FS-Elliott announces facility upgrade

FS-Elliott, a leading global provider of reliable centrifugal air solutions, has worked with Industrial Engineers to upgrade its layout design for increased efficiency.

After a US$2 million investment, the company expanded the manufacturing and warehouse space to 180,000 sq. ft. and added two new Mazak Integrex machines.

With the full 5-Axis capability, the Integrex machines have reduced a 6–12-hour multi-machine runtime to a single machine one-hour per part average, the company said. The recent addition of a robotic arm further automates the new machining process, an even more efficient way to produce parts. The robotics system features an agile manufacturing robotic arm with a 300 lb lifting capacity.

FS-Elliott invested US$2 Million in U.S. manufacturing with expanded space and new technology. (Image: FS-Elliott)

To reduce lead time, the Mazak Integrex machine cell will replace aging machinery, eliminate waste steps, and shorten the production process, the company said. This new technology can run with minimal operator interaction for up to two 8-hour shifts. Using the Mazak Integrex, the dual-spindle mill/turn machine centers can turn raw material into a finished part within a single process. Secondary to the original machining process improvements, the new machines will also have multipart capabilities providing additional capacity support in other cells throughout the machine shop. Impeller machining is fully supported in the new machine centers and provides additional efficiencies with these parts. Having the full 5-Axis capabilities, FS-Elliott is committed to full impeller machining with the new machine centers by the end of 2023.

“We are excited to announce this investment in our U.S. manufacturing operations,” said John Sinclair, Director of Quality and Operations. “By upgrading our factory space, we can increase production efficiency and reduce lead times for our customers. Continual process improvement by means of waste elimination and new technology while maintaining the highest quality standards is the foundation of our operations. Our highly skilled team will continue to work hard to provide high-quality compressed air solutions our customers can rely on.”

FS-Elliott is responsible for the engineering, designing, and manufacturing Polaris and PAP Plus centrifugal compressors. The company said it is committed to a broad range of inspections and full testing of all machines before shipment to our customers. We will continue overseeing these operational improvements and supporting innovative compressed air solutions worldwide.