As DISA Industries celebrates its 125th anniversary, the Danish technology pioneer continues to shape the global foundry landscape with forward-looking innovation, digital solutions, and customer-centric service. We spoke with Ulla Toennesen about how the company combines its proud heritage with an ambitious vision for the future.
FP: Ulla, first of all, congratulations on 125 years of DISA! Instead of looking too far back moderate this— how would you describe DISA’s position and purpose in today’s foundry world?
UTH: „DISA’s foundation and right to play is founded in continues innovation with focus on bringing value for our customers. We are shaping industry and lowering the cost pr. casting. As being in a leading position, we have the obligation to push technological boarders and constantly develop ourselves as the preferred partner in the foundry world.“
FP: DISA’s reputation has always been built on innovation. When you look at your current roadmap — what are the most exciting development areas that define the next chapter for DISA?
(e.g., expansion into other alloys such as brass, bronze, steel, aluminum, and the move toward complete foundry solutions including finishing and automation)
UTH: „DISA is moving toward fully integrated foundry lines, covering everything from molding to finishing and grinding automation. Combined with Monitizer® digital tools, these systems enable real-time optimization and predictive maintenance across the entire process.
DISA is also actively developing solutions for aluminum, brass, bronze, and steel castings using its proven green sand molding technology. We are going through trials helping customers validate performance and cost benefits versus conventional methods and results show up to 20% cost savings.“
FP: The DISAMATIC remains an icon in foundry technology. Today, your systems are running on every continent. Can you give us a sense of the scale — how many foundries and countries are you serving, and how does your global service network support them?
UTH: „We are present in more than 75 countries around the world and DISA’s service infrastructure includes factories, sales offices, and service hubs on three continents, complemented by an extensive agent network. We work with the mindset of in region for region. Customers benefit from 24/7 hotline support, rapid on-site assistance, and standard and customized training programs to maximize uptime and productivity. Continuous improvement programs and upgrade kits ensure existing machines stay current with the latest technology, extending lifecycle and ROI. As example one of our customers in Korea has this year reached 50 million moulds produced on a DISA line.“
FP: The foundry industry is undergoing a transformation — driven by digitalization, automation, and sustainability. How is DISA helping customers move toward the “smart foundry” of the future?
UTH: „DISA’s approach combines automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, AI-driven optimization, and eco-friendly practices such as sand reclamation to help foundries achieve higher productivity, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact.
Future developments include machine learning-driven quality control and closed-loop automation, creating a truly “smart foundry” ecosystem.“
FP: Innovation often starts with understanding customer challenges. How do you see foundries’ needs changing across regions — and how does DISA adapt to support both traditional and emerging markets?
UTH: „Foundries’ needs vary across regions, and DISA adapts by combining global expertise with local flexibility. By innovation, tailored product portfolio and scalability: advanced automation and AI-driven optimization for advanced foundries, and durable, cost-efficient systems for growth markets—always backed by global support and local know-how.“
FP: As part of the Norican Group, you collaborate closely with strong brands such as Wheelabrator, StrikoWestofen, Monitizer and Simpson. How does this alliance enhance DISA’s ability to deliver complete and efficient solutions?
UTH: „We are able to provide our customers with end to end solutions with the broadest offer in the market:
- DISA provides high-performance green sand molding systems.
- Simpson adds advanced sand preparation, cooling, and reclamation technologies, ensuring consistent quality and sustainability.
- StrikoWestofen delivers energy-efficient melting and dosing furnaces for aluminum and other non-ferrous alloys.
- Wheelabrator brings world-leading shot-blasting and surface preparation equipment for finishing castings.
- Monitizer integrates all these processes digitally, offering real-time monitoring, AI-driven optimization, and predictive maintenance“
FP: European foundry machinery remains world-leading. What does the industry — and DISA in particular — need to do to stay ahead in a globally competitive environment?
UTH: „To stay ahead, DISA and European foundry machinery makers must innovate faster, embrace sustainability, expand into new materials, and deliver fully connected, automated solutions—all while leveraging global footprint, partnerships and talent.“
A More Personal Note
FP: You’ve been part of DISA for nearly two decades — a remarkable journey. What continues to inspire and motivate you personally in your role?
UTH: „Many people have the opinion that the foundry industry is conservative. However, I constantly see new needs developing in the markets space and future demands from our customers making every day a new exciting challenge. For nearly two decades I have never been bored one single day working with DISA and NORICAN.“
FP: Leading a global organization like DISA surely means long days and constant travel. How do you manage to keep balance between professional dedication and private life?
UTH: „I have been so fortunate to have a very supporting family which has been able to cope with the everyday life. With 3 children a strong homebase is necessary and my husband has been with me all the way. However, I love spending quality time with my family in weekends and on vacations.“
FP: If you could describe the spirit of DISA in one sentence — what would it be?
UTH: „We work to exceed customer expectations“
FP: Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts, Ulla — and Glückauf!
„Thank you, Thomas“
