Japanese conglomerate Hitachi Ltd. plans to acquire Holland-based JR Automation Technologies LLC in a $1.42 billion deal.

In the last 5 years, the Michigan manufacturing market has witnessed the introduction of a new collaborative robot (Cobot) on the production floor.  Designed to work alongside workers, Cobots are solving the labor problems for companies that have dirty and/or repetitive work.

JR Automation Technologies LLC plans to invest $4 million into its facility in Holland Charter Township.

A West Michigan industrial equipment manufacturer has made a capital investment in Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Grabit Inc., a provider of automation systems for soft goods manufacturers and warehouse logistics sectors.

Industrial equipment manufacturer Burke Porter Group is expanding its product portfolio and manufacturing presence with the acquisition of Van Hoecke Automation.

A West Michigan manufacturer of custom automation equipment has acquired two Utah-based automation companies.

Fifteen years ago, Micron Manufacturing Co. made a bold gamble. The Walker-based manufacturer invested substantial resources into replacing more than 60 lathes and other outdated equipment with 19 state-of-the-art CNC lathes featuring autonomous capabilities. At the time, the new automation equipment was relatively unknown, and represented a big step toward what company executives thought would be the future of manufacturing for their business.

MiBiz and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center West (MMTC-West) would like to hear your thoughts, strategies and concerns related to manufacturing automation..

Koops Inc., a manufacturer of custom automation equipment, plans to invest $4.9 million into a new 40,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its headquarters in Holland.