Staht specialises in manufacturing digital pull testing equipment and software solutions – designed for various industries that require precise and reliable testing of mechanical fastenings amongst other products – with the company recently making several strategic investments to further enhance its product offerings and expand its market reach.
Led by Managing Director Rob Hirst, an ex-global product manager (installed systems) at 3M, Staht Ltd was founded in June 2020 to develop connected on-site testing equipment and software. A qualified mechanical engineer, Rob’s expertise has been pivotal in shaping Staht’s innovative product line – with his two decades of experience, as well as unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring Staht’s position as a leader in the industry.
“In a world where precision, reliability and durability are paramount, Staht stands tall as a premier manufacturer of pull testers that not only meet but exceed the rigorous demands of industries worldwide,” states Rob. “Our recent investments have been focused on product development, technological enhancements, as well as expanding the sales and distribution network, which we have identified as key areas for growing the business in the future.”
The first area that Staht has invested is in the development of new products, with the company introducing new testing equipment – such as the 25kN and the Staht LT (line tester), which have been designed to cater to specific sectors, such as fall protection and scaffolding. “The investment included research and development, tooling, inventory and technical documentation,” points out Rob. “The decision to develop these products was driven by market demand for more versatile and sector specific testing solutions.”
Significant investments have also been made in enhancing Staht Connect, a software platform that integrates with Staht’s testing equipment. This includes investments in digital capabilities such as Bluetooth connectivity, Cloud data storage, and the development of mobile and web applications – with the aim to modernise testing workflow and ensure data is easily accessible and securely stored, which will help enhance customers’ operational efficiency.
Staht has also looked to invest in expanding its distribution network globally, including establishing direct sales and rental operations in Europe, as well as distributor-led operations across Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. “This strategic expansion was decided upon to better serve a global customer base and respond more effectively to local market needs,” mentions Rob. “Thanks to investments in these key areas we are able to position the company at the forefront of innovation in the testing equipment industry and provide customers with a broader range of products, tailored to specific industry needs – allowing for more precise and efficient testing.”
Working within fasteners
Staht is able to work with fastener related customers by providing specialised digital pull testing equipment, which is essential for testing the strength and compliance of fasteners in various applications. The company’s offering includes kits, load cells, adapters, and other accessories, designed to meet the needs of industries that require rigorous testing of anchors, bolts and safety eye bolts. “Our equipment supports a range of force measurements, enhancing the reliability of fastener installations in safety critical environments,” explains Rob.
Staht’s product range includes digital pull testers with different capacities, such as the 60kN and 25kN models, which are suitable for a wide range of applications from construction anchoring to safety eye bolts in fall protection systems. “Our flagship product is the Staht t60 digital pull tester, which enables users to perform tests with ease – with less than 25Nm of torque a user can achieve 60kN,” highlights Rob. “The tester features a sunlight ready full colour screen, meaning it is visible in all light conditions – with the ability to display live and peak load simultaneously. The tester also has a USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides eight hours of continuous testing, as well as a USB-C cable that allows a user to charge ‘on the go’.”
“For all our products we guarantee the quality through several rigorous measures, with each product undergoing extensive testing to ensure reliability and accuracy. This includes both in-house testing, external FEA testing, as well as field testing during the R&D phase,” reports Rob. “From sourcing high-quality materials to implementing advanced manufacturing techniques, Staht maintains strict quality control throughout the production process. We also ensure our products are designed to meet relevant industry standards and regulations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality benchmarks.”
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
