Agricultural Tech Manufacturer Invests $12M in Advanced Robotics

Agricultural technology provider Reinke Manufacturing has invested $12 million in advanced robotic technologies to modernize and automate its manufacturing facilities. 

The new system features advanced automation capabilities, including vision systems to orient raw material parts based on their unique physical makeup, as well as the capability to inspect finished products. 

The company said the robotic advancements will streamline production processes at its manufacturing facilities, significantly reducing production time for many of the parts used in its precision center pivot irrigation systems. 

Reinke Manufacturing is the world's largest privately held manufacturer of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. It develops products and technology designed to increase agriculture production while providing labor savings and environmental efficiencies.

The company said the investment is part of Reinke’s commitment to continually produce improved products and services that meet or exceed their customers’ expectations.

“The introduction of advanced robotic technologies will allow our company to increase production capacity and provide consistent quality to the products we deliver to growers worldwide,” said Chris Roth, president of Reinke.

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The investment includes an expansion project to increase production capacity and efficiency at its Deshler facility in Nebraska, further enhancing Reinke’s capacity to meet the growing demand for its precision irrigation systems, the company said.  

Production staff at the facility will be trained on the new process and the overall innovation project is expected to be completed by the 2025 growing season.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said the company is what it is today because of its investment in advanced technology, expansion projects and the skilled workforce in Nebraska.  

The company added that this new investment in innovation is in keeping with its history as a continued leader in industry advancements. It said it was the first in the sector to incorporate GPS, satellite-based communications, and touchscreen panel capabilities into mechanized irrigation system management.