FANUC Robotics America, Inc. is doing its part to promote North America's place as the world's leading manufacturer. The largest industrial robot supplier, (based in Rochester Hills, MI), has brought together 15 other companies to start the Save Your Factory initiative. The aim of this initiative is to help North American manufacturers to remain globally competitive by providing complete information on offshoring, efficiency process, and lean manufacturing practices.
Save Your Factory's mission is to prevent outsourcing by encouraging manufacturers to "fully and objectively analyze the advantages of technology, lean manufacturing and quality-enhancing techniques, process improvements, robotic automation, and the total costs of off-shore manufacturing before deciding whether to source overseas."
Rick Schneider, FANUC Robotics America, Inc. President and CEO said the belief that North American companies benefit from relocating manufacturing operations to low-cost labor markets is "based on incomplete information and analysis."
"While it may make sense to move manufacturing overseas for some companies, many organizations fail to look at other options that can lead to greater profitability while keeping their manufacturing operations in North America," he said. "Companies need to understand that they have choices when it comes to manufacturing, and that the chips are not always necessarily stacked in favor of low-cost labor markets."
To this end, the Save Your Factory initiative is offering online resources to organizations who are interested in moving their manufacturing operations overseas. These white papers, articles, video testimonies, and case studies outline some of the additional costs and risks that may overshadow the benefits of low cost labor. Save Your Factory also promotes its message through speaking engagements and events.
Joining FANUC Robotics America in the growing consortium for the ‘Save Your Factory’ initiative include: Automation Alley, The Chicago Manufacturing Center, American Machinist, The National Council for Advanced Manufacturing, and The Society of Manufacturing Engineers, among others. Contact us to learn more about how you can join.
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