Fanuc Robotics America starts ‘Save Your Factory’ effort

Rochester Hills, MI—To maximize North America’s manufacturing competitiveness and halt erosion of manufacturing jobs to low-wage countries, such as China, Fanuc Robotics America Inc. has launched a collaborative initiative, “Save Your Factory,” which urges North American manufacturers to recognize automation and robotics as more cost-effective and profitable than moving facilities offshore.

By Control Engineering Staff November 9, 2004

Rochester Hills, MI— To maximize North America’s manufacturing competitiveness and halt erosion of manufacturing jobs to low-wage countries, such as China, Fanuc Robotics America Inc. has launched a collaborative initiative, “ Save Your Factory ,” which urges North American manufacturers to recognize automation and robotics as more cost-effective and profitable than moving facilities offshore.

‘Innovation and automation that produces bottom-line results will be the difference between life and death for manufacturers in the near future,’ says Rick Schneider, Fanuc Robotics America’s president and CEO. ‘Automation is absolutely critical for North American manufacturers to be competitive in the world market because it helps companies reduce costs, increase quality, and improve control of their manufacturing operations.’

Schneider adds, for instance, that direct labor and material expenses of manual welding at Cleveland, OH-based Lincoln Electric may cost North American manufacturers approximately 84 cents per part, compared to 30 cents per part in China. ‘In this example, robotic welding can cut total delivered part costs for North American manufacturers to match offshore costs, especially when the added burden of shipping and duties that apply to manufacturing in China is recognized. Also, robotic welding can help lessen the potential risks of shipping delays and long-distance quality issues associated with offshore manufacturing.’

The growing consortium for “Save Your Factory” includes Automation Alley, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and several of Fanuc Robotics’ integration partners, such as Lincoln Electric, Genesis Systems Group, Automated Concepts, and Robotic Production Technology.

In addition, Fanuc Robotics recently hosted the U.S. Department of Commerce’s newly appointed assistant secretary of manufacturing and services, Albert Frink, who toured Fanuc Robotics’ facility to learn about issues faced by Michigan’s manufacturers. ‘Exports and low costs are critical to the U.S. automotive industry, which supports so many manufacturing jobs in Michigan and throughout America,’ says Frink. ‘This administration will continue to seek feedback from private-sector manufacturers as we work to lower health care costs, eliminate frivolous lawsuits, and remove trade barriers by countries that don’t play by the rules.’

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com