To get straight to the point: What do you say at parties, when people ask you what you do in daily life?
CastLab provides digital supply on demand. We therefore ensure that metal parts that are not available or difficult to supply are delivered quickly and in the required quantities. If, for example, a 30-year-old component of an NS Dutch Railways locomotive is defective, this used to put the train out of service for weeks. After all, the component may no longer be produced, the manufacturer may have ceased making it, or all of the employees who worked with the product at the time may have retired. And even if the part could still be obtained, it often had to be purchased in large quantities with exceptionally long lead times. We have changed all of that.
Together with our CastLab Proeftuin partners, we can tackle all kinds of issues in areas such as 3D printing, new IT technology, composites, machining and prototyping. We have such a diverse group of companies around us that we can solve any problem. Because from reproduction to certification and from casting to machining, we have expertise in all these areas. It also allows us to be creative and look at solutions differently. If possible, we use 3D printing not only to make an end product, but also to make the moulds. We can fill these kinds of moulds with the type of metal required the very next day. That saves a lot of time. So we don't just deliver a product, we deliver a solution. To return to the railway component, that train will now be able to run again. And quickly, too. Our solution is also extremely sustainable. Because you don't have to build up unnecessary stocks anymore or have your components come from far away.
How many others are telling the same story? Do you have any colleagues? Employees?
We currently work with 3 employees and 2 trainees. And with the 7 different Proeftuin partners that are associated with us.
How long have you been working with CastLab?
We have been working on our testing ground for a year now. And now we are at the stage where we can take steps to grow. After all, we have already completed a number of projects with proof of concept. What we promise, we actually deliver.
And what is the ultimate goal?
First of all, I hope to pump a lot of adrenaline into local industry. Especially considering Tilburg's roots as a city. We can send out a signal with this. That everything can be done much more efficiently, sustainably and better. By preserving the good of the past and combining it with the beauty of the digital age. Why do we have to get everything from China? We would do better to go for a structural enhancement of the Dutch manufacturing industry. Once again being more of a manufacturing industry than a service industry.
And if we look at our ultimate ambition... to be the Spotify of the metal industry in five years' time. Not only for the Netherlands, but also abroad. We are taking a very careful approach to that, because you have to learn to crawl and walk before you can sprint. But why only help the Netherlands when you can also offer your services on a wider playing field?
What does your workplace in the Startup Kitchen look like?
At the moment, we have 3 permanent desks in the large open space of the building. And as soon as the new MindLabs building is ready, we hope to have a nice spot there, too.
Why is the Startup Kitchen such a asset to you right now?
You are working in a place with companies that are facing similar challenges. There is interaction and a very positive vibe. And the space works well. In addition, the location is extremely practical, close to the station. The ideal situation is always having new trainees around.
How has the contact with other participants helped you?
We haven't been in the Startup Kitchen for long and COVID-19 prevented us from entering the building for a long time, so it's still too early to take stock. But the synergy is really pleasant.
What do you expect to get out of the collaborations in the future?
I expect to discover a lot in the field of AI and virtual reality through the cooperation with MindLabs. And to meet interesting parties who also want to join us. The Startup Kitchen exudes a feeling of 'you want to be there'. So it all bodes well! And I fully support the vision of MindLabs. It should be given full and widespread support.
What are you cooking up at the moment?
We have several new requests underway. Among other things, in the field of automotive parts. So we are all busy working on that. Many of our assignments have to do with the infrastructure market. But we also want and are able to do much more than that. For example, we are also looking at the possibilities of serving markets such as the maritime engineering industry.
And what recipe are you going to dazzle the market with?
Spare parts as a service. Where we listen better to customers' needs and deliver more customised services. Society is changing, so much needs to change in our field of work as well. It's not always easy, but we have a lot of fun doing it.
