Radwell International

It’s been over 50 years since the birth of the Programmable Logic Controller. We look back at the history of the PLC and how replacing hard wired relay systems changed the world of manufacturing.

It was the year 1964 when a young cunning engineer, Dick Morley, was unemployed, had a new baby, a mortgage to pay and only $1,000 in the bank. Morley had previously worked a desk job designing atomic bombs, airplanes and communication systems performing the duties he was instructed to do. 

Obsolescence is an unavoidable part of any manufacturing endeavor. No matter how well your company has planned, some factors are more challenging to consider in advance than others.

In the era of Industry 4.0, new technology continues to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. Industry professionals view it as the latest industrial revolution, hence the Industry 4.0 moniker. Big data and computing technologies are the front-runners in innovations proving value to manufacturers. It is more crucial now than ever to remain on the leading edge of new technology. Upgrading equipment to provide greater efficiencies will provide a greater return on the investment.

The manufacturing sector has typically been among the first to benefit from technological innovation, particularly in the field of robotics and automation. Traditional industrial robotic systems usually require the use of peripheral safety equipment and physical barriers for the safety of human co-workers. However, the features designed to protect human workers tend to increase cost and space requirements.

Also, the current market demands a reduction in lead times, as well as mass customization, which, in turn, require flexibility and the use of multi-purpose assembly systems. These needs are common among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It falls on manufacturers to find a solution that not only addresses problems with cost and space availability but also the need to provide customized solutions to customer needs in the shortest time possible.

Radwell Coronavirus Statement   (COVID-19)

Dear valued customer and partner,

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to escalate around the world, we are writing to share our commitments to you, our customers and partners from all over the globe.

The safety of our community – customers, partners and employees – is our primary concern. Our 9 global locations have effective continuity plans, hygiene regimens and supply chain management in place to ensure business continues as usual and your services are not interrupted.

Radwell International is an important part of the world supply chain, especially as we serve industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, pulp and paper and many other major industries which have an important role in addressing the Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, it is important that we continue to operate as seamlessly as possible and assist our global customers to keep their plants up and running.