Rheden, 17 April

Cato partner in Thermoplastic Composite (TPC) manufacturing solutions

Materials, processes, components

As of 2023 Cato Composites is presenting its renewed proposition as TPC manufacturing solutions partner to the market. Already since its foundation Cato has been building up a broad knowledge and understanding of using 3D formed thermoplastic composite technologies for a wide range of applications. This knowledge results in a unique proposition where Cato will positioning itself as a manufacturing solutions partner focusing on applications for sport, consumer and leisure, light weight mobility & renewable energy, aircraft interior and anti-ballistic markets. Our broad network of world class suppliers combined with a deep understanding of TPC materials and material systems and Cato’s fully equipped manufacturing solutions centre (MSC) gives Cato its unique position in the TPC market.

As a full service partner Cato support its customers on the entire road map towards commercialization of mass manufactured TPC products. Starting feasibility and development of parts and components, towards scaling up and the mass manufacturing itself. The latter  can be done starting from Cato’s manufacturing solutions centre, at the the customer site or a partner of custumers' choice.

Guïdo Isselman, Commercial & Operational manager “The drive is to deliver maximum value for the customer in doing so Cato partners up with world class suppliers. Over the years Cato developed and refined several material systems with lay-ups that improve strength, stiffness, aesthetics while delivering light weight, sustainable and wear resistant solutions. The manufacturing solutions centre is equipped with unique processing technology from efficient material preparation, fast forming and robotic trimming technology to an inhouse engineering and toolshop for the development of tooling and manufacturing processes”.

During the JEC 2023 in Paris customers, suppliers and other stakeholders are invited to meet us at our booth in Hall 5 stand E80. We can talk you trough this renewed proposition a find new opportunities to work together a make the world a lighter and more sustainable place.

Rheden, 9 november

Cato is met thermoplastisch composieten technisch èn sociaal innovatief.

Cato Composites uit Rheden is een unieke speler in de ontwikkeling en levering van lichtgewicht productieoplossingen uit thermoplastische composieten. Cato’s werk is inherent uiterst technologisch. Uitgaand van een portfolio standaardoplossingen brengt de commercialisering van nieuwe toepassingen altijd technologische uitdagingen met zich mee. Deze moeten in het materiaal, het proces en in de toepassing worden opgelost. Naast het continue leveren van een hoge kwaliteit in productie, is Cato in een internationale projectomgeving vaak de coördinerende partner van de supply chain.  Om succesvol te zijn, worden nieuwe oplossingen snel geïmplementeerd, dit vereist samenwerking, doorzetting en technische creativiteit in het Cato team.

Lean manufacturing & Co-Creatie binnen de Cato organisatie

Zo’n technologisch uitdagende omgeving vraagt veel van de organisatie. Cato Composites’ directeur en mede-eigenaar Joost van Lindert, van Cato Composites is 25 jaar geleden destijds als ondernemer in Duitsland gestart als één van de pioniers op het gebied van thermoplastische composieten: “Het continue leveren van een hoge kwaliteit en het snel in productie brengen van nieuwe toepassingen is cruciaal voor Cato. Met tevreden bestaande klanten trekken we nieuwe klanten aan. Enerzijds wordt dagelijks “lean” geproduceerd volgens vaste routines. Anderzijds werken we in een projectorganisatie met een helder doel maar nog onbekende route daar naartoe omdat de materialen, processen en toepassing nog moeten worden doorontwikkeld. Dit laatste vergt creativiteit, flexibiliteit en doortastendheid. Een echte contradictie in de organisatiestructuur.

Sociale innovatie – “Wisdom of the Crowd”.

Met ondersteuning van de provincie Gelderland heeft Cato eind 2021 een start gemaakt met het structureel verbeteren van haar organisatie vanuit de visie sociale innovatie. Het gedachtengoed is al zo oud als de Griekse filosoof Socrates en maakt gebruik van “Wisdom of the Crowd”. Cato is daarin begeleid door Liesbeth Wassenberg van Yonderadvies. Liesbeth Wassenberg: “Alle medewerkers in de hele organisatie weten zelf het meest over hun werk en zien zelf het beste wat er anders kan en moet. Basis is deze informatie te verzamelen en goed te gebruiken voor verbeteringen in het bedrijf. Zo ontstaat een cultuur van autonomie, zingeving en meesterschap. Medewerkers hebben het gevoel dat ze verschil maken”.

