Robots take the load for cooperage

Automation technology is proving it can mix effectively and unobtrusively with the heritage craft of barrel manufacturing at Speyside Cooperage in Alloa.  Two Kawasaki robots and a purpose designed lathe are being used in the refurbishment process of traditionally built oak barrels.An independent cooperage, Speyside manufactures and refurbishes over 100,000 oak barrels a year in its two factories at Speyside and Alloa. Although maintaining the craft skills demanded by the manufacturing process, the business is open to the implementation of machinery where output and health and safety can be