In context
In early 2023, manufacturers were increasingly turning to automation to address labor challenges, improve safety, and meet rising demand for electrification components. This investment by Briggs & Stratton at its battery facility reflects a broader trend of integrating robotics and automated systems into production lines to enhance competitiveness.
What was reported
Briggs & Stratton announced an additional $6 million investment in its Advanced Battery Manufacturing facility in Tucker, Georgia, to add automated equipment for producing Vanguard Lithium-Ion Battery Packs. The 78,000-square-foot facility, opened in 2020, supports a supply agreement with Ingersoll Rand for powering Club Car vehicles.
The automation will enable all four assembly lines to handle different battery pack models and configurations, improving flexibility. The company highlights safety benefits, such as reducing ergonomic strain from repetitive motion, limiting exposure to sensitive materials, and ensuring proper material handling. Advanced safety devices and controls will be used to protect operators.
Plant manager Christopher Bonham expects improved quality and production performance by minimizing human error and variation. He anticipates efficiency improvements of three to ten times, better scheduling, and faster response to customer demand. The automated equipment was slated to begin operation in early spring 2023.
“The best way for us to address potential quality and safety issues that could arise from working with sensitive battery cells is to eliminate risk.”
Why it mattered
This investment underscores the growing role of automation in battery manufacturing, a critical area as electrification expands across industries. It demonstrates how automation can simultaneously improve safety, quality, and efficiency, offering a model for other manufacturers seeking to scale production while managing risks associated with sensitive components.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-04-09 · “Vanguard to invest $6 million in automaton at Georgia facility”