Wednesday, July 16, 2025
In an industry where precision and efficiency are paramount, States Industries, a leading manufacturer of custom decorative wood panels and components, has set a new benchmark for production excellence by partnering with Oregon-based automation integrator 7robotics. This collaboration led to the creation of a cutting-edge, custom-built Robotic Drilling & Screwing System that significantly transformed key aspects of States Industries’ production process.
Before the adoption of this advanced robotic system, States Industries relied on manual labor, including CNC machine setups and handheld screw guns, to assemble wood components. While this method had served them well for years, it came with several challenges that hindered production efficiency and consistency. The manual processes were prone to human error, which led to variable alignment across different production setups. This inconsistency not only slowed down production but also increased physical strain on operators, raising concerns about workforce health and operational efficiency.
With the market demand for custom decorative wood products steadily rising, States Industries knew they needed to evolve. In line with their long-term growth strategy, they sought a solution that would streamline their operations, eliminate inconsistencies, and improve overall production speed. This is where 7robotics came into the picture, offering an automation solution that would seamlessly integrate into their existing production floor and enhance both productivity and quality.
The robotic system provided by 7robotics has fundamentally transformed the way States Industries assembles its components. By combining drilling and screwing into a single automated process, the custom-built system ensures unmatched precision and consistency. Unlike traditional methods that required operators to manually switch between drilling and screwing tasks, the new system combines both functions into one streamlined operation, saving valuable time and reducing the chances of human error.
Dani Fowler, the Components Plant Manager at States Industries, explained how the new system solved key production challenges: “Operators used to float between tasks, drilling and screwing by hand. There were variations, especially across different setups. The robot now does both operations precisely, and we’ve seen zero product claims since implementation.”
This advanced system is designed for continuous operation and can easily be adapted for future product lines. Additionally, its modular design with interchangeable tooling makes it a scalable solution that can be expanded across multiple departments as needed. This flexibility ensures that States Industries will be able to keep up with growing demand and ever-changing market trends.
The benefits of the robotic system are already apparent. States Industries has exceeded its five-year production forecast in just one year, showcasing the impact of this technological upgrade. Ted Downs, Vice President of Manufacturing at States Industries, shared his excitement about the system’s performance: “After a year, we’re already hitting our five-year production forecast. It’s allowed us to reduce variable costs and meet customer demand sooner.”
In addition to higher productivity and improved product consistency, the automation project has also provided significant ergonomic benefits. Prior to the implementation of the robotic system, workers experienced physical strain due to repetitive tasks. With the new system, these tasks have been centralized into a single robotic cell, allowing one operator to oversee the full process. This shift has reduced repetitive strain injuries and increased job specialization, leading to better employee retention.
Fowler added, “We’ve already ordered a second system. That’s how confident we are in the performance and impact of the first.”
One of the key factors behind the success of this automation initiative is the strong partnership between States Industries and 7robotics. Throughout the design, integration, and fine-tuning phases, 7robotics provided hands-on support that ensured the system was perfectly suited to the unique needs of States Industries. According to Ted Downs, having direct communication with the 7robotics team rather than a generic support line made all the difference: “It’s invaluable to speak directly with the people at 7robotics who built this instead of a generic support line. Having a partner who knows our system has saved time and stress.”
The close proximity and hands-on involvement of 7robotics were crucial to the success of the project. By being available for immediate support and troubleshooting, they helped minimize any disruptions during the integration phase, allowing for a smooth transition to the new automated system.
The collaboration between States Industries and 7robotics represents a growing trend in the woodworking industry, where regional manufacturers are increasingly turning to automation to improve efficiency and meet rising market demands. By embracing right-sized automation solutions, companies can not only boost their production capabilities but also foster a positive work environment that values employee well-being and specialization.
For States Industries, the successful implementation of the custom robotic drilling and screwing system has paved the way for continued growth and innovation. As the company looks ahead, they remain committed to expanding their use of automation to further streamline operations and stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.
With the integration of 7robotics’ custom automation system, States Industries has set a new standard for efficiency and quality in the woodworking sector. By addressing production challenges and improving ergonomics, this partnership has not only enhanced operational performance but also demonstrated the potential for automation to transform traditional manufacturing processes in the woodworking industry.
As more manufacturers seek ways to stay competitive and meet growing customer demands, the success story of States Industries and 7robotics serves as a shining example of how automation can lead to increased productivity, reduced costs, and a healthier workforce.
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Tags: 7robotics, automation in woodworking, CNC setup, custom wood panels, custom-built robotic systems, ergonomic improvements, manufacturing innovation, Oregon automation solutions, production efficiency, robotic drilling system, woodworking automation, woodworking industry solutions
