Manufacturers love automation, regardless of whether they make super-large items like airplanes, or small commercial products such as disposable razor blade refills. The reason for this affection is simple: Automated equipment makes things more quickly, accurately, consistently and cost-effectively than people.
Ricoh UK Products Ltd. makes midsize products, but relies on automation nonetheless. For example, the company’s Telford, England, facility uses lean and digital manufacturing to produce color toner cartridges for office machines.