German automation technology manufacturer Schmalz has joined the Cordless Alliance System (CAS).
Founded in 1910, the family-run business employs around 1,800 people across 31 locations worldwide. Schmalz supplies sectors including logistics, metal, wood, automotive and food. Professional users in areas such as woodworking, metalworking, plumbing and construction can work flexibly and to a premium standard.
“The CAS Alliance has long been a familiar name to many in the team. It is the largest of its kind and brings together the most partners from different industries. For us, this means we can focus on our product expertise whilst benefiting from a high-tech portfolio of interfaces, batteries and chargers,” said Eric Wilhelm, Head of the Handling Business Unit and member of the Executive Board at Schmalz. “Our customers receive a premium product experience, with high-performance battery systems that are continuously being developed.”
Alongside joining CAS, Schmalz is launching the cordless suction lifter Gripster max as its first hand-held, battery-powered product.
The Gripster max is placed on the surface of the workpiece and creates a force-fit connection using vacuum. This enables a stable and easy-to-use handle to be attached to surfaces that were previously smooth and difficult to grip. Bulky or unwieldy workpieces, which would otherwise be difficult to carry or require awkward posture, can thus be securely gripped, lifted and transported.
Thanks to the ergonomically shaped handle, workers can move even unwieldy components. This facilitates controlled handling of the load and reduces the risk of the workpiece slipping from the hands. Typical applications include laying and removing tiles, carrying and positioning large-format sheet materials, furniture or white goods, as well as providing assembly support, for example when hanging and aligning wall units.
Technical features of the Gripster max include a quick-change system for tool-free replacement of suction plates of different sizes, as well as the option to attach equipment for optimised, gentle handling. This includes a second handle for easier handover to another person and an extension handle for lifting or moving objects on the floor. An electrical interface allows multiple suction lifters to be linked together. Acoustic and visual warning signals provide users with immediate feedback if the vacuum level falls below the warning threshold, enabling the workpiece to be set down in good time.
The suction lifter is available for pre-order now and will be available from summer 2026.
“With Schmalz, we are gaining a leading specialist in vacuum technology as a strong partner and expanding our product portfolio to include ergonomic solutions for lifting unwieldy workpieces across numerous trades. This enables us to help users reduce physical strain on the construction site,” said Thomas Zeller, Head of the CAS Partner Programme at Metabo.
