. The product portfolio consists of a complementary suite of systems: the Mitsubishi Electric GX-F fiber laser cutting machines (with ZoomHead and AGR-MIX technologies) as the cutting source; the SORT XL System (automated heavy-part sorter) and SortPro (advanced 4-head high-speed sorter with automatic tool change) as post-cut sorting systems; SkyWay (Linear and Cross models) for automated loading/unloading; StoreGo for automated multi-level sheet storage and pallet management; and SortCAM as the proprietary control software tying the entire production cell together with visual programming, ERP/MES connectivity, and full process traceability. The systems are designed to operate as an integrated FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System) production cell for sheet metal cutting and processing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sort: Automated sorting system for heavy parts with Cartesian gripper system that picks up cut pieces, removes waste, and stacks pallets.
- SortPro
- SortCAM
- SkyWay
- StoreGo
Products and services
- Mitsubishi Electric GX-F Fiber Laser Series Future-ready fiber laser cutting systems (4–20 kW power range) with integrated AI and proprietary ZoomHead and AGR-MIX technologies, capable of clean precise cuts up to 25 mm thickness with MEL's EYE real-time process monitoring. Sold and supported by ASTES4 as official Mitsubishi Electric partner for sheet metal manufacturers.
- SORT XL System High-performance automated 4-head Cartesian gripper sorting system designed for heavy plate components in sheet metal processing. Picks up cut pieces, removes waste, and stacks pallets, optimizing productivity and eliminating manual handling. Connects to any laser cutting machine to automate post-cut parts handling.
- SortPro Advanced 4-head portal sorting system with 360° rotating arms, magnetic and vacuum grippers, and automatic tool changer. Handles up to 100 kg per head. Designed for dynamic part picking across a wide variety of geometries, dimensions, and materials at high speed with minimal operator intervention. Positioned as the most advanced sorter in the ASTES4 portfolio.
- StoreGo Intelligent automated multi-tower storage system for laser-cut parts. Fully automatically organizes finished pallets and feeds empty pallets into the sorting process, ensuring continuous workflow with no bottlenecks. Modular tower configurations support up to 12 storage levels. Integrates with SORT, SortPro, and Mitsubishi Electric laser systems for unmanned production.
- SkyWay (Linear and Cross) Flexible loading and unloading automation for laser cutting systems in two variants. SkyWay Linear runs parallel to the laser cutting table for a compact footprint; SkyWay Cross operates perpendicular to the table for layout flexibility. Both feature dual independent manipulator units for synchronized parallel loading/unloading with cycle times as fast as 58 seconds (3015 format). Integrates with ASTES4 sorting and storage systems for unmanned production.
- SortCAM Proprietary software platform developed by ASTES4 for managing all robotic sorting operations, from part picking to final stacking. Configures sorting, kitting, stacking, and pallet arrangement in five clicks via drag-and-drop visual programming. Provides unique ID-based process traceability with timestamps and ERP/MES connectivity for automated order receipt and process data return.
- Technical Service and Spare Parts Comprehensive post-sale service for ASTES4 sorting and automation systems and Mitsubishi Electric laser systems, including preventive maintenance, remote diagnostics, on-site technician deployments, software updates, and certified spare parts supply.
- GX-F Automatic Nozzle Changer Automatic nozzle changing system for the Mitsubishi Electric GX-F fiber laser series, enabling nozzle changes without operator intervention to support fully automated production.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced sorting and palletizing errors to zero
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use ASTES4
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
ASTES4 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature8 records
ASTES4 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.
- Mitsubishi Electric CorporationcoreASTES4 is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric and serves as the official partner for Mitsubishi Electric laser cutting systems in Italy, Switzerland, and across Europe. The partnership involves integration of Mitsubishi Electric laser technology (fiber and CO₂, up to 25mm cutting thickness) with ASTES4's proprietary sorting, storage, and automation systems (Sort, SortPro, StoreGo, SkyWay, SortCAM). ASTES4 provides application expertise, technical consulting, and commissioning support, serving as a direct connection between customers and Mitsubishi Electric. The company was founded in 2013 and acquired/became part of Mitsubishi Electric to deliver complete FMS production cells.
- MC MACHINERYcoreAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. MC MACHINERY represents and resells ASTES4 sorting and automation solutions in the North and South American markets.
- Din Maskin ABregionalAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in Sweden, reselling sorting and automation systems to Swedish metal fabrication manufacturers.
- TUWIregionalAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in the Benelux region (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg).
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Dealer)regionalMitsubishi Electric acts as an authorized dealer for ASTES4 products in Japan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea.
- Supraform S.L.regionalAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in Spain.
- POLTEKNIK Ltd. Sp. z o.o.regionalAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in Poland.
- Borak SolutionsregionalAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in Germany (postal codes 26-29, 30-34, 37-38, 40-49, 50-53, 57-59).
- Retsch Maschinen GmbHregionalAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in Germany (postal codes 80-89, 90-97).
- BionditecregionalAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in specific regions of Italy (Marche, Umbria, Lazio, Abruzzo).
- Tampereen Konetekniikka Oy (Tretec)regionalAuthorized dealer for ASTES4 products in Finland, operated by Sales Director Jari Enontekio.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ASTES4 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Prima Power: Manufacturer of laser cutting, punching, and bending machinery with integrated automation and storage solutions for sheet metal processing. Directly comparable FMS-cell competitor to ASTES4's integrated offering.
- LVD Group: Belgian manufacturer of laser cutting, bending, and punching machinery with automation offerings. Competes directly with ASTES4 in European sheet-metal fabrication automation.
- Salvagnini: Italian-headquartered specialist in flexible manufacturing systems for sheet metal, including panel benders and automated storage. Adjacent competitor in the integrated FMS-cell space targeting the same European fabricator segment.
- Bystronic: Swiss-headquartered global manufacturer of sheet metal cutting (laser and waterjet) and bending systems, including integrated automation and sorting solutions. Directly comparable to ASTES4 as an end-to-end FMS supplier for sheet-metal fabricators.
Broad incumbents
- Amada: Japanese global manufacturer of sheet-metal fabrication equipment including fiber laser cutting machines and automation systems. Competes with the integrated ASTES4-Mitsubishi FMS cell for the same metal-fabrication customer base.
- Trumpf: Global leader in industrial laser cutting systems and machine tools, with integrated automation and sorting offerings. A broader incumbent with overlapping laser + automation capabilities serving similar sheet-metal customers.
- ABB Robotics: Global industrial robotics and automation supplier with metal-fabrication and machine-tending solutions. Comparable as an enabling automation provider for material handling and sorting in the same end markets ASTES4 serves.
- KUKA: German-headquartered global supplier of industrial robotics and automation. Comparable as a provider of robotic cells for material handling and sorting that could be configured for post-laser automation, overlapping ASTES4's SortCAM-controlled robotics layer.
Regional players
- HACO: Belgian sheet-metal machinery manufacturer offering laser cutting, punching, bending, and automation. Regional peer with similar product scope to ASTES4, primarily serving European customers.
Emerging players
- Han's Laser: Large Chinese manufacturer of industrial laser equipment including fiber laser cutting systems. Competes on price in sheet-metal laser cutting and increasingly in adjacent automation, particularly in APAC and emerging markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ASTES4 social profiles
Digital presenceASTES4 compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
ASTES4 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ASTES4 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
ASTES4 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ASTES4 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ASTES4
What does ASTES4 do?
ASTES4 designs, manufactures, and integrates fully automated laser cutting and sorting production cells for sheet metal fabricators. Its portfolio combines Mitsubishi Electric fiber and CO2 laser cutting machines with proprietary SORT, SortPro, StoreGo, and SkyWay automation hardware, all coordinated by the SortCAM software platform. The company delivers complete Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) production cells spanning cutting, automated part picking, kitting, stacking, palletizing, and multi-level storage, supported by technical service and spare parts.
Is ASTES4 a public or private company?
ASTES4 is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was ASTES4 founded?
ASTES4 was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ASTES4 based?
ASTES4 is headquartered in Balerna, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does ASTES4 make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Laser Cutting Systems are the primary driver. The others are sorting and Automation Equipment, software Licenses (SortCAM), technical Service and Support and spare Parts.
Who are ASTES4's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Prima Power, LVD Group, Salvagnini and Bystronic. Broad incumbents are Amada, Trumpf, ABB Robotics and KUKA. HACO is listed as a regional player. Han's Laser is listed as an emerging player.
Does ASTES4 have an API?
No public API is recorded for ASTES4.
What industry is ASTES4 in?
ASTES4's product category is Industrial Laser Cutting and Sorting Automation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHADAD, Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching), with a secondary code of IMAHADAB, Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures). Its NAICS code is 33351 and its SIC code is 3540.