When DISA celebrated its 125th anniversary in Taastrup at the end of November 2025, the event became a milestone for tradition, innovation, and global cooperation. With participants from more than 30 countries, the celebration underscored DISA's lasting influence on the foundry industry – and the company's clear commitment to actively shaping the future of casting technology.
One thing became particularly clear in all the presentations and discussions: people remain at the heart of DISA's progress.
DISA President Ulla Hartvig P. Tønnesen summed up this spirit succinctly: “For DISA, it's not just about technology – it's also about people and our employees. They are the ones who make things possible.”
A legacy of innovation – today far beyond vertical molding
DISA's 125-year history is marked by continuous change. Starting from its early roots in the defense industry – a remarkable journey “from Madsen machine guns to DISAMATIC” – the company developed into a leading global supplier of molding technology and is now transforming itself into a complete supplier of foundry solutions.
The invention in 1957 by Vagn Aage Jeppesen – a vertically split, bottle to flask molding machine – became one of the most influential technologies in modern mass production foundries through DISA's acquisition of the patent (1960), the first DISAMATIC presentation at GIFA 1962, and rapid global success. Today, DISA, embedded in the Norican Group, stands for highly automated, digitally networked molding lines that are based precisely on this original Jeppesen idea.
The anniversary program highlighted this development with presentations that impressively demonstrated the company's strengths:
- DISA's strong global presence and extensive installed base,
- the company's strategic focus on complete production ecosystems – far beyond pure molding machines.
A clear signal to customers: DISA will remain a reliable partner for traditional castings as well as for next-generation manufacturing requirements.
The Norican ecosystem: Integrated solutions for modern foundries
The event also highlighted the combined strengths of the Norican Group, which includes Monitizer, StrikoWestofen, Simpson, and Wheelabrator. Together, they presented a unified roadmap for sustainable, efficient, and digitally connected foundries.
Participants were able to experience how molding, melting, sand reclamation, finishing, and AI-supported monitoring form a seamlessly integrated production chain – a model that contributes significantly to improving quality, reducing scrap, and ensuring long-term competitiveness.
Global customer presence and intensive industry exchange
The anniversary attracted leading customers such as Brakes India, Waupaca, Condals, Draxton, Vald. Birn, and many more – clear evidence of DISA's global significance in various markets and alloy applications.
A combination of technical presentations, customer references, and a guided factory tour created an open dialogue and valuable practical exchange. This not only created a festive atmosphere, but also a meaningful platform for future partnerships and joint innovations.
Looking ahead – from a strong heritage to clear leadership
The anniversary program underscored DISA's strategic direction as it enters the next chapter of its history:
- Expansion to become a complete supplier of foundry solutions – including for non-ferrous alloys.
- Further strengthening of digitalization and automation, including AI-based process control via Monitizer.
- Close collaboration with customers to develop solutions that address real production challenges.
- Long-term commitment to people – their skills, knowledge, and contributions.
After 125 years, DISA is not taking a break – the company is actively shaping its transformation and building on its tradition to lead the industry into a more digital, efficient, and sustainable future.
Danish dynamism and soothing serenity
DISA's anniversary was a powerful yet relaxed celebration – a blend of Danish dynamism, international flair, and a clear vision for the future. The event presented:
- an inspiring perspective for the future of the foundry industry,
- a roadmap for integrating molding, automation, and digital intelligence,
- a confirmation of long-standing, trusting partnerships,
- a powerful reminder that people continue to be the driving force behind innovation.
As DISA enters its next decade of development, foundries worldwide are invited to witness, participate, and evolve together with DISA.
About DISA:
DISA in numbers
- Present in 75countries.
• More than 3500 machines delivered.
• First serial number in our CRM system is DFJ i Danmark – DISA 2011 which were produced in 1964 running 250 m/h with a cycle time on 13-14 seconds.
• Yeong Hwa Metal in Korea reached 50 million moulds produced this year on DISA 230.
• Ma'anshanYuemeiin China put its new DISAMATIC D3 machine into production in October 2019; this high-speed vertical mouldingline has produced over 20 million moulds.” Running 555 m/h with a cycle time of 6.5 seconds.