De verandering vraagt omdenken van de organisatie. Medewerkers, leidinggevenden en management communiceren vanuit gelijkwaardigheid en transparantie. Doelen worden helder geformuleerd, er wordt hard aan gewerkt en oprecht gecommuniceerd. De cultuur laat toe elkaar aan te spreken en elkaar tegelijk in de waarde te laten. Immers het doel is samen Cato steeds succesvoller te maken.

Implementatie sociale innovatie bij Cato

Met het project sociale innovatie zijn binnen Cato twee grote stappen gezet. Allereerst is er middels de implementatie van een ERP systeem voor gezorgd dat het overgrote deel van de kennis in de organisatie digitaal is geborgd en beschikbaar is voor het team. Hiermee worden specifieke materialen en productieprocessen voor allen toegankelijk. Dit inzicht leidt ertoe dat kansen voor verbeteringen snel inzichtelijk worden. Daardoor zijn inmiddels grote procesverbeteringen m.n. in de materiaalvoorbereiding en het CNC nabewerken bereikt. Operationeel en commercieel manager Guido Isselman: ” De planbaarheid, kwaliteit en niet in de laatste plaats de productiviteit, zijn gestegen. Ook zijn we veel sneller in staat offertes voor nieuwe klanten uit te werken. Cato is hiermee schaalbaar geworden”. Cato is trots op de bijdrage van het hele team, de sfeer in het bedrijf is heel goed.

Daarnaast heeft Cato binnen het project de organisatie veranderd in een structuur waarin iedereen meer toegang en inzicht heeft in de verkoop, productie en de bedrijfsresultaten. Cato heeft gekozen voor de implementatie van een “Operationeel Team”. Daarin werken alle leidinggevenden vanuit de verschillende disciplines productie, ontwikkeling, personeelszaken, administratief en sales samen. Belangrijke besluiten b.v. over prioriteiten, klantprojecten en investeringen worden nu samen genomen “in consent”. Dit betekent dat een besluit pas wordt genomen nadat belangrijke bezwaren in het team open besproken zijn. De oplossingen voor de bezwaren maken de besluiten beter en worden tegelijk ook gedragen door het hele team. De implementatie van de verbeteringen gaat daardoor ook veel beter en sneller. Sales, productie en ontwikkeling werken nu veel efficiënter samen. Het OT is uitvoerend leidend en het management ondersteund daar waar nodig. Belangrijk blijft het vooraf de bedrijfsdoelen voor iedereen duidelijk te maken.

Pioniers Sociale Innovatie

Lopende het project heeft Peter Kerris, gedeputeerde van de provincie Gelderland voor o.a. onderwijs en arbeidsmarkt, Joost van Lindert als Pionier voor Sociale Innovatie benoemd. Marieke van Helvoort van de provincie: “We hebben een club van 16 ondernemers die als Pionier in de provincie Sociale Innovatie uitdragen. Inmiddels hebben we al heel veel andere bedrijven bereikt.  We zien dat het werkt!”

Joost van Lindert: “Ik had nooit gedacht na 25 jaar, als Pionier Thermoplastisch Composieten te zijn begonnen, ook Pionier voor Sociale Innovatie te worden. De start met sociale innovatie is lastig omdat het onderwerp in het begin ongrijpbaar voelt. Zeker voor mensen met een technische achtergrond. Nu, naar ruim een jaar is die twijfel bij mij en in de organisatie helemaal omgeslagen en is er de overtuiging het in alle lagen van het bedrijf door te zetten.

Foto: Onder het genot van BBQ, betaald uit de slimme verkoop van oud ijzer, sluit het Cato team een vrijdagsessie met de medewerkers af.

Rheden, April 28

Cato Composites  replaced forged aluminum by Fast forged Carbon, “crafted by Cato”.

Cato Composites BV demonstrates the mass manufacturing of UD CFRTP forged Carbon structural components replacing forged aluminum components.

