Unlocking Efficiency Through Automation
- DRMA
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Submitted By Chris McHenry, Lincoln Electric Automation on Tuesday, 6/24/2025
Manufacturers across Ohio are facing the same three-headed challenge: labor shortages, rising costs, and demand for faster turnaround. For many small and mid-size operations, the solution isn’t more people—it’s smarter automation.
At Lincoln Electric Automation, we’ve worked with regional manufacturers who once believed automation was out of reach. Their operations were “too small,” “too custom,” or “too lean.” But the truth is, automation isn’t just for high-volume giants anymore. Scalable solutions—like collaborative robots, modular assembly lines, and vision-guided inspection—are making it easier than ever to automate just a portion of a process, or even just a task.
Here’s what we’re seeing:
Efficiency Gains: Companies are doubling throughput with the same headcount by automating repetitive tasks like loading, welding, or quality checks.
Workforce Optimization: Instead of replacing workers, automation frees up skilled staff to focus on higher-value work. This helps improve retention and job satisfaction.
Fast Payback: For many manufacturers, the ROI on partial automation is less than 18 months—sometimes faster if rework and scrap rates are reduced.
As the technology matures and the barrier to entry falls, automation is no longer a “someday” investment. It’s a competitive necessity.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start small. Focus on one pain point—an ergonomic risk, a bottleneck, a quality issue—and pilot a targeted solution. You don’t have to automate your whole facility to make a measurable impact.
Interested in learning how local manufacturers are using automation to scale smarter? Visit Automation | Lincoln Electric or contact us to start the conversation.
Interested in submitting an article? Email info@daytonrma.org for more information.
Is automation really achievable for small manufacturers, or is it only for large factories? From my experience, even small businesses can benefit from automation by starting with modular, customizable solutions. We implemented a vision-guided robot for a single repetitive task, and it made a huge impact without a major overhaul. On another note, happy Pacman 30th Anniversary —innovation truly stands the test of time!
That's a great point! Starting small allows for quick wins and demonstrates the value of process improvement. It's like tackling one challenging turn at a time in Drift Boss – master each segment before conquering the entire course. Focusing on a single pain point minimizes risk and maximizes the chance of a successful implementation.
I just visited the Lincoln Electric Automation page - really impressed by the practical approach to automation for small and mid-size Buckshot Roulette manufacturers. The idea of starting small and targeting specific pain points makes it feel much more accessible.