Refimex Machinery Oy manufactures machine parts as a subcontractor for, among others, earthmoving machinery and process equipment such as crushers, earth drills, ships, and pumps. At its facilities in Mänttä-Vilppula, the company produces and processes a wide variety of parts, from small coffee cup-sized components to pieces measuring up to one and a half meters. Robotmation and Refimex have enjoyed seamless cooperation for over a decade. Robotmation has delivered an automatic coolant filling system as well as machine tending cells that feed and change workpieces almost entirely automatically.
“We operate in two shifts, and let’s just say that with a small workforce we can still run multiple robot cells. In practice, the same operator manages several cells,” says Pasi Tsutsunen, Procurement Director at Refimex.
Refimex turned to automation for practical and economic reasons. Heavy, repetitive tasks are not reasonable to assign to human workers, nor would there be enough interest in doing them. Robots perform the work quickly, can operate around the clock, and handle heavy steel effortlessly.
“Labor shortage is one reason to rely on robotics, cost-efficiency is another. We need to remain competitive in the market if we want to continue our operations. That’s why we’ve aimed to automate as much monotonous, physically demanding work as possible – work that doesn’t even interest employees,” Tsutsunen explains.
Working with skilled Robotmation is effortless
Refimex has been extremely satisfied with its cooperation with Robotmation. From initial assessments and rough drafts, projects progress smoothly through open communication and idea exchanges, moving into implementation where adjustments and modifications are made as needed. The equipment is always tested at Robotmation’s own facilities, ensuring that it is ready for quick deployment once it arrives at Refimex’s factory.
“Robotmation has strong expertise and vision for implementations. Having worked together for so long, we’ve learned to speak the same language,” says Tsutsunen.
Ease of use is another major benefit. The machines are simple to manage with the help of visual displays. Refimex plans to continue utilizing Robotmation’s expertise whenever new needs arise.
“Collaboration is effortless, and the personal chemistry works. With Robotmation, you can sense their professionalism and genuine expertise,” Tsutsunen concludes.