Cato Composites has developed a Tree Climbing Shank and a new series production process of a lightweight performance, safety-critical Component made out of Carbon/PC UD Tapes for the leading German brand Distel. The Tree Climbing Shank is one of the first components that is manufactured from thermoplastic composites (UD tapes) in an automated high volume production of >5.000 parts year replacing forged aluminum components.

Tree climbing with gear is a professional  and maintenance  activity of tree arborists or service engineers, where the full dynamic loads of the climbing person have to be beared by the tree climbing gear’s shank, which has up to now been made of steel, aluminum or thermoset composites.

The newtree climbing shank from UD CFRTP is constructed by using an anisotropic lay-up of more than 50 layers of uni-directional Carbon/PC tapes tailored to maximise lightweight performance, leading to a weight reduction of the product of close to 50% compared to forged aluminum solutions. The tree climbing shanks is a safety product and meets all relevant ASTM standards, e.g. holding maximum loads up to 330 kg on one foot, combined with an excellent durability performance in a challenging forest environment.

For the manufacturing of the new tree climbing shank in such a complex shape, it was necessary to develop, a scalable cost competitive mass production method. For this purpose Cato Composites developed a proprietary Variotherm Compression Moulding so called Fast CFRTP Forging Technology. This technology enables an automated processing of the net shaped UD Tape lay-up to the final part with minimum material waste and maximum structural integrity and  guaranteing high volumes in a constant quality.

The Cato Fast CFRTP Forging technology enables Cato to lower cycle times in high volumes while significantly lowering costs compared to thermoset composites. The product is formed net shaped which creates near zero waste in production contributing to reducing CO2 emissions as well as lowering costs due to minimization of finishing steps.

With this innovation Cato demonstrates the possibility of producing structural parts with high performance requirements in mass production volumes at competitive costs out of thermoplastic composite UD tapes, transferable other parts and industries.

Rheden, May 31

Strength, lightness and recyclability with SrPP materials

Cato Composites BV develops and manufactures light weight components and parts using Thermoplastic Composite materials and processes. Besides glass- and carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics, the company has been focusing a lot on the processing of self- reinforced composites.

Self-reinforced composites are fibre reinforced composite materials where the polymer matrix is reinforced by highly oriented polymer fibres, derived from the same polymer.

Compared with conventional fibre-reinforced composite materials, SrPP’s offer exceptional impact resistance and are fully recyclable and light-weight at the same time. Applications can be found in sports, personal protection, luggage, anti-ballistics and consumer products. E.g.  density of a glass, carbon, SrPP is respectively appr. 1,8 / 1,5 and 0,8 kg/l. In addition parts can be made thinner because of it’s exceptional impact performance. As a result:

SrPP parts can be up to 50% lighter than carbon.

The processing of SrPP’s not only requires specific know-how but also specific hardware, as the temperature operating window is quite a bit smaller than glass or carbon fiber reinforced materials. For example, the polymer fibres in the SRPP material will want to shrink during (pre)heating, which means that –among other things- clamping technology is needed in order to make excellent parts.

The past 10 years Cato has developed proprietary SrPP processing technology for making parts & components from SrPP and has also developed in-house technologies for customizing SrPP parts by the use of printing technologies and/or surface modifications.

Rheden, April 2nd

Prepared for growth. Cato Composites uses Corona to relocate to new plant.         

Cato Composites B.V. is continuing to invest for future growth in both thermoplastic composites manufacturing and development. Cato Composites BV uses the Corona pandemic to keep investing in resources and capacity by moving to new larger plant.

Cato Composites, manufacturer of high quality CFRTC products and components, has used the COVID-19 pandemic by investing and preparing for future growth. In November the company replaced its former location for a new larger plant. The plant is located at the same business park Haveland in Rheden (NL).

Joost van Lindert, Managing Director, explains: “When the Corona pandemic broke out we first saw a decline in our order book. We decided that this quiet period was the right moment to invest and prepare for our growth strategy. The new plant gives Cato plenty of room to expand our capacity.” Not only did Cato Composites invest in a new plant but also the team has expanded. “Our development team has been enlarged and we set up a sales and marketing team to increase our strength in the market” says Joost.

