EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation recently delivered a lean, 21-step assembly and test system to American Axle & Manufacturing Inc.

MUKWONAGO, WI—AptarGroup Inc., a manufacturer of dispensers for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and consumer products, will invest $50 million in new equipment for its assembly plant and R&D facility here.

A recent wordworking project has given me a greater appreciation of assembly line challenges. Has a home project ever informed your work in the assembly plant?

Regardless of their location or industry, manufacturers are demanding more from leak test equipment than ever before. Tough economic times and increased competition require companies to use equipment that not only provides accuracy and repeatability, but accommodates a wider variety of parts.

Vision systems can help manufacturers reduce scrap, increase yield and discover better ways to assemble products.

Well known for its engineering expertise, The EDAG Group develops vehicles and production systems for auto manufacturers all over the world. In conjunction with FFT EDAG, its sister company, The EDAG Group also creates complete production facilities for body in white modeling and vehicle assembly.

Software is playing an increasing role in industrial automation. That’s been good in terms of boosting the functionality and flexibility of machines. But, writing code can also add cost and time to the development process.

Farason Corp. has been designing and building automated assembly systems for more than 25 years. Based in Coatesville, PA, the company has designed automation systems for food, cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, toys and solar cells. The company’s client list includes Blistex Inc., Crayola Crayons, L’Oreal USA, Smith Medical and even the U.S. Mint.

EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation recently shipped a custom-built depaneling cell to a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier. The fully automatic cell loads circuit board panels from standard magazines and depanels them using servo-driven router heads. The individual boards are then loaded into trays, which are automatically stacked.

A good partnership between customers and suppliers leads to optimal solutions and long-term prosperity all around.