Northwest Machine Technologies Launches Automation Division

The Mazak distributor now helps customers gain a comprehensive approach to manufacturing automation by providing complete robot integration services for their machine tools.

Distributor Northwest Machine Technologies (Rogers, MN), which serves Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and Western Wisconsin exclusively for Mazak Corporation (Florence, KY), recently launched a new in-house automation division that will provide customers with complete robot integration services for their Mazak machines.

With the added integration service, customers will further benefit from a comprehensive approach to automation solutions together with the local expert service and support that can boost productivity through better machine utilization.

Mazak provides manufacturers with a wide range of advanced equipment and technologies as well as innovative automation systems that are incorporated within the companyʼs unique 3-4-5 The Next Level of Productivity manufacturing solution. 3-4-5 allows manufacturers to effectively identify the right level of technology, including automation, needed for improving their specific operations and advancing productivity to the next level.

The 3-4-5 solution is the industryʼs most comprehensive grouping of manufacturing resources and one that encompasses Mazakʼs 3 Levels of Control, 4 Levels of Automation and 5 Levels of Multi-Tasking. It is within Mazakʼs 4 Levels of Automation, where the capabilities of Mazakʼs Automation Systems Department and those of the new automation division at Northwest Machine Technologies will ensure that customers get the best and most effective automation solution.

Whether an application calls for Level 1 simple Bar Feeders, Level 2 Gantry Loaders, a Level 3 PALLETECH System or Level 4 Articulated Robots, Northwest Machine Technologies customers will immediately experience higher levels of quality and increased throughput. They also gain the competitive advantage that comes with customized automation capabilities, exclusive partnerships with Fanuc Robotics and LNS America, and the full line of Mazak machine tools that are all MTConnect capable.

To support its new integration service, Northwest Machine Technologies will demonstrate fully automated systems, conduct system runoffs and provide training at its Technology Center in Rogers, MN. The company has also partnered with Fanuc Robotics to further demonstrate to customers how incorporating robots for loading/unloading their Mazak machine tools adds value and helps them boost their competitiveness.

Additionally, expert integrator Eric Sargent was brought on board as the new automation divisionʼs manager. Sargent is a well-respected local integration expert and brings over 23 years of experience to Northwest Machine Technologies and its customers. He joins the companyʼs existing full staff of service and support specialists that will also work with the automation division.

“Northwest Machine Technologies is committed to the robot automation business, and we have the experienced and dedicated staff in place to support it,” said Joel Lundin, the chief executive officer and co-owner (with Tony Bailey) at Northwest Machine Technologies. “For our customers, itʼs tough to find skilled labor. So our goal for the new division is to provide them with a local, one-stop source for automation systems and services that will allow them to increase productivity without additional labor costs.”

In 1983, Northwest Machine Technologies and Mazak Corporation began working together with one common goal, to provide manufacturing companies with the highest quality machine tools and manufacturing solutions. That business relationship continues to help customers increase manufacturing efficiency and boost productivity to strengthen profitability and competitiveness.

Mazak is a leader in the design and manufacture of productivity-improving machine tool solutions. Committed to being a partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class facility in Florence recently increased its production capacity to 200 machines per month.

Continuous training and development of the workforce has created a “lean” culture, which has created opportunities for continuing growth in America. Mazak maintains eight Technology Centers across North America to provide local hands-on applications, service and sales support to its customers. www.mazakusa.com