New welding robots boost steel output at Blytheville plant
Prospect Steel is the first steel fabricator in the state to use the technology.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Lexicon, Inc unveiled the installation of the AGT Robotics Blok 500 robotic welding line at Prospect Steel in Blytheville Tuesday afternoon.
The assembly line of machines weld automatically after being loaded, speeding up the process of the work done at the plant.
“It cuts down on our weld time per individual… which will help us get more material into the shop and out of the shop,” said Hunter Bond, the leader of the AGT Robotics machines at Prospect Steel. He says that the technology will allow for a higher volume of projects to be completed.
“With the training that I've received, we've been able to do a lot of great things with this machine and weld some very complicated steel,” said Bond. “What that's going to do is allow us to take more jobs and start building more of America.”
Prospect Steel is the first steel fabricator in the state to use the technology.
Steven Grandfield, the Chief Operating Officer of Lexicon, Inc, who oversees Prospect Steel, says that Mississippi County being a major hub for steel fabrication played into their decision to introduce the robotics to Blytheville.
“Being an-axle based steel fabricator and construction company, our roots are here… Mississippi County has been a great partner for us,” says Grandfield.
Grandfield tells Northeast Arkansas News that the new technology will help the company increase the presence of steel fabrication in the state.
“We're advancing the steel industry, being able to supply more fabricated steel right here from Arkansas all around the country,” he said. “From the east coast to the west coast, to the north, to the south… The AGT Robotics Blok 500 is the next phase of that.”
With Prospect Steel setting the precedent for the technology, Lexicon, Inc. leadership says that they will look into adding robotics welding lines to their other locations in the state.
Courtesy: www.kjnbtv.com