That’s a Wrap! Our IMTS 2022 Highlights

And just like that, the International Manufacturing and Technology Show (IMTS) has come to an end! We’d like to thank those that followed along on our social media, as well as every customer, attendee, and exhibitor that stopped by our booth to make connections and say hello.

This year’s show made a comeback after a four year hiatus, and we made up for the missed time. It was fantastic to meet with other leaders in our industry and catch up on all the future-focused initiatives taking place in the innovative world of manufacturing and technology.

In partnership with HGR, TRAMAR Industries, and iGAM, we exhibited this year at booth #236129 at McCormick Place in sunny Chicago, IL. Over the course of the six day show, we were able to meet face to face with companies and potential customers from all around the globe.

Our top highlights include:

• Exhibiting in our first tradeshow booth with our industry partners - HGR, TRAMAR Industries, and iGAM and collaborating on future projects

• Showcasing our sign-spinning robot – our take at automating talented human sign spinners

• Meeting with hundreds of bright minded students eager to enter the world of manufacturing and learning about what ignites their passions in this industry

• Visiting the 2021 BattleBots competitor HyperShock at the Xometry booth (stay tuned for more on this one!)

• An introduction to Titan Gilroy of Titans of CNC, and learning about their commitment to the future of manufacturing through free education and certificate programs

Our sister company HGR shared a look into our booth in the video below:

Sound interesting? Well, it’s not too late to start planning to attend the next IMTS. The show will be back in just two years at the McCormick Center in Chicago September 9-14th , 2024 and so will NRTC!

Thank you IMTS, for an unbeatable experience and show! See you in 2024.

NRTC will be at IMTS 2022

September is fast approaching, and with it, our excitement for The International Manufacturing Technology Show. For the first time ever, NRTC Automation and our three sister companies will all be exhibiting together, and you can find us at one booth: 236129.  Do you have your tickets yet? Purchase them here to ensure you don’t miss a single exciting moment!  

The International Manufacturing Technology Show, or IMTS, is the largest trade show in the Western Hemisphere, as well as the longest. It’s held every two years in Chicago and is a mecca for players in the manufacturing industry, such as creators, builders, sellers, and more.  

With over 1,200 exhibitors, attendees can visit pavilions geared towards specific industries, technologies, and solutions. Our booth, 236129 will be located in the Fabricating & Lasers Pavilion, and along with the NRTC team, you’ll be able to learn more about our sister companies as well.  

HGR  

HGR buys equipment from companies to help recoup a portion of their initial investment and provides an online marketplace selling thousands of items across multiple industrial and manufacturing categories. Inventory includes industrial robots, MRO, CNC machinery, hardware, tools, small engines, lathes, and so much more.  

HGR makes selling equipment easy, with a team of buyers across North America and Mexico. And with monthly sales, on top of already great low prices, it’s easy to find hidden treasures in their multiple showroom locations and online 24/7.  

Tramar Industries  

Tramar Industries buys and sells CNC machinery and manufacturing equipment, operating both domestically and globally. English and Spanish speaking customers can shop brand name CNC equipment with our multi-lingual team. 

Tramar Industries has been buying and selling used machinery across the globe since 1994. With a wide selection of CNC parts and machines, Tramar offers additional services, such as transportation arrangement, in-person scheduled product demos, as well as being able to service every machine they sell.  

iGAM 

iGAM is the online marketplace for used industrial robots, robot parts, and manufacturing equipment. Find competitive pricing, financing, and ready-to-work equipment on their website here. 

With a goal of making automation attainable for every manufacturer, iGAM aids in creating effective and efficient production lines.  

Part of your Industrial Lifecycle  

When coupled our sister companies, we at NRTC are part of an industry lifecycle, from start to finish, with industrial manufacturers, starting with the decommissioning process.  

Clear out your facility to broom-ready conditions to start your next project. HGR and NRTC Automation will work together to meet your deadlines to clear your facilities and purchase your surplus equipment to help you recoup the initial value of your investment.   

