Industry News: Tennessee Rand among the first RIA certified Integrators
May 14th, 2012

RIA Announces First Certified Robot Integrators

                        Robotic Industries Association                           Posted 05/14/2012            

                    (Ann Arbor, Michigan) JR Automation, Motion Controls Robotics, Tennessee Rand, and Wolf Robotics are the first four robotic integrators to receive the new Certified Robot Integrator designation from the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry’s trade group. 

“We are very excited to announce this first group of Certified Robotic Integrators,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA.  “In order to become certified, integrators go through a rigorous process which includes an on-site audit, safety training and hands-on testing of key personnel among other important criteria.  Based on feedback from the industry, we believe that achieving certification will be valuable to integrators looking to showcase their capabilities and experience to users and suppliers alike.

“Additionally, the program allows integrators to benchmark their own processes against best industry practices, allowing them to identify areas in which they can improve.  This also helps the industry by strengthening the overall integrator channel,” Burnstein explained.

The new RIA Certified Robot Integrator program was officially announced in late January at the Robotics Industry Forum in Orlando.   Burnstein said several other integrators are in the process of becoming certified, with three already slated for audits in the next several weeks. 

Each certified integrator will need to be recertified every two years.  Detailed information on the certification program and the certified robot integrators can be found on a special section of Robotics Online.  Integrators interested in becoming certified also can contact Jeff Burnstein at 734/994-6088.

Here is what each of the first four Certified Robot Integrators said about the program:

JR Automation, Holland, Michigan
“We feel the investment in this testing process is well worth the value it will provide to our customers. The testing highlighted our ISO9001:2008 procedures; which we feel will ensure future success of our company. JR Automation believes this certification will help companies identify sources for automated/robotic equipment as well as supporting customers with their service needs,” said Bill Yeck, General Manager, JR Automation.

Motion Controls Robotics, Fremont, Ohio
“At times it can be difficult to convey to a potential customer the depth of experience and qualifications of our organization.  Achieving Certified Integrator status from RIA demonstrates our expertise and allows our customers to make a more informed supplier selection based on the findings of an independent third party. We are especially pleased to be among the first group of robotic integrators to earn this certification.  Our Certified Integrator status provides another reason why Motion Controls Robotics, Inc. is the right choice when selecting a robotic integration partner,” said Scott Lang, President, Motion Controls Robotics.

Tennessee Rand, Chattanooga, Tennessee
“We are excited to be one of the first groups of integrators to be certified by the RIA. The RIA is a great organization with an outstanding reputation in our industry. Being certified through the RIA provides our customers and potential customers with a peace of mind that they are working with a company that can meet their needs and sets us apart from the competition,” said Don Peters, Executive Vice President, Tennessee Rand, Inc.

Wolf Robotics, Ft. Collins, Colorado
“Wolf Robotics is proud to be recognized as a Certified Robotic Integrator by the Robotic Industries Association.  Having our robotic expertise and all-inclusive internal programs of training, support and continual improvement recognized is very gratifying and important.  The process is very extensive and requires integrators to demonstrate that specific areas of capabilities and experience are present and ever-improving.  Meaningful certification criteria will assist users in selecting a dependable, experienced and capable integrator to insure a successful robotic integration of their projects,” said Darren Pape Operations Manager at Wolf Robotics.

Founded in 1974, RIA now represents more than 280 robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end user, consulting firms, research groups, and educational institutions.  RIA is best known for its biennial Automate Show & Conference (next event slated for January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago); the ANSI/RIA National Robot Safety Standard and annual National Robot Safety Conference (September 24-26, 2012 in Indianapolis); and the annual Robotics Industry Forum (February 20-22, 2013, Orlando).  The association also provides quarterly robotics statistics and has a content-rich Robotics Online website attracting hundreds of thousands of visits a year from throughout the world.  For more details on RIA, visit www.robotics.org or call 734/994-6088.

“Robotics customers, of course, still need to conduct their own due diligence on the suppliers they select,” said Burnstein.  “RIA cannot guarantee the work of any integrator or recommend which integrators to choose.  We have more than 50 system integrator members and look forward to having more of them go through the certification process in the near future.”

Contact:   
Jeff Burnstein
President
(734) 994-6088

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Current Job Openings At Tennessee Rand
August 30th, 2011

 Tennessee Rand is the region's leading provider of engineering, machining and robotic systems integration services.  We are continually looking for talented individuals to be a part of our team.  We are currently hiring for the positions of Application Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Controls/PLC programmer, Robot Programmer/Service Technician, and experience CNC machinists.   Job descriptions and requirements can be found in the Career section of our website.  If you meet the criteria listed, please submit your resume using the form in the Career section. 

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Tennessee Rand to Exhibit at Fabtech 2011
August 30th, 2011

Tennessee Rand will be exhibiting at Fabtech 2011.  Fabtech,  North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, will be held at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, November 14-17, 2011.

On display will be remote laser welding utilizing the HighYag RLSK optics, IPG laser power source, and Motoman robots.  The booth will also include several examples of automotive style fixturing for both MIG and laser welding.

Please plan on attending and visit us at booth # 5563

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Tennessee Rand posts new video featuring recent projects
August 30th, 2011

Tennessee Rand has posted a new video featuring an overview our our shop, and video of a few recent projects.  For more videos, please click on the "media" tab at the top of our page or visit us on YouTube.

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Tennessee Rand release video showcasing machining capabilities
August 30th, 2011

Tennessee Rand has released a new video, showcasing our CNC machining capabilities.  We have one of the largest machine shops in the Southeast, including 34 Mazak machining centers, wire EDMs and a variety of manual machining equipment.  We have the capability to perform complex 3D machining on our multi-axis milling machines and our 3 available shifts of production ensure capacity to meet deliveries.  Our company is certified as a ISO9001-2000 and our quality procedures in the machine shop are compliant with NQA-1 for the nuclear industry.  For all of your machining needs, we have the capabilities, capacity, experience, and quality to exceed your expectations.

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