From Rockets to Cutting Tables: The Enduring Legacy of Kongsberg

By the Editor

The history of Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems is a remarkable journey that spans centuries, continents, and industries. It is a story of adaptation, engineering excellence, and a relentless pursuit of precision. From its origins as a Norwegian weapons manufacturer to its current status as a global leader in digital finishing, Kongsberg's evolution mirrors the technological advancements of modern manufacturing [1].

The Early Years of Kongsberg

The story begins in 1814 in the small town of Kongsberg, Norway. The town, once famous for its silver mines, faced economic hardship after the mines closed. In response, Poul Steenstrup, a visionary mine manager, founded a weapons factory named Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk [1]. The factory hired skilled craftsmen and engineers to produce rifles for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Among its most notable achievements was the creation of the Krag-Jørgensen rifle by inventors Ole Hermann Johannes Krag and Erik Jørgensen, a weapon that gained international prominence and was used by several countries, including the United States, in the late 19th century [1].

Throughout the 20th century, Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk diversified its operations, producing hydro power turbines, railway equipment, and print clichés, while continuing to develop advanced military technology such as anti-aircraft cannons, rockets, and missiles. In 1957, the company introduced the L/70 anti-aircraft cannon, the first weapon to use an advanced radar system, and began manufacturing rockets for both civilian and military purposes [1].

The Birth of Kongsberg Cutting Systems

The pivot toward digital finishing occurred in 1965 when Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk established a new division called Kongsberg Norcontrol [1]. Dedicated to developing control systems for various industries, this division was tasked with a unique project: creating a cutting table for making cardboard models of rockets. The resulting table utilized a computer-controlled knife to cut shapes from cardboard sheets, a revolutionary innovation that allowed for faster and more accurate prototyping [1].

"Kongsberg pioneered some of the first computerized plotting tables for shipbuilders, which were later developed into high-precision film engravers for map and automotive manufacturers. This foundation led to the creation of cutting, creasing, and advanced finishing systems..." — Kongsberg PCS Heritage [2]

Recognizing the broader market potential, Kongsberg Norcontrol began developing cutting tables for the packaging, signage, and display industries. In 1977, the company launched its first commercial cutting table, the Kongsberg CadCut 44 [1]. This success was followed by continuous innovation, including the introduction of the first cutting table with a vision system in 1988, enabling automatic registration of printed materials [1].

In 1993, the division, then part of Kongsberg Maritime, was established as Kongsberg Cutting Systems. By 1998, they introduced the Kongsberg XL series, a high-speed cutting table designed for the wide-format graphics market, setting a new standard for digital cutting [1].

The Esko Era: Integration and Expansion

The new millennium brought significant changes to Kongsberg's corporate structure. In 2001, Barco-Graphics became Esko-Graphics (later Esko), solidifying its position in the packaging industry [2]. A pivotal moment occurred in 2004 when Kongsberg partnered with Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering (MGE) to integrate the i-cut Vision camera system into the Kongsberg i-XL [2]. This integration marked a shift toward automated, intelligent production, eliminating manual steps and streamlining registration.

In 2008, Kongsberg sold its cutting business to Esko Graphics, a Belgian company specializing in software and hardware for packaging design and production [1]. Under the Esko umbrella, the division was renamed Esko Kongsberg. Esko heavily invested in research and development, introducing camera-based registration, vibration-free tools, intelligent material handling, and automated tool calibration. The integration of software solutions like i-cut Suite, ArtiosCAD, and Automation Engine optimized workflow and productivity [1].

During this period, Kongsberg continued to set industry benchmarks. In 2014, the release of the i-cut Production Console and the C Series combined intuitive controls with powerful performance [2]. The introduction of the CorruSpeed tool in 2016 delivered flawless, high-speed cutting on corrugated material, while the VariAngle Unit in 2020 enabled automatic angle cutting without manual tool changes, expanding creative freedom [2].

A New Chapter: Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems

In December 2020, Esko announced the sale of its Kongsberg business to OpenGate Capital, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles [3]. The transaction was completed in April 2021, establishing Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) as a stand-alone company [1]. Led by Stuart Fox, the new company retained its global presence, with research and development in Kongsberg, Norway, production in Brno, Czech Republic, and headquarters in Ghent, Belgium [1].

Kongsberg PCS wasted no time in expanding its capabilities. In August 2021, the company acquired MultiCam Inc., a US-based manufacturer of CNC cutting solutions [4]. This acquisition broadened Kongsberg's product portfolio to include CNC routers, lasers, plasma, and waterjet cutting machines, while significantly expanding its market reach across North America and Europe [4].

Production Impact and Undeniable Legacy

The legacy of Kongsberg is one of continuous evolution. From pioneering computerized plotting for shipbuilders to enabling high-precision performance in modern packaging and signage, Kongsberg has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in digital finishing. The transition from a European weapons manufacturer to a global leader in precision cutting is a testament to the company's engineering DNA.

Today, Kongsberg PCS continues to drive innovation by fusing technology and creativity. The launch of the Kongsberg Ultimate in 2023 redefined corrugated production with unmatched productivity and precision [2]. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, its commitment to productivity, creativity, and skilled performance remains as strong as ever [2]. The story of Kongsberg is far from over; it is a legacy that continues to shape the future of digital finishing.

References

[1] Corruga Expert. "From Rockets to Cutting Tables: The Story of Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems." June 22, 2014. https://corruga.expert/news/from-rockets-to-cutting-tables-the-story-of-kongsberg-precision-cutting-systems/ [2] Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems. "Our heritage. Your future." https://www.kongsbergsystems.com/en/60-years [3] Esko. "Esko Successfully Closes Sale of Kongsberg Business To OpenGate Capital." April 2021. https://site.esko.com/en/company/press-releases/2021/successful-sale-of-kongsberg [4] Texintel. "Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems Acquires Multicam To Create The World’s First Diversified Provider Of Digital Finishing And CNC Cutting Machines." August 23, 2021. https://www.texintel.com/press-room/kongsberg-precision-cutting-systems-acquires-multicam-to-create-the-worlds-first-diversified-provider-of-digital-finishing-and-cnc-cutting-machines