Harvey Roofing transforms roof tile production with Yaskawa
HARVEY ROOFING is set to revolutionise its roof tile production process, leveraging a unique prototype product and cutting-edge robotics solutions to enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability in partnership with leading industrial robotics manufacturer Yaskawa.
As the demand for high-quality roofing materials continues to grow, Harvey Roofing recognised the need for an innovative approach to upgrade its current manufacturing process.
“After the successful rollout of our prototype product and funding for our business case we had to approach various suppliers to make this a reality,” explains Frikkie Erasmus, business unit executive at Harvey Roofing Products. “Our choice for robotics boiled down to addressing safety concerns, increased efficiency and accuracy as well as the extended lifespan of the robots.”
Harvey Roofing’s relationship with Yaskawa pre-dates this project, having previously implemented feeding robots for its roofing products, resulting in high efficiency and reduced scrap. Now, the roofing company is upgrading the production line of one of its most innovative products, the Harvey EcoTile. Constructed from a mineral polymer composite, including recycled plastic, the EcoTile is a sustainable answer to an industry that has seen minimal improvement in centuries. Harvey EcoTiles are lightweight, strong, weatherproof, paintable and maintenance-free.
“Yaskawa sealed the deal with their innovative solutions, prompt response, reputation, and positive existing relationship with Harvey Roofing,” says an enthusiastic Erasmus. “We wanted to make the changes necessary to be competitive on the world stage when comparing to cost per unit.”
Following the successful extrusion of composite slabs, Yaskawa would then handle the downstream elements, automating the production process from start to finish.
Overseeing the installation and set-up were two technicians and one project leader from Yaskawa, working alongside Harvey Roofing’s own project leader and specialist. The relationship between the roof tile leader and robotics experts is at an exciting stage, with both invested in improving efficiency and plenty of room for further development to match demand. For now, Harvey Roofing is poised to meet its automation goals with innovative industrial robots from Yaskawa while delivering superior sustainable products like the Harvey EcoTile to its valued customers.
About Harvey Roofing
Harvey Roofing Products (HRP), a division of Macsteel Service Centres SA, is the manufacturer and marketer of the Harveytile range of lightweight steel tile roofing products. Known for its uncompromising stance in respect of quality, Harvey has developed an enviable reputation in each and every country that it trades in.
About Yaskawa
Yaskawa is the leading global manufacturer of variable frequency drives, servo systems, machine controllers, and industrial robots. Its standard products and tailor-made solutions are well-known and have a high reputation for outstanding quality and reliability.
