The next time you see robots assembling a car in a commercial, you should think of Glenville, New York, specifically Applied Robotics.
Applied Robotics is an industrial manufacturer specializing in robotic end-of-arm tooling and producing accessories such as tool changers or grippers that helps robots complete tasks whether it be welding, material handling or dispensing.
About 35 years ago, the Glenville company started providing these tools to car-makers. Since then, Applied Robotics has worked with almost all automotive industry giants including GM, Ford, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Toyota, and more. This year, the manufacturer is starting to see a shift and increase in demand for its products.
“It actually wasn’t until this past year that the non-automotive applications have started to adopt more and more robotics,” Stefan Casey, the company’s chief executive officer said.
The grocery and e-commerce industries have looked at robotic engineering to help them make up for lost workers and aid their warehouse logistics so they can fulfill the surging demand for their goods.
Casey said many of the players in those sectors have started implementing additional robotics and automation systems into their logistics or at the very least beginning to seriously consider it.
Applied Robotics has seen a 25 to 50 percent jump in demand for its products as a result and a slight boom in business.
But the company has also been no stranger to supply chain troubles.
Casey said Applied Robotics has been able to maintain its staff through unexpected absences. Externally, however, lead times for raw materials went “way up.” Some materials are on backorder for anywhere from six to 12 months and manufacturing costs continue to rise by the day making it difficult to meet customers’ needs.
“Trying to balance that with profitability as well as trying to continue to support our customers and allow them to continue to operate without increasing their costs is a pretty gentle balance,” he explained.
Supply chain disruptions forced Applied Robotics to be flexible in its manufacturing process using different suppliers or swapping out some robotic components for others and offering customers alternatives.
While those changes made the product look slightly different, all that mattered was that it was still functional.
Despite the company’s docility, rising costs persist. Earlier this year, Applied Robotics instituted a price increase for its products.
Casey, however, said the price hike was “far less” than their climbing costs. On the bright side, Applied Robotics’ quick maneuvering resonated well with prospective clients.
The company has forecasted future gains in its revenue and clientele.
“We are forecasting another growth year, this year about another 25 percent growth (in both revenues and customers),” he said.
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