Robotics and Automation

ABB Robotics is Advancing Construction Industry Automation to Make Buildings Safer and More Sustainable

ABB Robotics is driving automation within the housing industry with new robotic automation solutions to deal with key challenges, including the necessity for cheaper and environmentally friendly housing and to scale back the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage.

Robotic automation offers huge potential to reinforce productivity, efficiency, and manufacturing flexibility throughout the development industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites, and robot 3D printing of homes and customized structures. also as making the industry safer and more cost-effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing the quality and cutting waste.

ABB Robotics is driving automation within the housing industry with new robotic automation solutions to deal with key challenges, including the necessity for cheaper and environmentally friendly housing and to scale back the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage.

Robotic automation offers huge potential to reinforce productivity, efficiency, and manufacturing flexibility throughout the development industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites, and robot 3D printing of homes and customized structures. also as making the industry safer and more cost-effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing the quality and cutting waste.

With the industry facing increased environmental regulation and therefore the need for less expensive buildings, robotic automation reduces waste by improving quality and consistency, which is critical when it's estimated that up to 1 / 4 of fabric transported to a vacant lot leaves as waste3. With automation and digital solutions, builders also can design waste out at the start of a project through effective building design and construction processes.

With quite 200,000 vacancies for low and high-skilled workers within the EU alone in Q2 20204, the industry labor shortage may be a growing issue, with younger people postpone construction careers by perceptions that it's a dangerous occupation. Construction workers account for around 30 percent of workplace injuries and are up to fourfold more likely to be involved during a casualty vs. other sectors, with an estimated 108,000 fatalities per annum worldwide5.

Robots can make construction safer by handling large and heavy loads, working in unsafe spaces, and enabling new, safer methods of construction. Using robots for the repetitive and dangerous tasks that folks increasingly don't need to try to do means automation can help support the industry's labor and skills crisis and make construction careers more appealing to children.

About ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation may be a pioneer in robotics, machine automation, and digital services, providing innovative solutions for a various range of industries, from automotive to electronics to logistics. Together with the world's leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, we've shipped quite 500,000 robot solutions. We help our customers of all sizes to extend productivity, flexibility, and ease and to enhance output quality. We support their transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the longer term. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation employs quite 11,000 people at over 100 locations in additional than 53 countries.

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Design, Mechanical and Motion Systems, Engineering Tech

SPX FLOW Launches Universal 2 ND Pump Series Designed Uniquely for Industrial Market

PR Newswire | January 29, 2024

SPX FLOW, has released the Universal® 2 ND Positive Displacement Pump (U2 ND) Series designed with industrial users in mind. The pumps offer the quality and durability the Waukesha Cherry-Burrell brand is known for while optimizing cost and suitability for the industrial market. The U2 ND series significantly expands the WCB pump range, aimed at enhancing reliability and performance across industrial applications while outperforming other pump styles, such as industrial lobe, gear or progressive cavity pumps.The design features improvements uniquely suited for industrial applications, including: Total cost of ownership: The pumps ensure a long running life, given their robust construction materials and designs tailored for each application. Because of its high volumetric efficiency, the pumps can be used to dose fluids, eliminating the need for an additional metering pump.  Efficiency: The U2 ND pump reduces slip, which occurs when fluids move backward from the liquid flow due to internal clearances. Lower slip means more efficiency, reducing the need for higher horsepower motors. Also, the series can process fluids over longer spans due to its high-pressure capability, which reduces the need for multiple pumps in these applications. Reliability: WCB is a proven and trusted global brand dating back to the 1880s. The pumps are made with durable, corrosive-resistant materials compatible with industrial environments. A robust design, equipped with industrial flanges or sanitary fittings, ensures manufacturers can choose the configuration to meet their needs.  Additionally, an extensive sales channel and domestic manufacturing footprint support this pump series, enabling quick deliveries on standardized parts across the entire Universal pump product line. The U2 ND series is complemented by the Universal Industrial 5000 series, which is tailored for users who require OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) seals for their industrial pumping operations. Julien Bassett, Pumps Global Product Manager: "Waukesha Cherry-Burrell has extensive experience offering pumps to customers built with their needs in mind. We wanted to expand our offerings to provide quality and durability of the SPX FLOW brand while catering to the unique needs of industrial manufacturers and their applications."

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Market, Engineering Tech, Construction

JRM Construction Completes New Headquarters for Rémy Cointreau at 3 Times Square

PR Newswire | January 30, 2024

<p>JRM Construction Management is proud to announce the completion of a sophisticated project for Rémy Cointreau, a leading international premium spirits distributor. Their new headquarters, spanning 29,850 square feet, is located on the 20th floor of Rudin Management's 3 Times Square tower in New York City.</p><p>Under the guidance of JRM, and in collaboration with TPG Architects, RDA, and Cresa Project Management, the team crafted a full-floor headquarters that embodies Rémy Cointreau's signature luxury brand. The space includes state-of-the-art collaborative work areas, and features high-end bars, perfect for hosting company events and entertaining clients, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and hospitality. Additionally, the new conference rooms are equipped with cutting-edge presentation capabilities, enhancing communication and collaboration among Rémy Cointreau's team members.</p><p>Marc Reissman, Executive VP at JRM, expressed his pride in the project, stating, "Collaborating with Rémy Cointreau to bring their vision to life was a true pleasure. The attention to detail and seamless integration of artistic elements in the design reflects the brand's essence perfectly. This project stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence and our ability to transform visions into inspiring realities."</p>

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Engineering Tech, Construction

PirTano Construction acquires Powerlink Electric

PR Newswire | January 25, 2024

PirTano Construction Company, Inc. ("PirTano"), a leading Midwest-based infrastructure and utility services-focused underground construction company operating in the communications and sewer & water sectors, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Powerlink Electric ("Powerlink"). The transaction closed on November 17, 2023. Mike Piraino, President of PirTano, said, "The acquisition of Powerlink will operate as a new electrical division, and brings additional service offerings and bench strength of employees as we look forward to continuing to support our customers while capitalizing on additional opportunities." Founded in 2006 by Doug Pantle and Steve Lipinski, Powerlink Electric ("Powerlink"), is a full-service electrical and telecommunications contractor based in Vernon Hills, Illinois with an outstanding reputation in its regional marketplace and is well known for the reliability and quality of its service. Powerlink primarily focuses on commercial and industrial projects and operates in Northeastern Illinois and surrounding areas. Powerlink will continue to operate under the current leadership as a wholly owned subsidiary of PirTano. Rising Point Capital ("RPC"), commented on the transaction, "Doug and Steve have built a tremendous reputation in its marketplace. We are very excited to partner with them to help accelerate their growth and with leading a new division at PirTano."Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, served as the exclusive advisor to Powerlink. Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A – Central Region, Michael Goss, Stephen Dinehart, a Generational Group Authorized Affiliate, with support from Vice President, M&A, Lance Thomasson successfully closed the deal.

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Engineering Tech, Construction

Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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