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FANUC America Recognizes Quest Industrial’s Robotic Packaging Innovations with Three Robotics Engineering and Sales Support Awards

MONROE, Wisconsin, September 23, 2019 – Quest Industrial received three awards for its robotic engineering and sales support from FANUC America at the 2019 FANUC Authorized System Integrator Conference. FANUC is a leading industry supplier of robots, CNC systems and factory automation. The three awards Quest received included: Intelligent Robotics Award recognizes sales leadership of intelligent products including Vision, Force and Learning Vibration Control (LVC). Growth Award recognizes outstanding growth of robot sales from 2017 to 2018. Sales Leadership Award with 100+ Distinction recognizes an exemplary level of sales in 2018; the 100+ distinction acknowledges the achievement of integrating more than 100 FANUC robots in their automation solutions. “We’re very honored to receive these awards from FANUC,” said Don Wickstrum, Quest founder and Vice President of Robotics Business Development. “Our relationship with FANUC has continued to strengthen over the years. Our solutions push the technological envelop. FANUC has the most advanced robotic offering, and that’s the reason we use their robots. They’ve been a great partner to us.” Founded in 2001, Quest Industrial is a leader in the development and implementation of robotic systems, integrated vision systems, panel building and other capabilities for food, beverage, plastics, metal and packaging automation industries. As a premier robotic systems integrator, Quest’s goal is to apply their passion for robotics and engineering to help their customers operate more efficiently while reducing their costs. Quest’s relationship with FANUC dates back nearly two decades. One of the first projects where Quest used FANUC robots was an application within the cheese industry. Since that time, Quest has integrated 100s robots in automation projects around the world. Quest has excelled at integrating available technologies in new ways to accomplish customer packaging goals with [...]

FANUC America Recognizes Quest Industrial’s Robotic Packaging Innovations with Three Robotics Engineering and Sales Support Awards2019-10-11T16:45:56+00:00

Quest Powering Up its Robotic Pouch Packer and Space-Saving Skid-Based Palletizer Capabilities in booth C-3026 at PACK EXPO 2019

MONROE, Wisconsin, September 10, 2019 – ProMach’s newest key acquisition, Quest Industrial, is exhibiting its new Quik Pick & Pack robotic pick and place cell, along with its Boxed-Bot robotic palletizer, in booth No. C-3026 at PACK EXPO 2019, September 23-25, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. Quest is an award-winning, FANUC Authorized system integrator and certified vision specialist, and its systems are capable of direct food contact with U.S. Department of Agriculture compliant and washdown designs. The diverse knowledge base of Quest engineers and programmers encompasses the entire manufacturing process, allowing them to solve virtually any customer application with the appropriate level of robotic automation. For application video and more information about the Quest booth ---> Click here! Quest Quik Pick & Pack The Quest Quik Pick & Pack is a high-speed robotic case packer that’s quick, accurate and compact. A main differentiating point with the Quik Pick & Pack is its speed and flexibility. With the QPack custom case packing software, the Quik Pick & Pack can be configured to pick up as many as 1,000 pieces per minute. The Quik Pick & Pack works extremely well with flexible film packaging, thanks to its vision system and optional 3D scanning that quickly detects the pouches’ topography and center of gravity to identify the proper high point for picking. While the ideal application is flexible film packaging, the Quik Pick & Pack performs well with just about any packaging type that comes from a vertical form fill seal or horizontal flow wrapper machine. Another distinguishing feature of the Quik Pick & Pack is its flexibility. The machine can pick and place bags weighing just 1 ounce up to 20 pounds. Additionally, [...]

