When Borsheim decided to expand production to include kerbstones, there was a challenge: how to shape the stones into curved shapes without making the process cumbersome and labour-intensive. After researching solutions abroad without success, Jarle Borsheim decided to find his own solution.

Jarle Borsheim started by visiting Portugal, where he observed a method where the arches were cut by hand before being sanded with an angle grinder and finally treated with flames or dots. This method was too cumbersome, the alternatives required a lot of time and manual labour.

He then contacted RobotNorge and an Italian supplier of wire saws. Webs and linear guides were manufactured locally in Ålesund. Working together, the wire saw was modified so that it could be mounted on an industrial robot arm with six axles. The table that would hold the stone blocks in place was manufactured in-house at Borsheim. Currently, the saw could handle boulders with a maximum height of 30 cm, but work is underway to develop a saw that could handle boulders up to 75 cm.

This new method is not only innovative, it also has positive effects on the environment. Local production of stone products reduces the need for imports, which in turn leads to a lower environmental footprint and creates new local jobs. The technology, even in a traditional industry, also brought with it improved health, safety and environment (HSE), as well as shorter transport distances.

This new production method makes it possible to produce kerbstones without having to handle the stones directly. The operator of the robot can simply enter the desired shape, size and length, and the robot takes care of the rest. Jarle Borsheim was particularly impressed with how this technology reduced the heaviest lifting for workers, while also making the industry more attractive to the younger generation who were skilled in programming and data.

Borsheim is also working on developing the robot to handle bevelling and flaming, using different types of saws and grinding equipment. This would further increase efficiency and diversity in production.

Success with local production

Borsheim AS' success with local production of kerbstones was clearly demonstrated when they won a tender with Sandnes Municipality. Despite a minimal price difference between their stones and imported stones, the municipality chose their local product. This was proof that Norwegian natural stone was highly competitive in the market, which only strengthened Borsheim AS' position as a leading player in the industry.