One of the new team members for sales is Guïdo Isselman. Guïdo has a background in technical textiles and started in the role of commercial manager last September. He is responsible for sales and marketing and will be the primary contact for new inquiries. “Cato has a strong and experienced team. It’s really energizing to see the how the Cato team facilitates its customers by helping them to innovate their products with light weight CFRTC solutions.” Says Guido.

Over the last quarter of 2020 Cato Composites saw its order book filled with new exciting projects. “Just before we moved over, when we shut down the machinery, we were confronted with new orders mainly from the sporting goods and safety industry.” Cato Composites benefits from its diversified customer portfolio. “Especially from those customers which saw extensive growth because of COVID-19. This trend continues in the first quarter of 2021 which is very exiting”. explains Joost. When the postponed projects will pick-up again, Cato Composites expects to see more growth in the coming years. Cato Composites thermoplastic composites technology can support customers in e.g. sporting goods, aerospace interiors, consumer goods and automotive applications. Cato’s mission is to empower lightness for its OEM customers and their end-users. For these applications Cato Composites can process all CFRTC materials with temperatures up to 340° degrees.

Rheden, July 17th.

Bezoek Commissaris van de Koning provincie Gelderland John Berends.

Commissaris van de Koning John Berends heeft op 16 juli jl. een werkbezoek gebracht aan Cato Composites BV uit Rheden. De aanleiding van zijn bezoek was dat Cato graag een bijdrage wil leveren aan de productie van medische FFP2 mondmaskers in Nederland.

   200717-CATO-artikel-bezoek-CvdK-Gelderland-John-Berends.pdf

Rheden, May 8^th, 2020

Werkend aan een structurele oplossing voor het mondkapjestekort in Nederland

https://oostnl.nl/nl/nieuws/werkend-aan-een-structurele-oplossing-voor-het-mondkapjestekort-nederland

Rheden, April 20^th, 2020

Cato Composites is building manufacturing capacity for FFP2 (FFP1) face masks

Cato Composites is working hard on the realisation of production capacity for FFP2 (FFP1) face masks and is adapting an existing automated production line for this purpose. We are applying our material knowledge, product development and lean manufacturing processes to set up manufacturing capacity of face masks using TPC thermoforming processes. Many thanks to all the partners who are supporting us in this matter.

Rheden, April 15^th, 2020

Covid-19 update

With the appropriate safety measures in place, Cato Composites has been to continue its normal development and manufacturing operations. 

We are very proud of our "Cato craft" team and thank all for there effort in continueing the excellent work in uncertain times. Thanks also to our customers and suppliers for keeping our operation going. 

We wish all good heatlh, the best and hope for a normalisation our businesses and lives soon.  

Rheden, April 9^th, 2019

We have a job opening for a development technician

https://www.cato-composites.com/the-company/job-openings/

Rheden, October 24^th, 2018

Cato will be present at the JEC World Conferences 2019

Composite materials are rapidly becoming a mainstream technology and materials of choice within many industries. Nowadays, the biggest challenges coming from the technological transfers for composites growth, the increasing consumption of this materials and numerous innovations to feed the market.

JEC Conferences program aims at educating and providing the latest information, trends and experience feedbacks to professionals willing to improve their knowledge and networking on composites. JEC World Conferences 2019 will take place during JEC World, the 12-14 March 2019.

At the show Cato will be present at the Holland High-Tech booth at JEC Composite Show 2019 and present its areas of excellence in thermoplastic composite technology and applications.

 www.jeccomposites.com

Rheden, April 18^th, 2018

Cato Composite Innovations B.V. in Proeftuinproject Thermoplastisch Composieten

Cato neemt deel aan een proeftuinproject waarin een kenniscentrum en netwerk opgebouwd door samen te werken aan ontwikkeling van engineering, productiemethoden en productontwikkeling van thermoplastische composieten. 

Proeftuinproject-thermoplastisch-composieten-OP-Zuid.pdf

Rheden, September 9^th, 2017

Cato Composite Innovations B.V. in Dutch consortium for composite research

Kosten efficiënte productie technologie voor duurzame thermoplastische composieten

In het door EFRO gesubsidieerde programma “PRODUCE” ontwikkelt Cato Composite Innovations B.V. tezamen met een Nederlands consortium nieuwe processen voor het produceren en verwerken van thermoplastisch composiet.

