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Innovation in Direct Food Contact Robotics

Quest Industrial is continuously working to develop innovative robotic and automation products and systems that are lighter, easier to clean and more effective for the food industry. Don Wickstrum, President and Owner of Quest Industrial, gave a presentation where he stated, “We have spent more money in developing innovations than we made in profits each year since we opened, and have spent over a decade to bring them to market in an effective manner.” The robotic experts at Quest Industrial have developed several robotic solutions including specialized coating and protection system for robotic arms, direct food safe end of arm toolings or EOAT, and several innovations in robotic ultrasonic cutting and robotics processes in general. Mr. Wickstrum said, “Fanuc Robotic Arms coupled with our systems has made us the only company that has direct contact food lines for cheese from brine to warehousing which have been approved after installation by both the WDA and USDA.” Furthermore, Quest’s specialists have designed several complete systems that are capable of operating in washdown environments.” The engineers at Quest provide unique robotic and automation solutions that are able to withstand the actual process solutions, as well as the washdown chemicals and procedures within a food plant, while holding up in the large temperature swings that many facilities experience. The ability to endure the tough requirements of food environments and increase food safety, Quest Industrial’s robotic coating takes the robots to an IP69 or better rating for protection against harsh environments. Quest’s coating greatly reduces the hazards of contamination that is found to happen with stock epoxies and paint. As stated previously, Quest Industrial’s robotic specialists have developed and are continuing to develop several innovations in Robotic End of Arm [...]

Innovation in Direct Food Contact Robotics2018-07-10T17:02:15+00:00

President & Owner of Quest Industrial, Don Wickstrum, to Present at the 2015 International Dairy Show

Don Wickstrum has been chosen, out of 100's of applicants, to present at the 2015 International Dairy Show at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. His topic will be, “How to Evaluate Your Plant and Process for Robotic Automation” and will discuss getting ready for robotic automation. Robotic Automation is merging as one of the fastest growing automation plant improvements in the last five years. Robotic automation allows a plant to be flexible and reliable all while operating at lower overhead costs. However, putting in robotics isn't as easy as ordering up a cell and placing it within the plant's system. There are many considerations that need to happen to make sure that the best area in the plant is indeed being automated. Don Wickstrum, Owner & President of Quest Industrial will thoroughly explain the first steps in preparing a plant for robotic automation. Don will discuss what considerations need to be thought of, benefit factors from robotic automation, preparing staff members for robotic automation, gathering information for the decision making process & choosing an integrator, and with how to properly plan for the project. Once these concepts are grasped, the sky is the limit & the project will be more than successful. Because Robotic Automation can be a daunting task, Don Wickstrum will cover the five steps to help prepare managers for robotic automation integration. The first objective will be the considerations that need to be thought of when looking to automate. Secondly, what are the benefit factors from robotic automation. Thirdly, preparing staff members for robotic automation. Next, gathering information for the decision making process and choosing an integrator. Lastly, how to properly plan for the project. If this topic has sparked your [...]

President & Owner of Quest Industrial, Don Wickstrum, to Present at the 2015 International Dairy Show2018-07-10T17:02:16+00:00

Quest Hosts Robotic Demonstrations and Tours

The team at Quest Industrial has had a very busy first half of the year. Not only have they been out in the field with customers, but they have been involved in numerous school demonstrations and tours. First, Quest visited the New Glarus High School where the specialists were able to speak to over 100 youth about Robotics, the various careers that are available in the industry, and give a live demonstration of a Funuc LR Mate. Our specialists were so excited to be able to speak to youth who were interested in the industry where they could share their passion for robotics. Don Wickstrum, Owner of Quest Industrial said, “We greatly appreciate being invited to a school where they are really letting kids explore numerous avenues within the Robotics Industry. The New Glarus school district has done a great job with recognizing where the future is going and has capitalized on that by bringing in businesses around the area that specialize in technically advanced industries.” If Quest is able to help one student find their passion in life by directing them closer and guiding them to the right schools, classes, and people, every second is worth every penny. Next, Quest hosted a large group of men from the Monroe Behring Senior Center. Two specialists gave these gentlemen a tour of the facility during which a demonstration was given of the Boxed-Bot where the specialists taught about robotics, safeties, programming and gave an overview of the history that surrounds Quest Industrial. At the end of tour, the gentlemen were so appreciative and were excited about what they had learned was in their backyard for more than 10 years! Our specialists found that a handful of [...]

