Grippers Assembled in the U.S.

With the completion of their 40,000 sq ft expansion in Morrisville earlier this year that added 19,000 sq ft of manufacturing space for increased capacity and additional product line assembly, SCHUNK Inc. (Morrisville, NC) is now assembling grippers in the U.S. Another 22,000 sq ft of additional office and training space completed the expansion. This new facility, combined with investments in personnel and equipment over the next five years, represents another $60 million for the region’s economy, along with roughly 100 new jobs.

Being able to assemble an extremely versatile gripper line directly in the U.S. means a faster response time and better end results for customers. Having a multitude of variations in stock ensures an ideal solution is always readily available. “We are pleased to further diversify our offerings here in the U.S. to better and more promptly serve our customers’ needs,” said Milton Guerry, the president of SCHUNK USA. “With this addition, we are able to better fulfill a critical piece in the supply process.”

Chief executive officer Henrik Schunk and chairman Heinz-Dieter Schunk were on hand in May to celebrate the U.S. expansion and launch the U.S. gripper assembly line. Herb Bass, who has more than 20 years of experience working for SCHUNK USA, joined the owners in assembling the first grippers: “It has been so impressive to see how things have changed and grown over the years, as we always respond and adapt to the challenges our customers face,” said Bass. According to Jesse Hayes, the group manager for automation, the response to the new production line even in this short time has been overwhelmingly positive: “Customers are thrilled with the shortened lead times and ability to customize to their project with standard components that are now on hand and assembled right here in the U.S.”

www.schunk.com