EUGENE, Oregon – States Industries, a leading manufacturer of decorative hardwood panels and components, is reaping the benefits of investing in robotic equipment in recent years.

The company partnered with 7robotics for a custom robotic drilling and screwing system. The system has helped States Industries nearly double production, eliminate product claims, and reduce labor strain. States Industries ordered a second system within the first year of operation

States Industries, which observes its 60th anniversary this year, manufactures premium hardwood plywood and custom panel products at its plant in Eugene, Oregon.

It also operates DrawerBox Specialties (DBS) in Orange, California, a business it acquired in 2012; DBS manufactures custom drawers, drawer systems and specialty storage products for cabinetmakers, furniture manufacturers and commercial casework producers. Together the two plants employ more than 300 people.

In the past States Industries relied on manual processes, including CNC setups and handheld screw guns, to assemble components. Inconsistencies across setups led to variable alignment, slower production, and increased physical strain for operators. As part of their long-term growth strategy, States turned to 7robotics for a system that could address those pain points while fitting into their existing floor space.

Employees used to float between tasks, drilling and screwing by hand, according to Dani Fowler, components plant manager at States Industries. “There were variations, especially across different setups.”

The application of the 7robotics system significantly improved consistency, boosted throughput, and helped meet growing market demand — all without compromising quality or workforce values.

“The robot now does both operations precisely, and we’ve seen zero product claims since implementation,” said Fowler.

The custom robotic system combines drilling and screwing in one streamlined, high-precision process. Designed for continuous operation and engineered with interchangeable tooling, the system can be adapted for future product lines and scaled across departments.

After a year with the robotic system, States Industries already was hitting its five-year production forecast, according to Ted Downs, vice president of manufacturing. The technology enabled the company to reduce variable costs and meet customer demand sooner.

The automation project also provided significant ergonomic benefits for workers. By centralizing operations into a single robotic cell, one person oversees the full process, reducing repetitive strain and increasing job specialization and retention.

States Industries was so impressed with the benefits of the system and the success of the application that it ordered a second one.

The company also credited the hands-on support provided by 7robotics. Proximity and partnership were critical throughout the design, integration, and fine-tuning phases.

“It’s invaluable to speak directly with the people at 7robotics who built this instead of a generic support line,” said Downs. “Having a partner that knows our system has saved time and stress.”

7robotics, established by Con-Vey in 2019 and based in Roseburg, supplies advanced robotic automation solutions. As a longtime integrator for robotic and automated systems in the wood products industry, Con-Vey’s extensive background and expertise acted as a springboard for 7robotics to tap into new markets and processes.

7robotics has a team of engineers, programmers, and technicians to design and manufacture automated equipment and controls that improve safety, efficiency, and productivity. It can help with integration into an existing line or develop layouts and processes for a completely new line, including product positioning, product assembly, material handling, polishing and cleaning, fastening, gluing, and other tasks.

States Industries is known for its environmentally conscious approach and long history of industry firsts — including being the first to offer prefinished panels, use soy-based adhesives, and earn FSC certification. With a focus on innovation and customization, States Industries offers made-to-order panels and components built to exacting specifications.

States Industries can manufacture hardwood veneer panels to very specific criteria of species, thickness, tolerances, adhesive type, substrate, environmental certification, fire rating, volume and cost. Each product is made-to-order from customer-supplied specifications.

It operates the largest, most flexible finishing line in the industry. The first manufacturer to offer pre-finished panels, it has a range of finish options, from simple clear finishes and stock colors to specialty coatings and custom color matching. With the company’s NOVA® line of UV-cured coatings, pre-finished panels are ready to use without any additional surface treatment – saving time, reducing costs, and ensuring a consistent, durable finish that brings out the natural warmth and beauty of real wood grain surfaces.

The component plant is equipped with point-to-point machining centers, beam saws, edgebanders and other equipment. Customers can specify exactly what they want. States Industries can process finished or unfinished panels into cut parts, edgebanded and dowel-inserted case good components or complete contract-manufactured panel goods.

“Reaching our 60th anniversary is a tremendous milestone,” said Mike Taylor, president and CEO. “We’re grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us and are proud of the innovations our team has brought to the industry. While we honor our heritage, we’re equally excited about the opportunities ahead.”