Once you have cleared facilities, our companies can help you add, replace, or repair industrial equipment.  

Purchase industrial equipment and parts 24/7 from HGR, Tramar Industries, and iGAM’s online marketplaces and extend the life of your equipment with NRTC Automation’s industrial robot and equipment refurbishment services.  

Need staff to operate your latest upgrades and purchases? No problem.  

Let NRTC Automation find expert technicians and provide facility personnel for your organization. You’ll receive top-tier project management, design, programming, installation, and support from professionals with decades of experience customized to your needs.  

Once you have everything in place, speed up production and increase throughput with industrial automation. Finance refurbished industrial robots with iGAM, purchase serviced CNC machinery from Tramar Industries, and find used equipment at a great price with HGR. 

And as you grow, outsource operations with NRTC Automation’s service parts manufacturing, install turnkey automation cells for seamless production lines, train your employees in robotics for an empowered workforce, and more with our collective group of sister companies.  

We Can’t Wait to See You  

Are you attending IMTS this year? We’d love to see you! Sign up below to receive updates regarding upcoming events, tradeshows, and more! And don’t forget to purchase your tickets here. Prices are discounted until August 12th, so don’t wait!  

Sculpturist Company Neoset Designs Utilizes Robots

NRTC specializes in turnkey solutions for businesses in the manufacturing industry, and it isn't every day we encounter the kind of company that our sister company iGAM recently worked with.  

When a customer purchases a robot it might be added to an existing assembly line, or it could be the start of production and streamlining for a newer company.

However, when we heard about iGAM robots being used to produce art, we had to know more.  

NEOSET DESIGNS  

Neoset Designs is a pioneer in using technology to create innovative and complex works of art. By using robots they are able to quickly produce their pieces and make their art pieces even more intricate. Their challenge before iGAM was being able to acquire high-quality, affordable robots to continue to create their art. 

"Having equipment that is reliable is extremely important. It doesn't matter how good you think you are; at the end of the day, you need to be able to trust your machinery." 

IGAM ENTERS THE PICTURE  

Neoset was initially attracted to iGAM after their online marketplace was launched, consisting of industrial robots and machines. But soon they grew to appreciate iGAM’s dedicated sales staff, who were able to accommodate their boutique needs of just one or two purchases at a time.   

All of iGAM’s products have a high level of care, and iGAM ensures all of their customers get first-rate equipment, as well as going the extra mile to make sure that Neoset was informed of any new robots or tools that would work well for any current or future projects they might be working on.  

A BETTER END PRODUCT 

Today, Neoset Designs uses five robots purchased from iGAM. These robots are cutting production time, and allowing Neoset to produce highly complex projects. For more information on this project and iGAM, and to see images of the large-scale, beautiful pieces Neoset produces, please visit the iGAM case study. 

NRTC Supports the Robotics Industry  

At NRTC, we focus on reconditioning and refurbishing robots to enhance your production line with affordable industrial automation. We also design, build, and engineer custom work cells to handle your specific application. Contact us today to learn more about our services. 

History of NRTC Automation

After a decade of growth and opportunity, NRTC Automation has established itself as the choice partner for comprehensive industrial automation and manufacturing solutions. 

Learning about the history of a company is a great way to understand their mission and expertise. 

At NRTC Automation, we have a multi-faceted history of growth and development that led us to become the full-service automation solutions company that we are today. 

Learn more about NRTC’s history and how we can help you meet your production goals below. 

History of NRTC Automation 

THE VERY BEGINNING 

NRTC Automation (and our sister company, iGAM) falls under the parent company NRTC Alabama. 

Over a decade ago in Tilbury, Ontario, NRTC Alabama was founded under the name New Rubber Technologies by Mike Vagi. 

Mike, our current President of Sales and co-founder of iGAM, is a highly driven and successful entrepreneur. He has over 20 years of experience starting and growing companies from the conceptual stage to fully operational organizations with over 100 employees. 

