Powys-based Reeco Automation, a provider of turn-key solutions using collaborative robots (cobots), has won a Henry Ford Award for its partnership with Ford’s engine plant in Bridgend in successfully integrating cobots into the manufacturing process.

Seven entries from Ford plants around the world were assessed by judges before Reeco was chosen as the winner — along with Ford engineers Gary Evans (electrical controls specialist) and Phil Moreton (senior emerging technology engineer). They were presented with the award — alongside Reeco’s managing director Llewelyn Rees — by Wallace Yearwood, Bridgend’s engine plant manager.

Mr Rees said: “To win the Henry Ford Award is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved, both at Reeco and the team at Bridgend Ford with whom we worked so closely.

“Both larger and smaller manufacturers are increasingly seeing the benefits of integrating cobots into their production processes — not to replace the human workforce but to complement them.”

Reeco (www.reeco.co.uk) was founded in August 2016 by Mr Rees and is a leading integrator of cobots in the UK, bringing about a step change in the speed of production, efficiency and safety.

It currently offers eight different cobot solutions, including screw and bolt fixing, pick and place, riveting, dispensing, polishing, electronics and gluing.