Posted to News on 2nd Aug 2007, 17:04
KUKA to build more robots in the UK for expanding market
The huge growth in demand for industrial robots and automated production systems in new markets such as aerospace has prompted KUKA Automation + Robotics to expand its operations and open a new assembly facility in the UK.
A 2260 sq ft factory in Chancel Way, Halesowen, means KUKA is virtually doubling its capacity, as the company already operates from a similar building at its headquarters in nearby Hereward Rise. As well as being used to assemble and test robot cells, the new unit also houses KUKA's spares centre and after-sales service team. The company confidently expect to increase its workforce in the coming months thanks to a healthy order book.
According to managing director Alan Shilton, the decision to expand KUKA's operations in the Midlands was also based on the region's reputation for high manufacturing standards: "We are close to some of the best manufacturers in the world who act as our suppliers and guarantee the quality of our products.
"While the robots are made at KUKA's parent company in Germany, everything else such as the guiding and control systems plus all the physical hardware is sourced from companies that are located close to us. As an organisation, we are committed to procuring locally because we believe it leads to a better product."
Broad customer base
KUKA, established in the UK for more than three decades, has been able to diversify seamlessly into new areas. While the automotive industry remains an important part of the business, sectors such as aerospace are flourishing.
Shilton states: "Robots and automated production systems are becoming increasingly vital to the aircraft industry, as manufacturers and suppliers strive to deliver the volumes required to satisfy global demand. They can efficiently and reliably automate traditional, labour-intensive processes at a time when aerospace component makers are under pressure to find alternative solutions to stay one step ahead of their competitors."
KUKA Automation + Robotics describes itself as the UK's leading supplier of industrial robots and automated production systems. The company offers a comprehensive range of robots with payload capacities from 3-1000kg that are used by many well-known names in the UK manufacturing industry in diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, construction materials, electronics, food processing, healthcare, logistics and plastics.
