A company’s success is determined by its people—those employees who work with dedication every day and consider the achievement of common goals their personal mission. We believe that a strong team is built not only on professional expertise but also on mutual respect, cohesion, and a shared commitment to continuous growth. At KÁTA CNC, we take pride in our colleagues, as each one of them contributes to our company's success. This is why we are launching our introduction series, where you will get to know firsthand the individuals shaping our future.
We begin our team introduction with Zoltán Gyarmati, Sales Director at KÁTA CNC. Zoltán has been leading the company’s four-member sales team for three years, overseeing business development, client relations, client service, strategic partnerships, and order management. He has nearly 20 years of experience in automotive sales, preceded by almost a decade of service as a professional soldier. He commutes between Budapest and Szentlőrinckáta, where he lives in a large family of nine with his wife. His hobbies are quite unique: military history, model building, 3D printing, and triathlon. He considers it essential to possess technical, quality assurance, project management, and sustainability expertise as an economist and sales professional to ensure efficient collaboration both in client relations and internal teamwork. His strengths lie in open communication, teamwork, and receptiveness to innovation. He chose the field of sales because of his ability to communicate effectively with partners and facilitate mutually beneficial agreements. He enjoys the constant challenges of sales, which provide opportunities to stay updated on the latest developments and technological advancements in machining. His biggest challenge is that sales, among all internal organizational functions, is the most dependent on efficient collaboration and teamwork—often requiring him to play the "devil’s advocate" in negotiations to secure the best possible outcomes for the company.
Could you briefly introduce KÁTA CNC? What are your core activities? When was the company founded, and how has it developed over the years?
Zoltán Gyarmati: KÁTA CNC was founded in 1997 as a traditional Hungarian small business, starting in a small factory with 20 employees. From the beginning, our strategic focus has been on supplying the automotive industry, particularly in the mass production of machined metal components, which remains our primary market. Over the years, we have achieved TIER3/TIER2/TIER1 supplier status, a milestone that makes all our employees proud. We supply parts to destinations worldwide, and our partners include all major European car manufacturers and several global automotive suppliers. Today, KÁTA CNC operates across two sites and provides direct employment to nearly 300 people.
Our mission is to contribute to safe and comfortable mobility through our products. Our slogan represents our company’s core values: precision, skills, innovation. As a responsible company, we are committed to sustainability, continuously reducing our carbon footprint, and prioritizing our employees. This is why we are implementing an organizational structure aligned with modern ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
Which industries do you currently serve, and in which areas do you aim to expand? Where do you see the greatest growth potential in Hungary?
While our primary strategic direction remains the automotive industry, the current global market environment necessitates diversification. We are increasingly focusing on electronics, energy, and the agricultural sector to expand our presence.
What sets KÁTA CNC apart from its competitors?
Our competitive advantage lies in decades of expertise, a commitment to innovation, and our flexibility in responding to changing market challenges. Few automotive suppliers in Hungary have both mass production capabilities and the capacity for prototype and custom fixture manufacturing, supported by a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) department for innovation and technological renewal. To maintain our edge, we prioritize continuous training, professional development, and keeping our workforce—from operators to senior management—updated with the latest industry knowledge.
What CNC machining technologies do you use in production?
As our name suggests, our core strength is CNC machining, with a focus on 3/4/5-axis milling and, to a lesser extent, high-volume bar stock turning. Thanks to recent business development efforts, we have expanded our machining operations to include laser cutting, sheet bending, and metal fabrication. In addition to traditional manufacturing, we offer robotic welding and mechanical assembly to our partners.
Do you have any unique solutions or technological innovations you are particularly proud of?
One of our key strengths is our custom-developed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which provides real-time data on machine operations and employee performance. This allows immediate intervention if production issues arise and enables us to assess operational parameters based on objective data. Our latest development is an automated manufacturing cell that performs leak testing, part marking, and automated sorting of conforming and non-conforming parts after machining—operating 24/7 without human intervention. We are also proud of our in-house development team, which designs and manufactures pneumatic-hydraulic fixtures and automated equipment tailored to our production needs.
How do you ensure the precision and quality of your manufactured components?
Our high-quality manufacturing is ensured through standardized workflows, rigorous quality control procedures, and modern production technology. Additionally, we invest heavily in employee training and lifelong learning, recognizing the importance of continuous skill development.
What are the most used materials in your production?
The automotive industry increasingly demands lighter materials while maintaining safety. Consequently, a significant portion of our parts are made from specialized aluminium alloys, though we also manufacture steel components, whose share is growing due to recent business developments. Currently, our material usage ratio is approximately two-thirds aluminium, and one-third steel.
How do you handle custom manufacturing requirements and small-batch orders?
Although our production technology is optimized for high-volume series production, we have a dedicated development team and specialized workshop for fulfilling low-volume and custom orders.
How have customer demands evolved in CNC machining in recent years?
Client expectations have changed significantly, with increasingly stringent tolerances and more complex technical requirements. The automotive industry's drive for simplification means that parts previously assembled from multiple components are now expected to be manufactured as single, integrated pieces.
What are your plans for market expansion?
Building on our current strategy, we aim to increase our value-added machining activities and supply forged and cast components in collaboration with partners. In the automotive sector, we are focusing on aluminium components for battery production, while in steel machining, we are expanding into complex welded and assembled products.
What challenges do you face in the Hungarian and international markets?
The automotive industry is currently experiencing significant turbulence, particularly with the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, which has slowed down and remains strategically uncertain. This affects both our Hungarian and international partners, as well as future development directions and expected production volumes. To navigate this landscape successfully, we must remain flexible, proactive, and adaptable.
What is the future of CNC machining in the era of industrial digitization and automation?
Despite the rise of 3D printing, CNC machining remains highly competitive for medium- and high-volume metal component production due to its superior precision and cost-efficiency. The future lies in automation, with the emergence of humanoid robots marking a significant milestone. Increasing automation in setup and tooling will make even small-batch production more efficient. Additionally, AI and machine learning will play a crucial role across the entire manufacturing chain.
Are there plans for new machinery or technological investments?
The increasing quality demands require ever more advanced machinery, which is why we are implementing our mid-term development program accordingly. One pillar of this initiative is the machine replacement program for machining centres. Between the end of 2023 and 2025, we have acquired eight new 4-axis CNC machining centres, with plans to replace 6-8 additional units per year until 2028. This will significantly modernize and enhance our machining capabilities. Another key pillar focuses on business development-related acquisitions. As part of this, we have already purchased a new CNC laser cutting machine, with plans to add 2-3 more by 2027. Additionally, we aim to improve and expand our welding capabilities by introducing new welding cells. The third pillar is automation and robotics, while the fourth is sustainability, with investments focused on achieving carbon neutrality through energy-efficient solutions. Thanks to new projects and a well-structured strategic approach, we are not only able to replace existing machines but also ensure the full utilization of new equipment.
Stay tuned for more updates in our series!