Growing demand on hi-tech products
The huge growth in demand for industrial robots and automated production systems in the aerospace market has prompted KUKA Automation + Robotics to expand its operations and open a new factory.
The huge growth in demand for industrial robots and automated production systems in the aerospace market has prompted KUKA Automation + Robotics to expand its operations and open a new factory.
The 2,260 sq ft facility in Chancel Way, Halesowen, means KUKA has virtually doubled its capacity as it already operates from a similar-sized building at its headquarters nearby in 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 says it is confident of being able to increase its workforce in the coming months thanks to a healthy order book.
Suppliers Managing director Alan Shilton said the decision to expand KUKA's operations in the West 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," he explained.
"While the robots are made at KUKAÕs parent firm 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," he added.
KUKA has been established in the UK for more than three decades.
While the automotive industry remains an important part of the business, it is increasingly moving into new sectors such as aerospace.
"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," said Mr Shilton.
"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 is now the UK's leading supplier of industrial robots and automated production systems and employs around 100 people.
The firm was established in the UK, in Theale, Berkshire, by its German parent in 1974, moving to its current base in Hereward Rise, Halesowen, in 1994.
