The investment by Filtermist follows sustained global growth which saw sales increase by 23% last year.
Every Filtermist oil mist filter is manufactured in the UK using traditional metalworking skills including spinning and welding. The robot has been installed to TIG weld the internal drums and outer cases - cylindrical steel blanks are positioned on the turntable inside the dedicated welding cell and the robot applies the weld whilst the table slowly rotates.
It is helping to increase productivity by enabling skilled workers to undertake other jobs such as planishing and linishing, the firm says.
Manufacturing manager Brian Lowe says: “Robots are used to carry out a wide range of tasks in a number of manufacturing sectors, including automotive which is a key market for Filtermist.
“The robot has been welcomed by the manufacturing team, which recognises the benefits of utilising the latest technologies to ensure Filtermist remains a market leader around the world. We have had reports of Filtermist units still operational after 30 years and we are all very proud to be playing a role in protecting other manufacturers from exposure to potentially harmful oil mist.”
Filtermist sourced the robot through Cannock based WG Automation, which oversaw the installation and provided ongoing support to ensure the ABB was operating exactly as Filtermist intended.
“We are very pleased with the installation of our first robot and we are confident that it will play an important role in helping Filtermist to increase its market share around the world,” concludes managing director James Stansfield.
