Absolute Group expands into automation supply

There’s a new robot supplier in North America.

Equipment manufacturer Absolute Group of Companies has expanded into automation supply with the creation of Absolute Robot Inc. after agreeing to become the exclusive sales and service agent in North America for China’s Well-Lih Robotics.

Established in 2003, Well-Lih produces approximately 6,000 robots annually. The Well-Lih product line, which includes sprue pickers, hybrid robots, servo robots, and in-mold labeling systems, will be available for sale in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Absolute Robot’s full servo EBW series is available in sizes ranging from 200 to 1600 tons, with payload capacities from 10 to 55 pounds. The full servo ECW series ranges from 360 to 3300 tons, with payload capacities from 20 to 175 pounds.

Mike Ortolano, president of the newly formed Absolute Robot Inc. said in a release that the new robot product line extends Absolute Group’s ability to “help North American plastics processors to remain globally competitive by providing access to high-quality, cost-effective robotic equipment, coupled with the superior parts and service support that North American manufacturing operations require.”

Absolute Robot Inc. has hired Bob Shingledecker as director of operations, and Ellen Reed as territory sales manager and director of business development.

Absolute Robot will demonstrate the robots and provide training at its technical centers in Worcester and Parma, Ohio. The robot line will be supported out of the service and aftermarket operations based in Parma.

The Worcester, Mass.-based Absolute Group of Affiliated Companies includes Absolute Machinery Corporation, Absolute Haitian Corporation, Absolute Green Energy Corporation, and now Absolute Robot, Inc.