In dit 3 jaren lopende programma (2017-2020) ligt de nadruk op:

• Modelleren van productieprocessen en kritische product eigenschappen

• Duurzaam produceren (efficiënte processen)

• Introductie van nieuwe productie technologie

Dit project wordt mede mogelijk gemaakt door het Europees Fonds voor Regionale Ontwikkeling (EFRO).

Cost efficient production technology for durable thermoplastic composites

In the EFRO subsidized program "PRODUCE", Cato Composite Innovations B.V. together with a Dutch consortium, develops new processes for producing and processing of thermoplastic composite.

This 3-year program (2017-2020) emphasizes:

• Modeling production processes and critical product properties

• Sustainable production (efficient processes)

• Introduction of new production technology

This project is made possible by the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRO).

 Rheden, January 20^th, 2017

Press Information ISPO 2017

Oolsen^® helmets introduces “the composite helmetlighter than carbon” - Hall 5 booth 630

What makes the Oolsen^® bullit helmet so unique is the first world wide use of self-reinforced polypropylene composite material technology for the outer shell. This material is so light weight, ductile and impact resistant that is excels the performance of carbon fibre for helmets. The shell material is combined with ductile and robust EPP foam liner. The combination of these two high performance materials sets a new standard for best choice of construction materials for a protective helmet. It allows the helmet to be compact, lightweight and therefore offers the comfort that a helmet should offer: Protection and comfort but no weight.

In addition the helmet has a modular construction with dismountable neck protector and ear pads allowing the helmet to be made perfectly fit for use as a ski, skate or bike helmet. The helmet holds the full certification for these fields (EN 1077, class B – ski & snowboard EN 1078, bike & skate). Is available in three colours and two size M & L.

This product has been co-developed by Cato Composite Innovations (Cato) and Smartcap and is manufactured, sold and delivered by Cato Composite Innovations B.V. (Rheden), Netherlands.

Cato Composite Innovations, Hall A5 booth 630,  is a company developing and manufacturing products using lightweight thermoplastic composite materials for sporting, consumer and aerospace products.                          

Rheden (NL), February 2^nd, 2017

Oolsen® is a registered trade name of Cato Composite Innovations BV

Havelandsweg 8e, 6991 GS, Rheden, the Netherlands www.catoci.com

www.oolsenhelmet.com - info@oolsenhelmets.com  +31 26 8450 350

 Rheden, July ^4th, 2016

Cato Composite Innovations is an official SBB training Company

Since July 2016 Cato Composite Innovations is accredited by SBB as a training company for technical engineering and business administration. Cato recognizes the need for qualified craftsmen and invests in education and training on the job through offering internships.  

SBB is a cooperation between vocational education institutes and industry. Their aim is to offer the best practical education for students to improve their job opportunities. Industry will be provided with the craftsmen they need.

Rheden, January 15^th, 2016

Im Memoriam Titus de Haan

We zijn diep bedroefd door het plotselinge overlijden van Titus de Haan als gevolg van een fataal ongeval op 30 december 2015 in Australië.

Titus werkte vanaf januari 2015 bij ons intern aan zijn afstudeeropdracht vanuit de Universiteit Twente, faculteit Werktuigbouwkunde. Zijn afstudeerwerk op het gebied van overmoulding van thermoplastische composieten was bijna afgerond toen hij besloot voor een korte onderbreking naar Australië te gaan. Tot onze grote spijt heeft hij de kans niet gekregen zijn goede werk en zijn studie af te ronden.

Gedurende de periode dat Titus intern bij Cato heeft gewerkt heeft hij doelgericht en met veel inzet aan zijn opdracht gewerkt. Daarnaast was hij betrokken bij het bedrijf en een dragende kracht tijdens onze verhuizing naar Rheden.

Wij wensen zijn vriendin, familie en vrienden veel sterkte en kracht toe om dit onvoorstelbare verlies te dragen. Onze gedachten zijn bij hen.

Cato Composite Innovations BV

Peter Boer, Joost van Lindert, Erik Froon, Emiel Tekampe, Cindy Freriks, Michel Jansen, Glenn de Vries en Nick Mientjes.

