From Labor Scarcity to "Lights-Out" Success
To overcome chronic labor shortages, Northern Kentucky Machine (NKM) partnered with Automation Within Reach to integrate FANUC robotic cells into their CNC workflow. This transition has enabled "lights-out" manufacturing and faster cycle times, allowing the shop to scale capacity and move skilled workers toward higher-value technical tasks.
Northern Kentucky Machine (NKM) in Boone County operates as a flexible job shop, handling everything from prototypes to large production runs for small and big companies alike.
Faced with a tight labor market and the need to scale without sacrificing quality, NKM evaluated automation as a practical alternative to hiring for every incremental capacity need. Yet while leadership recognized that robots could act as an "extra person" on the floor -- especially valuable for larger runs that benefit from longer, unattended cycles -- hesitation existed.
"Nobody in this facility had ever run or touched a robot," explained NKM Vice President of Operations Joe Sterling.
VIDEO: From Labor Shortage to Growth: NKM's Story
Yet despite the initial hesitation, the team adapted quickly with integrator Automation Within Reach (or AWR, formerly Gosiger Automation) managing installation and commissioning.
AWR's "RC-2" CNC machine tending system, powered by FANUC M-20 Series industrial robots, integrated easily into the workflow, ensuring optimal efficiency and precision. AWR's turnkey approach -- delivering on site setup, programming, and training -- removed much of the uncertainty around new technology.
In short order, operators learned to program and run the cells, and the shop began routing longer "lights-out" runs to the robotic stations while reserving shorter, quick change jobs for conventional equipment.
Today, workers have been freed up to focus on higher skill tasks. Early operational data show faster cycle times and more consistent part quality; as NKM continues to collect and analyze performance metrics, the company expects measurable reductions in defects and further productivity gains.
With automation proving its value, the company plans to scale robotic use for additional long run work, further increase capacity and expand service offerings.
Want more information? Click below.
Rate this article
View our terms of use and privacy policy