New name reflects wider robot role

Citation

(2004), "New name reflects wider robot role", Industrial Robot, Vol. 31 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2004.04931fab.006

New name reflects wider robot role

New name reflects wider robot role

Keywords: Robots, Welding

KUKA has a new name to reflect its wide-ranging expertise in the supply of high-technology industrial robots and automated production systems.

The Halesowen-based company, previously known as KUKA Welding Systems+Robot, is now KUKA Automation+Robotics. It is still part of the IWKA Group and operates from the same headquarters in Hereward Rise, employing over 80 staff and enjoying an annual turnover of £12 million in the region.

Recent investment at the site has included new training facilities and state-of-the art equipment for its assembly hall while KUKA's engineering team has been boosted with a trio of new appointments.

“In the last decade, KUKA has been very successful in developing new markets for its robots and automated production systems. The evolution of KUKA products and solutions means that more businesses than ever before are using robotics in the manufacture of a diverse range of products because today's robots are now even more versatile and cost- effective”, explained Alan Shilton, Managing Director of KUKA Automation+Robotics.

“This is in complete contrast to 30 years ago when KUKA first established an operation in the UK. Then, its core competence centred on building welding lines for car manufacturers and, while this sector is still an important aspect of the business, KUKA has since gone on to develop an impressive customer base with companies outside the automotive industry”, he added.

“As KUKA marks three decades in the UK, it seemed the right time to change the name not only to reflect KUKA's expertise in a wide variety of industry sectors but also to underline the substantial growth in the company during the last 30 years”, said Alan.

KUKA's latest series of new orders further reinforces its success in winning contracts from a diverse range of manufacturers. These include Aggregate Industries which is using a KUKA Series 2000 KR150 robot for handling and palletising paving stones at its factory in Derbyshire while a further 4 Series 2000 robots have been integrated into a mechanical handling line at its Swindon paving slab production plant.

The Sloane Group's new premises in Merthyr Tydfil boasts a KUKA twin-station robotic arc welding cell for producing a variety of shelf support components and Coram Showers in Shropshire has chosen a KUKA robot to handle acrylic shower trays through a series of finishing processes.

KUKA's name change coincides with the firm's celebrations to mark its 30th anniversary in the UK. It plans to hold a technology demonstration week for customers at the end of June.

For further details visit the Web site: www.kuka.co.uk