Quest Powering Up its Robotic Pouch Packer and Space-Saving Skid-Based Palletizer Capabilities in booth C-3026 at PACK EXPO 20192019-09-09T12:31:04+00:00

ProMach acquires Quest Industrial

ProMach Strengthens Robotics Integration Capabilities with Acquisition of Quest Industrial Deal expands ProMach’s growing robotics and integrated solutions portfolio and enhances robotic service capabilities across multiple markets CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 15, 2019 – ProMach, a worldwide leader in packaging machinery solutions, announced today it has acquired Quest Industrial, a leading provider of robotic integration solutions. The addition of Wisconsin-based Quest expands ProMach’s capacity for sophisticated robotics projects, enhances ProMach’s robust robotics support competencies, and strengthens its integrated solutions capabilities for a wide range of applications. Quest, founded in 2001, is a full-service robotic integrator that specializes in automation solutions across food, beverage, plastics, metal, and other industries needing to automate, better utilize floor space, and improve the flexibility of their production lines. Quest has a strong expertise within the food industry, with leading solutions for dairy, produce, and other markets installed across North America and beyond. Their unique robotic solutions include applications in pick and place, cup filling, knife cutting, vacuum sealing, case erecting, tray forming, palletizing, vision and verification systems, and much more, including bundling multiple application technologies into a single robotic packaging cell. Quest systems are capable of direct food contact with USDA compliant and wash down designs. “We’re excited to welcome the Quest team to ProMach,” says Mark Anderson, ProMach President and CEO. “Robotics has been a strong growth engine for ProMach recently, with significant double-digit growth over the last few years, driven by customers looking to add automation, flexibility, consistency, and more to their packaging lines. Quest is a high integrity team with a well-earned reputation for designing, fabricating, delivering, and supporting robotic cells to customers across a range of industries.” Quest is an award-winning FANUC Authorized System Integrator and Certified [...]

ProMach acquires Quest Industrial2019-04-18T14:08:42+00:00

Interest continues to grow in Quest Industrial’s IAV.

December 10, 2018 - Monroe, WI Intelligent Autonomous Vehicle (IAV) In the spring of 2018, Quest Industrial revealed to the world the first wash-down rated Intelligent Autonomous Vehicle.  The IAV, as it is commonly called,  has drawn the attention of several industry leaders.   With a payload up to 5,000 lbs., the IAV has a drive unit capable of transporting most anything within a traditional industry setting.  Focused upon the food and beverage industry, the design team adhered to strict sanitation standards, as well as, tackled a variety of other operational concerns; like being able to operate in confined spaces and needing to maneuver on sloped surfaces. Engineered to be intelligent, the IAV offers a full HMI with intelligent mapping, dynamic safeties, wireless communications and diagnostic capabilities. Quest’s IAV has the ability to self-maneuver in multiple directions on graded floors due to its dynamic driving capabilities. Powered by lithium polymer batteries, the Intelligent Autonomous Vehicle is capable of operation for up to eight hours before a recharge is needed. Albeit the first-generation, the IAV has business heads vying for the advancement of autonomous systems within their facilities. The IAV's pallet handling design, as seen in the pictures below, is currently undergoing beta testing, and the soon-to-be developed fork-lift version looks to hit the market in 2019. For more information, contact Quest Industrial’s sales department at (608) 325-5850 / sales@questindustrial.com     

Interest continues to grow in Quest Industrial’s IAV.2019-04-18T14:09:05+00:00

Bill Weichmann named President of Quest Industrial

                PRESS RELEASE - September 6, 2018   In light of the ever-growing demand for robotics and automation, Quest Industrial, LLC of Monroe, Wisconsin has witnessed recent staffing growth and at this time would like to announce the following advancements and hires: Bill Weichmann, (pictured) from Janesville, WI has been named President of Quest Industrial.  In doing so, Weichmann, replaces owner Don Wickstrum as President, who has transitioned into Chief Executive Officer for Quest Industrial, as well as, the newly formed Theobotic Ag Technology.   Weichmann comes to Quest Industrial with over 30 years of experience in Tier I and Tier II Automotive Supply Management.  Weichmann holds a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Industrial Technology. Along with the placement of Weichmann as President, a promotion and shuffling of Vice Presidential duties has occurred.   Seasoned Quest veterans, Timothy Wilson and Aaron Phillips, have transitioned into the roles of Vice President of Communications and Vice President of Operations respectively; while Service Manager, Erik Grinnell of Monroe, WI has been promoted to Vice President of Automation. In addition to these executive level advancements, Quest Industrial has newly hired the following 10 individuals: Aaron S. – Project Manager – Monroe, WI Anthony P. – Mechanical Engineer – Wilmette, IL Dan C. – Electrical Engineer – Monroe, WI Don S. – Fabrication Assembly Technician – Riddott, IL Jeremiah A. – Electrical Pneumatic Technician – Brodhead, WI Justin H. – Software Engineer – Fort Gratiot, MI Luis B. – Mechanical Engineer – Chicago, IL Matt M. – Service Technician – Hartland, WI Parth G. – Electrical Pneumatic Technician – New York, NY Sam I. – Software Engineer – Bridgeton, MO Quest Industrial is a growing [...]