Rheden, October 23^nd, 2015

Cato announces business relocation

Cato Composite Innovations BV today announced that it has relocated its offices, development and manufacturing plant from Doesburg (NL) to Rheden (NL). The new address, 10 km from Doesburg, is Havelandseweg 8e, 6991 GS Rheden, the Netherlands.

The move stems from Cato’s need for additional space to accommodate anticipated growth. The company’s development and manufacturing facility will triple in size, thereby paving the way for significant business expansion.

Commenting on the move, Joost van Lindert, Managing Director of Cato, said: “ We have seen great and consistent progress in many of our development and production projects, especially in the last year. Our new independent facilities located in the former premises of GE Energy Europe B.V. at “Industry Park Haveland” in Rheden, will allow us to meet our customer’s demand for production supply of thermoplastic composite components and parts.  The relocation also includes an investment in equipment and personnel resources. We are growing our business and further expanding our position as one of the most experienced and best equipped companies focusing on thermoplastic composites components in the world.”

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Cato Composite Innovations BV, Rheden (NL) is a company focusing on the development and manufacturing of (hybrid) thermoplastic composite components and provides large series light weight products for aircraft interior, personal (ballistic) protection, high speed machines, consumer electronics, luggage and sporting goods.

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Contact person for inquiries:

Michel Jansen – michel.jansen@catoci.com – tel. +31 631972721

Doesburg, February 27th, 2015

Cato will be exhibiting at the JEC show in Paris again

Cato Composite Innovations will once again exhibit at the JEC show in Paris, the largest composites show worldwide, from 10th until 12th of March 2015. Besides several new applications we will also be showing our "tailored composite insert" concept, enabling injection moulding compaines an easy entry into the lightweight world of hybrid moulding.

Doesburg, April 11th, 2014

Cato will exhibit at the Fakuma show, Friedrichshafen 

Cato Composite Innovations will exhibit at Fakuma - International trade fair, Messe Friedrichshafen in Germany from 14th until 18th of October 2014.

Doesburg, February 10th, 2014

Two thermoplastic composite pioneers are joining forces: Cato Composite Innovations BV and AMAC GmbH announce strategic partnership

Cato CI / AMAC Press release February 10th, 2014 - English 

Cato CI / AMAC Pressemitteilung 10. Februar 2014 - deutsche Fassung

 Doesburg, February  8th, 2014

Cato Composite Innovations BV becomes a member of Aachener Zentrum für integrativen Leichtbau (AZL)

We are pleased to announce that Cato has become a member of the “Aachener Zentrum für integrativen Leichtbau (AZL)”, http://www.azl.rwth-aachen.de/.  Our membership enables us to use the resources of the AZL for our research and development activities on integrated mass manufacturing of thermoplastic composite parts and components.

Doesburg, March 8th, 2013

Cato Composite Innovations BV (Doesburg, NL) acquires equipment and technology from Cato Composites AS (Halden, N).

Cato CI Press release March 8th, 2013 - English 

Cato CI Pressemitteilung 8. März 2013 - deutsche Fassung

Doesburg, February 11th, 2013

Cato will exhibit at JEC show, Paris

Cato Composite Innovations will exhibit at JEC composite show, Portes des Versailles in Paris from 12th until 14th of March 2013.

Doesburg, February 1st, 2012

NEW TECHNIQUE FOR LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Development of components from biobased thermoplastic composites

Europe and Gelderland invest in a consortium of companies led by Cato Composite Innovations BV, Doesburg, which joined forces to develop lightweight and sustainable consumer products from bio-based thermoplastic composites. The development of commercial products in this material is new. This project contributes to the development of a knowledge region of bio-based composites and to the strengthening and expansion of the knowledge cluster "thermoplastic composites' in the eastern Netherlands. In the future, knowledge can be used for the further development of products which are light and sustainable, for example in the automotive and aircraft industries. The products have the advantage of being durable, lightweight and strong. 

The consortium of companies consists of Cato Composite Innovations BV (Doesburg), Jadima Fiijnmetaalbewerking BV (Ede), Hulshof business cases BV (Lichtenvoorde), University of Twente and Indes BV (Enschede).  

For the press release of the province of Gelderland click here (in Dutch).