Product category:
Robotics, Handling and Storage
News Release from: RobotWorx | Subject: Refurbished robots
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 January 2008
Refurbished robots do the work for less
Two refurbished welding robots have gone beyond impacting productivity and savings to transforming Blue Chip's entire business approach.
Engineers at Blue Chip Manufacturing and Sales got more than they bargained for when they installed two refurbished welding robots from RobotWorx in their Columbus shop The used robots have gone beyond impacting productivity and savings to transforming Blue Chip's entire business approach
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 21 Jan 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Refurbished used robots made sense for this small business for a number of reasons.
The Motoman K6 and OTC/Miller MR-V6 from RobotWorx gave Blue Chip even more flexibility.
Now the company has the luxury to be picky about the projects it accepts.
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And it can be more specific when it makes offers.
"It's tremendous because it allows me to be more competitive", says Blue Chip Vice President Steve Tatman.
"It also allows me to be more creative in my quoting".
Blue Chip is outfitted for multiple applications, from machining and fabricating to welding and painting.
The company typically works with metals - handling US military surplus projects as well as parts for both commercial and privately-owned companies.
Tatman's wife, Tammy owns the company, which employs 47.
Fittingly, a quarter of the Blue Chip workforce have served in the military.
As Blue Chip has a smaller workforce, the robots also offer a simple way to increase production.
"Having one robot saves me three people", says Tatman.
He is pleased with his fast, efficient, and tireless robots.
"It just makes it so much easier and it saves me so much money", he adds.
For Blue Chip, the financial benefits of buying used robots were instantaneous.
Tatman's first refurbished robot was four years old and cost just US $20,000 (compared with $90,000 new).
Tatman's second robot purchase less than a year later cost only US $60,000 (compared with $150,000 new).
Each robot paid for itself after a few months.
The refurbished robots have also improved Blue Chip's work environment.
Employees are protected from the fumes, heat and flash that accompany manual welding applications.
Tatman is considering another robot - this time to handle a heavy-lifting task that is potential hazardous for his workers.
Despite all the advantages, when it comes down to it, Tatman admits the true reason he buys from RobotWorx is trust.
Tatman and RobotWorx owner Keith Wanner started their businesses a year apart from each other - RobotWorx in 1992 and Blue Chip in 1993.
"I've watched him grow and he has watched me grow", says Tatman.
He appreciates the introduction to robotics he has received from Wanner.
"When it comes to the down and dirty of the mechanics, there's no one better than Keith", says Tatman.
"I don't think there is anyone more knowledgeable [about robots]".
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