OPS Steel Accelerates Farm Gate Production with Custom Automation

OPS Steel operates in the heart of rural Oklahoma, where it manufactures farm and agricultural products, including durable farm gates. With approximately 130 employees and a strong manual production workforce, the company has traditionally relied on skilled labor to meet its manufacturing needs. However, as growth ambitions increased, a key constraint became clear: scaling output in a region with a limited labor pool.

The company faced ongoing challenges in recruiting enough workers to support expansion. While a dedicated team of 40 to 45 employees handled gate production with a high level of craftsmanship, the physical demands of building heavy agricultural products and the limitations of manual throughput made it difficult to significantly increase capacity.

The company’s interest in automation was sparked by exposure to a fully automated system developed by FANUC Authorized System Integrator AWL. Seeing what was possible helped leadership begin to envision how similar technologies could transform their own operations, shifting automation from a distant concept into a tangible growth strategy.

Rather than focusing solely on installing an automated system, AWL took a comprehensive approach. The integrator worked closely with OPS Steel to strengthen upstream processes, ensuring materials and components were properly prepared for automation. 

Throughout the project, AWL maintained open communication and a highly collaborative working relationship. This hands-on support helped make the transition into automation more manageable and gave OPS Steel the tools and understanding needed to move forward successfully.

The expected impact of automating farm gate production on the business is significant. OPS Steel anticipates substantial gains in production speed and accuracy, along with a reduction in the physical strain placed on employees, with six FANUC Arc Mate robots now automating the ergonomically challenging and once cumbersome welding process. Just as importantly, the company will be able to move away from a reactive production model—where orders are constantly backlogged—and toward building inventory that allows sales teams to respond more effectively to customer demand.

Looking ahead, OPS Steel views this initiative as the first step in a broader automation journey. With a successful foundation now in place, the company is already considering additional opportunities, including expanding automation into other product lines and enhancing material handling processes.

What began as an exploration into automation has ultimately become a strategic pathway for long-term growth, positioning OPS Steel to scale operations, improve working conditions, and better serve its customers well into the future.

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I just think this is going to lead to us doubling or tripling our production. It's going to allow us to step into the future.

Austin Metts Management – OPS Steel