Quest Hosts Robotic Demonstrations and Tours2015-06-03T18:05:55+00:00

2014 Cheese Days – We Fight to Protect Wisconsin’s Greatest Treasure!

A few weeks ago, Quest Industrial had the opportunity to participate in the 2014 Cheese Days Parade. Quest Industrial teamed up with Ruchti Stainless to build a float like no other. Our programming engineers developed the concept for the float months ago and had been working to perfect it during the months and weeks before the event. The past couple of years have been difficult for dairy plants across the nation with rules and regulations coming at them from every single direction, the economy not being the best along with loyal, hardworking and knowledgeable employees hard to keep. Quest Industrial and Ruchti Stainless wanted their customers, friends and the other people attending the parade to know that the two companies work diligently to provide quality products that will help dairy plants to successfully meet and surpass industry standards, rules and regulations.  We understand how difficult that can be and we strive to develop and create products that are strong, reliable, efficient and USDA compliant. If you were at the 2014 Cheese Days Parade, we hope that you enjoyed the float! We cannot even express how much fun we had at this event and what an honor it was to be able to represent our community. Please click the link below to see footage of the Quest Industrial/ Ruchti Stainless Cheese Days float. Click here to watch the float!

2014 Cheese Days – We Fight to Protect Wisconsin’s Greatest Treasure!2018-07-10T17:02:16+00:00

Quest Industrial to Attend the International Cheese Technology Expo

In Wisconsin, there is nothing better than cheese.  For those of us in the production of the tasty good, we enjoy the technology and traditions behind the process of making it.  During April 22nd-24th, 2014, many people from around the world will be attending the International Cheese Technology Expo, the nation's largest cheese, butter and whey exposition, held at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  This year, the International Cheese Technology Expo (ICTE), is expected to be the largest it has ever been, given the number of exhibitors and attendees growing each day.  the ICTE sold out of exhibit space in January and the waiting list continues to grow. Quest Industrial is proud to announce that our team will be attending and showcasing two products that can be custom designed to fit into any application. We are excited to demonstrate one of our newest and most technologically advanced products in the market, the Boxed-Bot, part of the Q-Pact Robotic Palletizer Line, as well as the unique and fast Quest Tote Loader/Collator. The Boxed-Bot has been redesigned to be even more compact than ever before to save space and time - due to effortless and minimal installation time.  Boxed-Bot is a fully functional robotic palletizer that is tailored to fit your plant.  If you need stainless steel to meet sanitary conditions we can do it, if your business does not require a sanitary environment, then save money by ordering a mild steel Boxed-Bot.  Our engineers have worked hard to ensure that this product can be used to its fullest potential to make you profitable.  The best part about this product is the ability for any operator to design and produce exact pallet patterns quickly and easily [...]

Quest Industrial to Attend the International Cheese Technology Expo2018-07-10T17:02:16+00:00

To Chicago and Back – The International Dairy Show

The Quest Industrial team had a great week in Chicago at the International Dairy Show and Process Expo.  Quest's experts met with numerous business owners and managers to discuss automation options for their facilities.  This year, Quest showcased the very compact Boxed-Bot a space saving fully functional Robotic Palletizer that is part of the Quest Q-Pact Robotic Palletizer Line.  It incorporates QBox pallet building software from Got-Bot.com to allow for maximum palletizing efficiency.  Visitors to the booth were able to get hands-on with the equipment and actually use the intuitive touchscreen HMI to change the size of boxes and create pallet patterns with the touch and drag features.  The guests immediately saw the box shift to where it was placed and enjoyed the minimal training required to operate the machinery. Not only did Quest Industrial showcase the Boxed-Bot, but the team was also a finalist for the Innovation Awards that took place during the International Dairy Show.  Quest had submitted the Pro Pick Pack, which is a 3-in-1 box erecting, packing and sealing machine that is compact and easy to maintain.  On the last day of the show, Wednesday, the owner, Don Wickstrum, was called up on stage to accept the award for the Pro Pick Pack, which was featured under the Sustainability Category.  The Quest Industrial team has worked hard to develop products that work for their customers and are easy to use.  Mr. Wickstrum said, "We work together as a team to bring all ideas to the table to develop products that work great for our customers.  We want to keep those people surprised with our innovations year after year.  Next year will bring more changes to our equipment to ensure that ours [...]

To Chicago and Back – The International Dairy Show2018-07-10T17:02:16+00:00

How do you load your cheese?

With the Quest Tote Loader/ Collator! The Quest Tote Loader/Collator robotic cell is designed with the end user in mind! The Tote Loader/Collator has the capacity to load a bulk container of cheese or butter in minutes. With vision tracking and verification, there are endless possibilities in product mix. It is capable of pick- ing and placing many different sizes, shapes, and textures of cheese and butter. From butter to mozzarella to wheels of Swiss the Quest Tote Loader is able to do it all. Does your system require a separator sheet between layers? No problem – we have the solution. With rate capabilities to match any production schedule, Quest Industrial is ready to assist you in your loading applications! Don’t forget to ask about our REVOLUTIONARY Robotic PUMPLESS VACUUM CUP SYSTEM! NO HOLES, NO VACUUM TUBES, and NO MESS!!

How do you load your cheese?2018-07-10T17:02:16+00:00
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