New Rubber Technologies was a rubber reclamation business. The company would collect rubber from tire yards and other demolition sites and, using a rubber grinding machine, vulcanize the rubber into a usable product. 

Not too long after New Rubber Technologies started up, Mike discovered that to get to the next level in his business, he needed an industrial robot. He decided to join an auction and found six robots available at a good price.  

Even though he only needed one robot to complete the job, Mike purchased all six robots, unsure of what he was going to do with them at first. Mike decided to call one of his contacts and struck a deal with him to sell five robots for a great price. 

MAKING GROUND IN THE WORLD OF AUTOMATION 

This deal marked a major shift in our business, from only doing rubber recycling to also participating in robot auctions.  

In 2011, Mike bid on over 100 decommissioned Kawasaki robots against another company. He won the bid and sold some of the robots to the company where Dan Hill used to work. Mike and Dan met for the first time and helped the company build its presence through automation. 

The excitement of helping another company grow through automation gave Mike the idea to build our own inventory of automation equipment to provide our customers with a better deal. Around 2014, New Robot Technologies shifted into NRT Equipment Sales to provide manufacturers with affordable automation equipment. 

A major turning point for our company was when we sold our first single, double, and triple spot weld cells in 2015, and started receiving more orders from other businesses such as prototyping companies.  

Finally in 2018, we broke through as a reputable industrial automation company. We were hired to design, build, and engineer nine automated cells in only 10 weeks. While this was a challenging opportunity, Mike and the team took it on with eager determination, providing quality automation cells to a company looking to move to the next level of growth. 

NEW GROWTH 

After the work cell project, NRT Equipment Sales received another opportunity to help a large customer decommission their current facility and build a new facility with an entire paint line from scratch. While doing the e-coat work and implementing the line into the facility, Mike and Dan started discussing service parts manufacturing in Alabama.  

Dan joined the company and moved to Alabama in April of 2019 to start working on the new facility for NRT’s next adventure in the United States. We started out with a 50,000 square foot facility and shipped a hood, the first service part we produced as a company, on August 5th, 2019. 

Around the same time, iGAM, the online marketplace for industrial robots and manufacturing equipment, was founded alongside our newly established name, NRTC Automation. 

WHERE WE ARE TODAY 

NRTC Automation and iGAM have come a long way since the summer of 2019.  

We’ve established locations in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Canada, and Michigan, and our team has grown to nearly one hundred employees since Dan started. 

Now, on top of Decommissioning and Tear Outs, Automation Services, and Service Parts Manufacturing, NRTC Automation also offers services so manufacturers receive help every step of the way through the automation journey: 

• Industrial Robot Refurbishing 

• Prototyping 

• Robotic Engineering 

• Robotic Training 

• Industrial Tool and Fixture Storage 

The best part about NRTC Automation’s growth is that we provide a solution for every industrial automation and manufacturing need. We work with our customers to help them meet their production goals from start to finish, which helps us grow in the process. 

Plus, our employees benefit from working with us, too. They get a complete picture of the automation process and gain meaningful experience in how to help manufacturers grow their companies with automation, training, troubleshooting, and more. 

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION 

All around, NRTC Automation is the best place to go for manufacturers of any size and phase looking to optimize production, minimize downtime, and build their revenue. We have a consistent track record of high-quality performance, as shown by our partnerships with top automotive manufacturers like Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes, as well as small- to mid-sized manufacturers. 

With a wide range of automation services and capabilities, NRTC Automation can help. Our team of experienced and qualified professionals will support you in your journey to growth. 

Schedule a free consultation with NRTC today to see what it’s like working on your production needs with us. 

NRTC AUTOMATION IS YOUR PREFERRED PARTNER 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrating into your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet your production goals. 

We’ve Been Nominated for Manufacturer of the Year Award

NRTC Automation is honored to be recognized for our commitment to our customers. 

We are excited to announce that the Business Council of Alabama has nominated NRTC Automation for the Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Award! 