Bill Weichmann named President of Quest Industrial2019-04-18T13:31:08+00:00

The robotics industry continues to grow and that means growth at Quest Industrial:  WE’RE HIRING!!

If you want an opportunity to work with cutting edge robotic technology in a family like atmosphere; then read on.   Quest Industrial is a Monroe, WI based company that is known not only for its standard line of food grade equipment, but also for its innovations in food, dairy, plastic and durable goods.  Quest Industrial has continually been in the forefront of innovations in industry, which has led our team to an award winning reputation.                  Want a chance to work for one of the top 10 Robotics Technology Solutions Provider? Industrial automation is growing by leaps and bounds.  Since 2001, Quest Industrial has been on the cutting edge of automation technology.  As manufacturing demands increase, so too does the need for quality built automated equipment.  To fill this need Quest Industrial employees some of the best engineers and finest craftsman in the industry.  Currently employing 26, Quest looks to add another 5 to 10 talented employees in the next year.  Working in a high tech industry that embrace customers who operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is a challenging task. It takes a very strong work ethic and a high-level of talent to work in the automation field. There are many companies that integrate industrial equipment, but very few have the family-orientated atmosphere coupled with the innovations and cutting edge technology that you’ll find at Quest Industrial. More than 250,000 robots are currently operating in U.S. factories.   While the robots tend to absorb low-skilled tasks, the demand for highly-skilled technicians to manage the robots is on the rise.  To work in the automation field, one must have a basic understanding of robotics and automation, [...]

The robotics industry continues to grow and that means growth at Quest Industrial:  WE’RE HIRING!!2019-04-18T14:10:55+00:00

Quest Industrial To Exhibit & Present at the 2017 ProFood Tech Show in Chicago

The Quest Industrial team will be exhibiting at the 2017 ProFood Tech Show coming up, quickly, in Chicago during April 4th – 6th and we are excited! We will be showcasing our brand new version of the Boxed-Bot with a pallet dispenser built right in to the equipment. Quest’s engineers understood that the traditional pallet dispensers can get bulky which makes the palletizing cell larger than what most plants’ size can accommodate, so they designed the dispenser to go under the palletizing robot to keep the cell efficient and compact. However, to display one of our favorite tasks to automate, the Quest Industrial team will retrofit this new Boxed-Bot to Tote Load so you can see our award winning designs in action. Quest’s Robotic Tote Loading systems can pick from 5 pieces up to 80 pieces per minute, with a compact footprint starting at 12’x12’. All of our systems are proven and can be designed and built for washdown environments, but each is customizable to your needs. Whether you need to pick 1 or 2 pieces at a time, to accommodate for rates, we have the tooling to do it and if we don’t, we will design one just for you! Make sure to add Quest Industrial, Booth #2932, to your ProFood Tech Agenda and speak with one of our Robotic Experts. Wonder what else we are up to? Then don’t miss Don Wickstrum, Quest Industrial’s President & Owner, presenting at the ProFood Tech Innovation Stage on Wednesday, April 5th at 11:30am to learn about Filling Your Labor Shortage with Robotic Automation. Finding reliable labor is proving to be a difficult task, but Quest Industrial’s Engineers have listed to your needs. They developed several pieces [...]

