Global technology company TRUMPF opened a new Smart Factory that expands local production of machine tools and demonstrates advanced manufacturing capabilities in Farmington, Connecticut, the headquarters of its billion-dollar North American subsidiary, TRUMPF Inc.
The Smart Factory uses high-tech TRUMPF fabricating equipment to produce sheet metal parts for its U.S.-manufactured TRUMPF machinery. Manufacturers can visit the facility to investigate applications of the automation, connectivity and data-driven production.
“The new facility is a clear reflection of our commitment to our U.S. customers and our deep appreciation for their business,” said Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, CEO and owner of the TRUMPF Group. “I am pleased to see this $40 million investment in Connecticut come to fruition, but this is just the beginning. TRUMPF will continue to stand for such dedication to innovation, technology and growth in North America in the years to come.”
“The future demands smarter, more connected and more competitive manufacturing. Now is the time for manufacturers to elevate their production methods and further develop their workforce. That’s what TRUMPF is doing here in Connecticut and what we are assisting companies throughout North America to do as well by providing enabling manufacturing technology and services,” said TRUMPF Inc. President & CEO Lutz Labisch. “The Smart Factory reaffirms our partnerships with manufacturers to meet their growing needs to streamline and accelerate production while enhancing process adaptability and product quality.”
The Smart Factory adds 55,800 square feet of production space for TRUMPF to efficiently cut, bend and weld thousands of different parts for its state-of-the art machines, used by manufacturers to make metal components for cars, aircraft, agricultural machinery, data center cabinets, fitness equipment and a wide variety of other products. It showcases real-life applications of automated and connected manufacturing to thousands of manufacturers who visit the Connecticut campus each year to explore technology customized for their own production needs.
“The Farmington Smart Factory provides a blueprint that enables manufacturers to reshore production and remain cost-competitive while adapting to changing needs, overcoming skilled labor shortages, and meeting strict safety standards,” said TRUMPF Inc. Executive Vice President Burke Doar. “North American manufacturers are leading the way in this effort. TRUMPF has already partnered with companies here to build more than 300 Smart Factories in different sizes and configurations over the last couple of years and we expect this trend to continue.”
The Smart Factory is part of an ongoing “local-for-local” strategy for production in Connecticut, where the company has manufactured since 1974. TRUMPF produces all its sheet metal laser cutting machines and connected automation devices for the North American market in Farmington, and recently added a new production line to make tube laser cutting machines. TRUMPF is a global leader in fabricating machine tools and laser technology used in manufacturing. A subsidiary of the privately held TRUMPF Group, TRUMPF Inc. opened in Connecticut in 1969 and oversees additional offices in California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Michigan.