In Bluefield, Virginia, Lawrence Brothers Inc. has been operating as a steel fabricator of metal material handling trays for more than 50 years. Each day, the shop produces 1,000 trays requiring a tiresome and injury-prone grinding process that has led to high turnover in a region that already suffers from limited workforce.

With the goal of fostering team longevity and embracing a healthier work environment, Lawrence Brothers sought out GrayMatter Robotics, a FANUC Authorized System Integrator, to automate this challenging task.

Using their proprietary AI technology and a FANUC M-710 industrial robot, GrayMatter Robotics implemented a solution that scans various kinds of metal trays and grinds them accordingly, with the flexibility to change parts with every cycle.

From its first week in operation, the robotic grinding solution was reaching its target rates while creating consistent results that dropped necessary rework from eight to 10 trays per day to eight to 10 trays per month or more—with no rework ever attributed to grinding. With the new system in place, Lawrence Brothers has also realized material cost savings of $2,000 per week on grinding discs.

While production has increased production, the most notable change has been in how employees are supported—automation has enabled easier training and skill development, allowing team members to take on more meaningful roles and experience significantly less physical strain.

“Not only did it lessen their physical workload but it gave them a little more responsibility. We upskilled them into another position which in return benefited us but also benefited them. When they get off, they can go home and play with their kids—they're not dead tired.” said Heath Harris, Production Manager, Lawrence Brothers.

In Bluefield, Virginia, Lawrence Brothers Inc. has been operating as a steel fabricator of metal material handling trays for more than 50 years. Each day, the shop produces 1,000 trays requiring a tiresome and injury-prone grinding process that has led to high turnover in a region that already suffers from limited workforce.

With the goal of fostering team longevity and embracing a healthier work environment, Lawrence Brothers sought out GrayMatter Robotics, a FANUC Authorized System Integrator, to automate this challenging task.

Using their proprietary AI technology and a FANUC M-710 industrial robot, GrayMatter Robotics implemented a solution that scans various kinds of metal trays and grinds them accordingly, with the flexibility to change parts with every cycle.

From its first week in operation, the robotic grinding solution was reaching its target rates while creating consistent results that dropped necessary rework from eight to 10 trays per day to eight to 10 trays per month or more—with no rework ever attributed to grinding. With the new system in place, Lawrence Brothers has also realized material cost savings of $2,000 per week on grinding discs.

While production has increased production, the most notable change has been in how employees are supported—automation has enabled easier training and skill development, allowing team members to take on more meaningful roles and experience significantly less physical strain.

“Not only did it lessen their physical workload but it gave them a little more responsibility. We upskilled them into another position which in return benefited us but also benefited them. When they get off, they can go home and play with their kids—they're not dead tired.” said Heath Harris, Production Manager, Lawrence Brothers.