Blue Chip
Manufacturing and Sales got more than they expected when they installed two
refurbished welding robots from RobotWorx in their Columbus, OH shop. The used
robots have gone beyond impacting productivity and savings to transforming Blue
Chip's entire business approach.
Refurbished used robots made sense for this small business for a number of reasons. The Motoman K6 and OTC/Miller MR-V6 from RobotWorx, an Ohio-based robotics integrator, gave Blue Chip even more flexibility. Now they have the luxury to be picky about the projects they accept. They can be more specific when they make offers.
"It's tremendous because it allows me to be more competitive," Blue Chip Vice President Steve Tatman said. "It also allows me to be more creative in my quoting."
Blue Chip is outfitted for multiple applications, from machining and fabricating to welding and painting. The company typically works with metals - handling U.S. Military Surplus projects as well as parts for both commercial and privately-owned companies. Tatman's wife, Tammy owns the company, which employs 47. Fittingly, a quarter of Blue Chip's workforce has served in the military.
Since Blue Chip has a smaller workforce, the robots also offer a simple way to increase production. "Having one robot saves me three people," Tatman said. He is pleased with his fast, efficient, and tireless robots. "It just makes it so much easier and it saves me so much money," Tatman said.
For Blue Chip, the financial benefits of buying used robots were instantaneous. Tatman's first refurbished robot was four years old and cost just $20,000 (compared to $90,000 new). Tatman's second robot purchase less than a year later cost only $60,000 (compared to $150,000 new). Each robot paid for itself after a few months.
The refurbished robots have also improved Blue Chip's work environment. Employees are protected from the fumes, heat, and flash that accompany manual welding applications. Tatman is considering another robot - this time to handle a heavy-lifting task that is potentially hazardous for his workers.
Despite all the advantages, when it comes down to it, Tatman admits the true reason he buys from RobotWorx is trust. Tatman and RobotWorx owner Keith Wanner started their businesses a year apart from each other - RobotWorx in 1992 and Blue Chip in 1993. "I've watched him grow and he has watched me grow," Tatman said. He appreciates the introduction to robotics he has received from Wanner.
"When it comes to the down and dirty of the mechanics, there's no one better than Keith," Tatman said. "I don't think there is anyone more knowledgeable [about robots]."
For more information contact:
RobotWorx
370 W. Fairground St.
Marion, OH 43302
740-383-8383
Fax: 740-383-3939