Fifteen years isn’t a long time by the standards of most corporations, but it’s a veritable lifetime in the emerging field of industrial robotics. Since its founding in 1973, the Ashland-based Flexicell, Inc. stands out as one of the earliest, most experienced players in the fast-moving industry.

As a robotic systems integrator, Flexicell specializes in packing, palletizing and material handling. "We picked the right niche from the beginning in packing and palletizing, and this is what we'll continue to do better and better," says President Hans de Koning.

Flexicell designs, manufactures and installs robotic "cells" that integrate robotics, vision systems and linear motions to perform the many functions required in the many manufacturing applications: case packing, assembly, material handling, collating, machine loading and unloading, conveying and palletizing. Robots perform the repetitive motions without risk of injury or fatigue to employees.

"We were one of the early companies to adopt robotic technology into packaging," says de Koning. "I believe business will remain strong because I see the future trend continuing toward improved processes. I predict that eventually there will be robots deployed throughout the U.S. manufacturing base. There are no limits to their use and the payback is enormous."

Since its first installation, Flexicell has delivered over 300 successful solutions throughout North America in a wide variety of industries. Flexicell utilizes robotics to deliver solutions flexible enough to serve both current and future needs of its customers. A robotic cell can be re-deployed for future uses with simple programming or tooling changes, saving the cost of purchasing an entirely new packing, palletizing or material handling system.

De Koning attributes Flexicell’s success to that philosophy as well as its team of engineers and technicians, which it has scoured the country to find. Many have stayed on board since the company’s founding. Such longevity enables customers to build relationships with Flexicell staff members.

Says de Koning: "It's likely that the person a customer dealt with when they purchased a system is the same person they can call several years later. Customers like that continuity and history we can provide in our service level." More.