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BOBCAT COMPLETES $ 9.3 MILLION INVESTMENT IN AUTOMATED PRESS SYSTEM AT NORTH DAKOTA FACILITY
Bobcat Company completed a $ 9.3 million investment in punch press automation and press technology at its manufacturing facility in Gwinner , N . D .
According to Bobcat , the new press line , which recently began production , is expected to more than double press production capabilities , reduce energy consumption , lower noise levels and improve complex forming for sheet metal parts , all of which will help meet the increasing demand for Bobcat equipment . The company also invested an additional $ 1.2 million for entrance and building upgrades at the Gwinner location .
“ As the home of our original manufacturing facility in North America , we are excited to invest in the facility and add this new automation technology to the Gwinner plant ,” said Mike Ballweber , president of Bobcat Company North America . “ This investment will provide us with new capabilities and efficiencies in our metal-stamping operations , and it also aligns with our commitment to innovation , sustainability and continued investments in our manufacturing footprint .”
Bobcat partnered with AP & T North America , a leading provider of advanced production solutions , for the fully automated tandem line , which includes design and build of the new 2,000-ton Valveless Servo Hydraulic Lead Press at the Gwinner facility .
The highly automated , closedlooped , valveless servo-hydraulic press is 70 percent more energy efficient than a conventional hydraulic press . According to Bobcat , “ The press also provides increased productivity and superior forming capabilities , which enables the pressing of more intricate and complex designed parts , along with shorter cycle times . The press line and automation are smart controlled via internet-based solutions .”
Bobcat first became aware of the new press technology through a relationship with Wisconsin-based TCR Integrated Stamping Systems , an equipment manufacturer consultant and system provider for the metal forming industry . Bobcat partnered with TCR Integrated Stamping Systems to provide the new press control systems and magnetic quick die changes for all other presses in the tandem line .
“ Bobcat is one of the first companies in North America to invest in the future by implementing this automated solution using our new press technology ,” said Dr . Christian Koroschetz , chief sales officer of AP & T Group . “ This investment also supports Bobcat ’ s interest in pursuing sustainable , energyefficient manufacturing solutions .”
The Gwinner manufacturing complex serves as the very first Bobcat production facility , which was established in 1947 . Today , the facility covers 780,000 square feet , employs approximately 1,500 employees , and produces Bobcat loaders and utility work machines . The operation continues to grow with about 60 open positions in general production , including assembly , welding , material handling , fabrication , paint , maintenance and machining .
“ This investment demonstrates Bobcat ’ s commitment to our manufacturing footprint in Gwinner and supports our next generation manufacturing capabilities for North America ,” said Jim Flynn , vice president of operations at Bobcat Company . “ It is another step for us when it comes to automation , robotics , new technologies and advanced data analytics .”
VP RACING FUELS ANNOUNCES NEW IDENTITY , LAUNCH OF ECOGEN ETHANOL-FREE GASOLINE VP Racing Fuels launched a new identity for the corporation , its products and programs . VP will immediately begin transitioning to the “ VP Racing ” moniker , as well as a refreshed logo .
“ We are excited to announce an updated identity for VP ,” said Alan Cerwick , VP Racing ’ s president and CEO . “ This change is a better reflection of the vitality of our company and its everexpanding product and service lines .”
The company pointed out that , for the past decade , it “ has been charging into new areas of business and new product categories .” Over this time , VP has entered the motor oil market for performance / racing and passenger cars , outdoor equipment fuels , fuel additives , coolants , appearance products , jug containers , diesel contamination prevention products , UAV / UAS fuels , hand sanitizer and specialty chemicals . In addition , VP has branded nearly 400 gas stations , oil change centers , car washes and marinas .
“ We are immensely proud that VP
6 OPE Business March 2023 www . OPEBusiness . com