NRTC Automation serves the local Alabama community from our Birmingham warehouse, as well as internationally. 

It is an honor to be acknowledged for our efforts, especially during a pandemic. NRTC is known for our dedication to quality service and expertise in industrial automation and decommissioning services. 

We thank the Business Council of Alabama for our nomination and continue to offer our customers the best service we can provide. 

Learn more about the award and NRTC Automation’s services below. 

Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Award 

What is the Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Award? 

This award has been offered annually since the turn of the 21st century. 

According to their website, the awards “recognize the state's top manufacturers for their accomplishments. By applying for the award, manufacturers convey their story of financial growth, manufacturing leadership, market leadership, leadership development, and workforce enhancement.” 

Sponsors of the award include the Alabama Technology Network, the Business Council of Alabama, and Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. 

This award supports Alabama’s manufacturing industry by recognizing the achievements of manufacturers, promoting better products and service to the public.  

NRTC Automation is proud of our commitment to our customers 

At NRTC Automation, we help manufacturers maneuver through the world of automation. Your growth is our mission. 

We provide a customized solution for the decommissioning and tear out of your manufacturing and industrial assets. Our focus is on minimizing disruption and downtime in the work area while emphasizing safety, speed, and efficiency.  

We also provide additional services to help ensure full adoption of automation solutions and a seamless integration into your workplace, such as: 

• Custom Work Cells 

• Industrial Robot Refurbishing 

• Service Parts Manufacturing and Prototyping 

• Engineering and Hiring Services 

• Industrial Tool and Fixture Storage 

• Robotic Training 

NRTC was founded over a decade ago in Tilbury, Ontario with the goal of delivering high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.  

With partners from small manufacturers to global manufacturers like Toyota and Ford, we have the experience needed to get you where you want your production to be. Trust us to help with your next industrial automation project. 

Working with iGAM under NRTC Alabama, Inc. 

NRTC Alabama, Inc. is an industrial automation services company. For over a decade, we have provided full-service solutions to assist manufacturers through every step of automating their facilities.  

Under NRTC Alabama, Inc., NRTC Automation and iGAM work together to guide our customers from purchasing industrial equipment and parts to optimizing their production lines. 

iGAM is the online marketplace for used industrial robots, robot parts, and manufacturing equipment. With competitive pricing, flexible financing options, and ready-to-work equipment, iGAM is the solution for manufacturers of any size looking to automate their facilities. Plus, iGAM offers asset appraisal services so customers can determine the value of their equipment. 

Together, NRTC Alabama’s brands make automation accessible for manufacturers in every industry. 

Follow us on social media 

To stay updated on NRTC Automation and iGAM, follow us social media! 

You can find NRTC Automation on: 

• Facebook 

• LinkedIn 

• Twitter 

• Instagram 

• YouTube 

And you can follow iGAM here: 

• Facebook 

• LinkedIn 

• Twitter 

• Instagram 

• YouTube 

We post several times a week, sharing the latest industry news, product sales, entertaining memes, content of our team, and more. Join in on the fun!

Also, check out our blog for more weekly articles on the industry.

VISIT NRTC AUTOMATION 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Schedule a free consultation today to have our experts assess your industrial automation needs. 

How to Manage Obsolescence in Manufacturing in 2021

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Benjamin Franklin 

Manufacturers must be prepared for worst-case scenarios to continue production seamlessly. 

Obsolescence is one of those scenarios that could cause extensive downtime, leading to serious profit loss. Especially in today’s world, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, lacking foresight can have disastrous consequences. 

By managing and preparing for obsolescence under any circumstances, manufacturers can operate their facilities with confidence. 

Learn more about obsolescence and preparation tips below. 

Obsolescence in manufacturing 

What is obsolescence? 

Obsolescence is when something no longer works or is no longer useful. In manufacturing, obsolescence in parts, services, and resources occur when they are no longer provided by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) either because they offer and support new equipment and services or because the OEM went out of business. 

