AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS
Valk Welding helped Hutchinson dream bigger and plan smarter.
Building the right team around technology One of the key lessons from a previous automation attempt was the importance of people. This time, Hutchinson built a dedicated team around the new system—engineers, programmers, and operators—well before installation. “We made sure they were trained, informed, and excited,” Mark Hutchinson explains. “We even involved them in the decision-making process, showing them videos and explaining the ‘why’ behind the investment.” This proactive approach paid
off. The team embraced the technology, and the transition from manual to robotic welding was smooth and efficient. “Some of them were researching robotic welding in their own time. That’s when you know they’re on board.”
User-Friendly Programming and MIS Integration One of the standout features of the Valk Welding system for Hutchinson was the ease of programming. “The interface is intuitive, and the support from Valk Welding has been excellent,” he notes. “It’s not just about the robot—it’s about the whole ecosystem around it.”
That ecosystem includes Valk
Welding’s Management Information System (MIS), that has become a vital tool for the company. “We now have real-time data on machine uptime, cycle times, and performance,” he explains. “It helps us plan better, quote more accurately, and continuously improve.”
A clean, safe, and inspiring workplace Attracting and retaining talent is an important priority for Hutchinson. That’s why the business has
invested heavily in creating a clean, safe, and modern working environment. “We want people to feel proud of where they work,” Mark Hutchinson states. “Especially in welding and fabrication, where the perception can be outdated, we’re showing that it can be high-tech and inspiring.” The company regularly hosts
school visits to showcase its advanced facilities and spark interest in manufacturing careers. “When young people see the robotics in action, their eyes light up. It changes their whole perception.”
Ready for the Next Step The first robotic welding system was already running on two shifts within two months after installation, with a weekend shift soon to follow. This forward-thinking approach,
combined with a strong team and a commitment to quality, positions Hutchinson as a model for modern manufacturing. “Automation doesn’t replace people—it empowers them,” Mark Hutchinson
concludes. “And with Valk Welding, we’ve found a partner who shares that belief.”
www.valkwelding.com
Valk Welding automates your welding process
Valk Welding is a family owned company with over 65 years of experience in welding automati on. The company supplies complete welding robot systems for the metalworking industry, from single robots to complex, high mix producti on lines.
And with the ARP soft ware (Automati c Robot Programming) robot welding is now a viable soluti on for the producti on of single items, even for large, complex structures.
valkwelding.com
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