By Xaver Zistler, Kolb Attempting to bridge the investment gap, Kolb is offering a unique rental package for StudioLine milling machines O ne of the effects of the current recession is investment budgets being frozen. But while the crisis probably means that you had fewer models to produce last year, what about now? In most cases, the situation has changed, and the current environment still requires new cars and continued development of new technologies and processes, and even demands for complete new designs. This is a difficult task when Hire quality

budgets for new design studios or new equipment have been canceled or postponed indefinitely. But the situation stretches further than just hardware. The recession has also had its impact on staffing levels, so even if new hardware was available, there might still be questions about number of operators and the in-house maintenance levels, etc. The full- range styling- studio supplier Kolb has devised a solution to help solve this problem and bridge the investment gap. Kolb offers a rental option for a unique styling package that includes the latest clay and hardboard milling technology, and scanning upgrades. On request, Kolb can even supply a package with qualified operators. Renting enables companies to avoid investment and to use project budgets more effectively. " You can easily have one complete month's in- house milling, scanning, CAD- CAM data handling and cooperation for the same price as two external full- scale milling jobs," Andreas Köck, Kolb's managing director points out. " We are talking about money that is already spent every month for contracting all kinds of external services." A typical rental period for the Kolb package would be 24 months and at the end of this period the customer has various options. They may choose to buy the machine " Kolb's unique styling package includes the very latest clay and hardboard milling technology" outright, upgrade to the latest model, or just return the equipment." Köck is aware that Kolb is taking a risk with this rental offer. " The customer pays only as long as he keeps the machine," says Köck. " But we are completely convinced about the qualities of our machines and our customers will be too. If a customer returns the machine, his demands have probably changed. This indicates the flexibility of the rental system." The unique package was tailor- made for the requirements in studios and the credo is: Support your design operation with the latest technology in- house and everyday. " We all know that there is