There are several types of obsolescence: 

• Technological obsolescence: when parts or equipment become obsolete due to changes in technology 

• Functional obsolescence: when the manufacturer’s needs have changed and the equipment becomes obsolete 

• Legal obsolescence: when laws or other orders prohibit the use of parts or equipment 

• Style/Aesthetic obsolescence: when the style of parts or equipment is thought to be outdated and becomes obsolete 

• Economic obsolescence: when parts or equipment become obsolete because there is a more cost-effective alternative 

Technology, government regulations, and planned obsolescence are the three greatest contributors to obsolescence in manufacturing. 

How obsolescence can affect your facility 

When manufacturers are still using parts, services, or resources that are obsolete, the costs for maintenance, repairs, and replacements can skyrocket.  

Plus, the downtime that is needed to find a technician or a replacement part can be detrimental. Downtime can cost upwards of $5,600 per minute, a huge loss that cannot be recouped. 

That’s why planning around obsolescence and preparing for potential changes in production is necessary for manufacturers to get ahead of the curve. 

Tips to manage obsolescence in manufacturing 

If you want to save on downtime and other unnecessary costs due to obsolescence, then try these tips in your manufacturing facility. 

1. CREATE A DIVERSE STRATEGY. 

Because different parts and equipment have different needs in terms of maintenance, repair, and predicated end-of-life, you need to create a diverse strategy to manage obsolescence. 

Base your strategy on the above factors, as well as operating environments and production demands, to effectively prepare for parts and equipment obsolescence. 

Ideally, you should have a team that tracks the condition of each piece of equipment and determines the next step so nothing slips under the radar during busy seasons of production. 

2. KEEP PARTS AND EQUIPMENT MANUALS AND INFORMATION IN ONE ORGANIZED SPACE. 

All information related to parts and equipment should be centralized in a safe location where they can be referenced at any time. 

Manuals and spreadsheets tracking the condition of parts and equipment are crucial to knowing when obsolescence is nearby. Staying organized means staying ahead of potential downtime. 

3. CREATE A RELATIONSHIP WITH A RELIABLE DISTRIBUTOR. 

Having a middleman who can help you source dated parts and equipment is necessary, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With access to alternative supply chains, your distributor can prevent extensive downtime due to a malfunctioning or broken part. 

Our sister company, iGAM, offers a wide-ranging marketplace of used industrial robots and manufacturing equipment at affordable prices. If you are in need of parts and equipment, check out their inventory on the iGAM website. 

4. KNOW WHERE YOU WILL GET REPAIRS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. 

If equipment breaks down during production and you have to halt all operations, you’ll want a repair technician on-site immediately. 

Whether you have internal technicians who take care of your repairs, or if you outsource repairs to a company that provides year-round services, know where you are getting repair services from. 

NRTC Automation offers industrial equipment repair with a quick turn-around to minimize downtime and get your production line back up and running. Learn more about our Engineering Services here. 

5. CONTINUALLY REVIEW YOUR PLANS TO STAY UP-TO-DATE. 

Managing obsolescence is an endless process. Set up monthly, bi-annual, and annual reviews of your obsolescence strategy. A mindset of preparation will save money on downtime, repairs, and new equipment expenses. 

Stay ahead of obsolescence 

With our tips above, you can manage obsolescence, even in a pandemic. Remain competitive and protect your company’s bottom line from operation shutdowns by maintaining an obsolescence strategy. 

GET INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SERVICES FROM NRTC AUTOMATION. 

At NRTC Automation, we know robots and we know automation. We provide a customized solution for your manufacturing and industrial assets.  

Our focus is on minimizing disruption and downtime in the work area while emphasizing safety, speed, and efficiency. We'll help ensure full adoption of automation solutions and seamless integration into your workplace.  

NRTC was founded over a decade ago in Tilbury, Ontario with the goal of delivering high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers. Trust NRTC Automation to help with your next industrial automation project. 

Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more about how automation can boost efficiency, minimize downtime, and initiate growth.