The demands placed on modern concrete block production facilities have changed fundamentally in recent years. Shorter lead times, mounting cost pressures, a shortage of skilled workers and greater demands for flexibility are posing new challenges for manufacturers and suppliers alike. Automation, sustainability and digitalisation have been growing in importance at the same time. For mould manufacturers, this development means far more than simply designing a precisely engineered mould. Systems solutions are called for that not only ensure high product quality but also take into account the entire life cycle of a mould. High availability, excellent mould tool utilisation rate, repairability, modular design and rapid maintenance are now key factors in a concrete block production facility’s cost-effectiveness. Added to this, there is an increasing focus on efficiently exploiting in-house manufacturing capacity. It was precisely with these issues in mind that, more than 25 years ago, Kobra developed its design philosophy, one that is now more relevant than ever.