Automation as a Lifeline: Automation Strengthens Flexibility and Resilience
As we barrel toward the end of the year, fabricators and metalworkers find themselves at an inflection point — one where they must continue to embrace and balance technology with what seems like survival — in a dynamic and unpredictable manufacturing economy.
Thanks to modular and reconfigurable machinery and software that adapts quickly to changing orders, metalworkers are tackling customized, and high-mix, low-volume production orders with ease — all with existing staff.
One fabricator believes in the advantages and benefits automation manufacturing technologies will play in the future. In August, Loftis Steel & Aluminum Inc. of Nashville, Tenn., a family-owned steel fabrication company that produces custom metal components for a range of commercial and industrial applications, announced a $6.5 million expansion announcement for a new facility to be located in Decatur, Ala. The facility will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies, including the latest fiber lasers, nitrogen generation systems and other precision cutting systems, according to press materials from the Alabama Department of Commerce. In addition to metal distribution, the company provides metal processing services such as laser cutting, waterjet cutting, plasma cutting and sawing.
Suppliers also continue to believe in the metalworking sector — and deliver solutions to take the industry into the next era. In September, Nathan Trotter, a leading supplier and recycler of tin and tin alloy products in North America, announced it would invest approximately $65 million to construct Tin Ridge in Henry County, Va., a first-of-its-kind metal production and processing facility. The expansion is a response to the fact that tin is a critical mineral due to its role in solder used in circuit boards and electronics components for numerous applications, including defense systems. To address the nation’s dependence on tin imports, Nathan Trotter will develop and operate the nation’s first plant capable of refining volumes of both tin concentrate and scrap tin in support of the U.S. economy.
Machine tool manufacturers also continue to provide fabricators and metalworkers with automation that provides shop’s with additional competitive advantages in a fluid economy. To that end, one supplier, Mazak Corp., will conduct the 21st expansion of its Florence, Ky. location, which was established in 1974. This year, the manufacturer celebrated the manufacture of its 40,000th high-precision machine built in Kentucky.
At the Mazak DISCOVER 2025 event in Florence, Ky., held October 6-10, Mazak officials shared how they are moving past the economic distractions to focus on helping shops of all sizes reduce production costs and increase output. Automation continues to be the answer to today’s manufacturing industry challenges.
“Moving past all the distractions, locking out the noise, and staying the course, DISCOVER 2025 is focused on our shared drive for results,” said Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corp., at a press briefing. “The results that keep production costs in check, allow manufacturers to finish ahead of the competition and accelerate their business growth.”
Janka pointed out that metalworkers can plan for tomorrow by embracing automation and innovations that will drive results. “We honor our responsibility to the industry by ensuring DISCOVER directly reflects the trajectory of manufacturing,” Janka noted. “As manufacturers across North America navigate a highly competitive and rapidly evolving landscape, Mazak serves as a partner that delivers innovation and demonstrates how to put it into action.”
About the Author: Rachel Duran
