Cripps & Sons Woodworking Embraces Automation for Smarter, Safer Sanding
Cripps & Sons improved production efficiency and finish consistency by addressing sanding bottlenecks to support growing demand.
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Challenges
Time-consuming sanding process
Physically demanding role
Inconsistent quality
Results
50% reduction in sanding time
Improved finish quality
Easy-to-learn employee process
Story
In the heart of Nova Scotia, a small family-run cabinet shop has evolved into a powerhouse of premium craftsmanship. Since its founding in 2009, Cripps & Sons Woodworking has built a reputation for high-end residential cabinetry, serving clients across the province. As demand surged, the company took a bold step forward—expanding into a new facility and embracing automation to elevate their operations.
For years, sanding had been the most challenging process in their production line. It was a time-consuming but essential step that drained valuable labor hours and challenged consistency. As the team looked to scale, they knew something had to change.
That’s when they reached out to FANUC Authorized System Integrator Vention. Vention’s Rapid Series Sanding system, powered by a FANUC CRX cobot and optimized for 3M™ Abrasives, offered more than just automation—it delivered a user-friendly interface, customizable sanding recipes and seamless adaptability to their workflow. From the start, the team was impressed by how intuitive the setup was. Training was minimal, and the ability to store multiple sanding profiles meant the robot could handle a wide variety of products with ease.
Before making the leap, Cripps & Sons sent sample pieces to Vention for testing. The results spoke for themselves. A visit to Vention’s facility confirmed what they hoped: the robotic system not only solved their sanding challenges, it exceeded expectations.
Since deploying the FANUC-powered sanding robot, Cripps & Sons has seen transformative results. Sanding time has been cut by 50%, allowing skilled workers to focus on more intricate tasks. And every product now boasts a smoother, more uniform finish—raising the bar for craftsmanship. In addition to these benefits, production costs have been reduced and the once-avoided sanding station has become a favorite, boosting team morale and getting workers excited to work with the robot.
Cripps & Sons sees automation not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for innovation in an industry that’s ripe for transformation. While cabinet-making has traditionally lagged behind other sectors in adopting automation, this Nova Scotia shop is proving that the future is here.
Throughout our automation journey and being involved with Vention, the opportunities are absolutely endless for being able to automate processes. We’re really excited for the future of automation within our shop.
Sam Cripps Vice President – Cripps & Sons WoodworkingFANUC Products Used
CRX-30iA
The FANUC CRX-30iA is a heavy-lifting cobot with a 30kg payload, featuring wrist buttons for direct, simple teaching and customization.
- Max Payload:
- 30 kg
- Reach:
- 1889 mm
Vention
Vention is leading the future of industrial automation by enabling businesses of all sizes to automate faster than ever—boosting productivity, cutting costs, and driving scalable growth. With our free, drag-and-drop MachineBuilder™ software and plug-and-play FastFactory™ hardware ecosystem, Vention helps businesses automate with unmatched ease and efficiency. Our unified software and hardware automation platform enables businesses to design, simulate, deploy, and operate turnkey or custom automation solutions in just days. Trusted by 4,000+ customers across five continents, Vention is redefining the automation experience with exceptional technology and customer service.
Cripps & Sons Woodworking
Cripps & Sons is proudly family owned and operated, with roots going back to 2009. Founded by brothers Sam and Jim Cripps alongside their father, the company began with a simple goal: to build quality cabinetry with care, skill, and attention to detail. Over the years, that mission has remained the same—while the team and shop have grown, the heart of the company is still grounded in trust, tradition, and a hands-on approach to everything we do. Whether it’s a sleek modern kitchen or a warm, traditional space, every project is built with care, precision, and the goal of standing the test of time.