By: Jake Gray, KRPM Plant Manager
Kirby Risk Precision Machining (KRPM) is making significant strides to stay ahead of the competition and operate as lean as possible by embracing Industry 4.0 technologies and smart manufacturing solutions. Our recent growth in this area reflects a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term customer value.
Machine Monitoring & Predictive Maintenance
We've integrated MachineMetrics, a real-time machine monitoring and analytics platform, to track performance, reduce downtime, and proactively maintain our equipment. This helps us stay ahead of potential issues and maximize productivity on the shop floor. Dave Roberts, KRPM's Continuous Improvement Manager, has led the project and KRPM is now being featured in multiple articles from national magazines. Our utilization gains have been significant.
Automation in Action
In July 2025, KRPM will launch a fully-automated robotic machining cell, enabling continuous, high-quality production with minimal manual intervention. This leap forward in automation strengthens our capacity while maintaining precision. This has been an exciting project allowing us to collaborate with Kirby Risk's Automation Group and features roughly 60% of the automation components procured through Kirby Risk Electrical Supply. Automation will help us compete globally in pricing when it comes to simple, high-volume parts. This has been a big ask from our customers. We've also applied for a grant to purchase a collaborative robot (cobot) to assist in material handling. This will enhance both safety and efficiency by reducing strain on employees and streamlining part movement across operations.
Smarter Design & Tooling
We've adopted Siemens NX CAD/CAM/CAE software to support more advanced and efficient design-for-manufacturability practices. This technology allows our engineers to simulate and optimize parts before machining even begins—saving time and improving results. To better manage tooling costs and inventory, we are expanding our tool vending system for perishable tooling, helping reduce waste and ensure our teams have the right tools available at the right time.
Empowering Our People
Technology is only part of the equation. We're actively training our workforce to adapt to these new tools and technologies—ensuring our people are confident, capable, and engaged in the digital transformation process. KRPM has developed our own internal training curriculum that each employee is going through. In addition, two of our Production Support Technicians, Jason Webb and Paul Mullins, will begin a 4 semester Machining Program at Ivy Tech this fall. The program is new to the Lafayette Ivy Tech Branch and comprises students from local manufacturers.
Looking Ahead
These investments reflect our mission to continually improve for our customers and our team. Laying the foundation now to support future growth in a responsible way is key to our long-term plans. As we move forward, KRPM remains committed to building a smarter, safer, and more efficient future in precision machining.