Southern Indiana Business Report
PIKE COUNTY – Two of Pike County’s top employers have invested in robotics for industrial use. Four Star Fabricators Inc. is located in Petersburg and has operated in Pike County for 44 years.
After being awarded one of Indiana’s Manufacturing Readiness grants, Four Star Fabricators put the funding to good use by increasing efficiency in their operation. Four Star Fabricators purchased a robot arm to help with long-term welding on repetitive skills for large industrial parts. The robot is programmed and overseen by a welding technician.
“Business has been very good and with the increased demand, the robot helps us keep jobs moving at a quicker pace. It has also allowed us to train our welding technicians to program the robot and grow their skills as well,” said Steve Miller, president of Four Star Fabricators. “The robot arm has been a good investment and we are fortunate to have received the grant funding to make it happen.”
Four Star Fabricators looks forward to serving the Midwest for the next 44 years.
Four Star Fabricators, Inc. is a heavy steel plate fabricator that processes approximately 8 million pounds of steel annually for the coal, aluminum and power supply industries.
Stella-Jones improves plant efficiency
Stella-Jones is located in Winslow and has been part of Pike County since the 1970s. Stella-Jones plays a key role in the railroad infrastructure industry. The business treats and processes 1.2 million railway ties and supplies railroad ties for the railroad industry. The company recently invested over $7 million into the Winslow Plant.
They also have invested in an industrial robotic arm that stacks railroad ties for the drying process.
“The robotic arm is improving efficiencies within the plant. The robot is able to work 24/7 if you need it to,” said Steve Basham, plant manager at Winslow. “Stella-Jones takes safety very seriously and the robotic arm is one way that we increase safety for our workforce.”
Stella-Jones has been a great community partner and their recent investment in the plant shows their desire to continue being a great partner for many years to come.
“Pike County is an industrial and innovative community. Our companies are thriving in Pike County and they continue to invest in automation to increase scale and efficiency,” said Ashley Willis, executive director of Pike County Economic Development. “Companies that invest in automation is a positive indicator for our local economy because that means those products are high in-demand products and these companies that laid down roots in Pike County, plan to stay in operation long term and employ our local workforce.”
About the manufacturing grants
A program of Conexus Indiana, Manufacturing Readiness Grants have helped Indiana manufacturers make innovative capital investments in smart manufacturing.
To date, Conexus has awarded nearly $80 million in grants to businesses in 85 Indiana counties. For more information about Manufacturing Readiness Grants.