Herman Miller Inc.

“From where I sit, I believe there has been an increase in automation,” Haverdink told MiBiz. “I do not see them ever being what I would call ‘a very automated industry,’ but I would say it is on the increase. … As we move more from craftsmanship to high volume items, it lends itself to automated processes.” 

The company is investing in its manufacturing operations to help drive operational efficiency. In the first quarter of Herman Miller’s 2018 fiscal year, the company experienced capacity constraints in several product categories, including height-adjustable tables and laminate storage solutions. 

Ask West Michigan manufacturers how they’re addressing the challenges of finding qualified workers, and many of them likely will cite automation equipment as a key part of their solution.

Industry statistics would seem to bear that out. Capital investment in robotic equipment has been skyrocketing at a double-digit pace, with the automation supply chain struggling to keep up with increasing order volumes. Additionally, the cost of automation continues to decline, meaning that more companies should be able to afford the technology.