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Charlotte, North Carolina – As Biesse prepares to host two 2018 Tech Tours in Italy, past participants helped explain why the experience proved so valuable to their business. The allure of seeing some of the most advanced production facilities in the world is undeniable. So, too, is the chance to experience levels of automation that can’t be found here in North America.
“It’s a direction that we want to go,” said Chervin Production Manager John Klassen, whose company is a leading custom kitchen & hotel furniture manufacturer based in Ontario, Canada. “We’ve often heard over in North America that Europe is ahead of us as far as technology goes. That’s one reason why I’m here. I’m here to see what are they doing, and what are they doing differently? Because I want to learn all I can.”
Mark Cutshaw of North Dakota-based Wood Products Inc. echoed Klassen’s sentiments on the advanced level of operations witnessed on the Tech Tour.
“The Europeans are already in Industry 4.0 moving forward and we’re probably in Industry 1.5 or 2.0 for the most part in the United States,” Cutshaw said. “It was good to see that first-hand two years prior to it coming over here. Now you see it at IWF and AWFS, that’s when they’re really starting to talk about robotics and things like that.”
Biesse's robotic sortation is a prime example of Industry 4.0 automation that attendees were able to see last October during the most recent Tech Tour. The solution allows manufacturers of all sizes the ability to increase their batch size to be more random and achieve a better yield while lowering the cost of production. It’s one thing for North American manufacturers to read that, and quite another for them to see such solutions in person.
“The manufacturing tours exceeded our expectation by spurring the imagination while also proving realities in action,” National Office Furniture Plant Manager Scott Berger said.
In 2018, Biesse Brand Sales Manager Jason Varelli and VP of Sales Randy Jamison will once again lead Tech Tour attendees on a rare journey through Italy and innovation.
“There is always a strong emphasis on automation during our Tech Tours and this year will be no different,” Varelli said. “It’s a unique opportunity for our Customers in North America to witness the power of these solutions in real time.”
Jamison added, “We visit a diverse group of manufacturers ranging from medium to large facilities. You experience how the global market is implementing Industry 4.0 and what it truly means to see cutting-edge solutions. Customers return home with a deep appreciation for automation and the advanced production capabilities they experience in Italy.”
Space is limited for Biesse’s 2018 Tech Tours, so please act soon in reserving your spot. The Spring Tech Tour is scheduled for the week of May 10 with a registration deadline of April 6. The Fall Tech Tour will be held the week of Oct.13 and the deadline to register is Aug. 31.