Quest Industrial To Exhibit & Present at the 2017 ProFood Tech Show in Chicago2018-07-10T17:02:15+00:00

Encouraging The Future Workforce to Learn About Robotics

  Before Christmas, some of the Quest Industrial team had the opportunity to help install a robotic cell at the New Glarus High School in Wisconsin, just a short 20 minute drive from Quest Industrial Headquarters. The New Glarus School District was one of several applicants who inquired about a robot donation from Quest Industrial. Because of the enthusiasm, drive, and passion Dr. Thayer, Superintendent of the New Glarus School District, and Mr. Mihm, the Technology Education Teacher, expressed for having this cutting edge technology, their school was chosen. They were willing to make the project happen by pulling in the resources needed to help make the donation successful.  While installing the donated robotic cell, many of the teachers, including Mr. Mihm and Dr. Thayer, were so appreciative and filled with excitement because of what the robotic cell means for the current and future students of the school. Dr. Thayer, Mr. Mihm, and the New Glarus School District have a vision for where the jobs will be for the future workforce and they want to see these young adults succeed. The team was also able to speak with several interested students about working in robotics and what type of jobs are available at a robotic integration company. They discussed, mechanical engineering - the engineers who design the End of Arm Tooling for the robots and the peripheral equipment or automation that helps the robot perform its task, robotic engineering - the engineering and thought process of writing and developing code for the robots to make sure it can do its job correctly, efficiently, and repetitively, electrical engineering - the engineers who design electrical schematics and the layout of the cables so that the [...]

Encouraging The Future Workforce to Learn About Robotics2018-07-10T17:02:15+00:00

Racing for New Partnerships

With the New Year right around the corner, we look forward to new opportunities and some of our favorite sport seasons starting, one of those being racing.  It came to our attention that we didn’t have a formal process for selecting sponsorships or as we refer to them, partnerships. As the requests start rolling in, we wanted to get a jump start on things. We have developed an application that any driver or race team wanting to be sponsored by Quest Industrial can fill out to be considered for our partnerships. If your application is accepted there will be an interview to follow so we can ensure everyone is on the same page and ready to rock and roll for the upcoming season.  If we feel we are not a good match for you and your team, we will let you know. That being said, we hold our sponsored racers and their teams to a high level of professionalism, something, we hope, we can all agree is best for everyone. The drivers and teams we have sponsored in the past years have done a great job and we look forward to working with them again for this next season. Because several of Quest Industrial’s employees and owners are racers, we understand the need for sponsorships/partnerships and how crucial they are for everyone. We recognize that things break and new pieces are needed, not to mention the cost of getting your team into the track, gas, and tires. But the list doesn’t stop there. This next year is going to be great and we hope that you and your team are both safe and successful in your races. If you would like to partner with Quest [...]

Racing for New Partnerships2017-01-03T17:01:53+00:00

Beyond PACK Expo & Finding the Right Robotic Integrator

PACK Expo is a great place to explore new products, connect with potential vendors, and just see what is going on in the packaging world on several different fronts. Although this show is one of the largest gatherings in the country for packaging, there might have been a void in the particular area you were researching. Even though Quest Industrial didn’t exhibit at PACK Expo this year, we have been making great strides with automation in general. If you liked what you saw at PACK Expo, but are still looking for new or other ideas regarding automation equipment or robotic automation equipment, Quest has the solution. Don’t worry - what was at PACK Expo isn’t all that is out there. The Robotic Automation Experts of Quest Industrial have been modifying, perfecting, and analyzing their designs and have released new products  this year such as the Quik Pick & Pack Plus, a modular pick and pack or pick and place robotic cell with speeds of up to 400 pieces a minute designed specifically for washdown environments. We have also worked closely with FANUC to help with the design of new washdown robots. Additionally, we have helped develop the new 3-A standards for robotics in food, protecting our current customers as well as future clients and their customers, by holding robotic automation standards high so everyone stays safe. Our engineers are working diligently to release more standard products in the next year, which we will announce at a later time.   Quest Industrial’s team walked the floor of PACK Expo this week and saw a lot of very interesting pieces of equipment. However, we couldn’t ignore that there were at least 5 imitations of our Boxed-Bot – [...]

Beyond PACK Expo & Finding the Right Robotic Integrator2018-07-10T17:02:15+00:00