Many automation companies design systems, buy most of the equipment from outside suppliers, then assemble and program it. That model can work, but it also means the people building the system are a step removed from the work that happens on the floor.
After 50 years in business, PASCO is still a manufacturer. We build the majority of the critical components in our systems in-house, and that has been part of the business model since day one. It gives us more control over what goes into the system, how it goes together, and how it can be supported after it ships.
What “Manufacturer” Means at PASCO
When we say manufacturer, we mean we take a project from raw steel to a fully running system, built and tested in-house. We fabricate and machine the structures and critical components, weld assemblies, build panels, integrate robotics and other key equipment, then wire, program, and run the system before it ships. That work happens under one roof, which keeps the build tight and keeps decisions grounded in what will actually work on the floor.
The tools have improved over the years, but the process is still hands-on. Steel still gets cut, parts still get welded and machined, systems still get assembled and tested by the same people who will support them after install. When the work stays in-house, there is less guessing and fewer surprises when the system goes into production.
Why In-House Manufacturing Helps in Automation
When design and build happen under the same roof, problems tend to show up earlier, when they are easier and cheaper to fix. The people laying out the system are working alongside the people who have to fabricate and assemble it. That feedback loop keeps projects grounded in reality.
It also helps with consistency. Relying heavily on outside sources for critical items introduces more variability in lead times, substitutions and fit. Building the majority of key components in-house keeps the system closer to what was intended and reduces surprises during installation.
Over time, that discipline shows up in startup performance and in how smoothly systems run once they are in production.
Built for Real Customer-Specific Conditions
If you’re reading this, you know that industrial automation systems don’t run in ideal conditions. They run in high-heat, dust, vibration, and on around the clock production schedules. End-of-line systems in particular have to keep pace with everything upstream, often without much room for error.
Building critical components in-house helps us design around how a customer’s facility actually operates. We can build for access, service points, guarding, and the wear areas we know will take abuse. That work is easier to do when the people designing the system are working next to the people fabricating and assembling it.
Support Is Stronger When You Built It
Manufacturing in-house also changes what support looks like after installation. When the same team designed and built the system, troubleshooting tends to move faster because there is less guesswork about how the equipment was put together.
That carries into parts support. PASCO keeps more than 1,200 common parts stocked so customers are not waiting on long lead times or international shipments when something needs attention. When a line is down, delays add up quickly. Keeping those parts close to home is one of the more practical ways to reduce downtime risk.
The Bottom Line
Fifty years in automation teaches you what lasts and what doesn’t. You see where equipment holds up and where it starts to cause headaches once it’s been on the floor for a while. We’ve built most of the critical components in-house from the start. That’s a big reason our systems stay serviceable years after install. It keeps decisions close to the work, and it keeps accountability in one place when customers need support.
The approach hasn’t changed much in five decades: build it right, stand behind it and keep the line running.
What are the common applications of industrial automation?
Common applications of industrial automation include packaging, palletizing, material handling, quality control, and assembly processes, helping manufacturers improve efficiency, consistency, and safety in their production workflows.
What are the benefits of automated palletizing systems?
Automated palletizing systems offer increased efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in packaging processes, enabling businesses to streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and enhance product quality.
How does automated equipment enhance product quality?
Automated equipment enhances product quality by ensuring consistent manufacturing processes, reducing human error, and enabling real-time quality control monitoring to identify and rectify issues promptly.
What is the initial investment for automated equipment?
The initial investment for automated equipment can vary depending on the complexity of the system, the features required, and the scale of the operation. Automated equipment can require significant upfront costs, but the long-term benefits of increased efficiency and reduced labor costs can often justify the investment.
How does industrial automation improve worker safety?
Industrial automation reduces worker exposure to hazardous tasks, minimizing safety risks and improving overall workplace safety by automating dangerous processes and reducing the need for human intervention.
What types of industries use automated equipment most?
Industries that rely heavily on automated equipment include manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and logistics, where automated systems improve efficiency, productivity, and consistency in repetitive tasks.
What is the primary goal of industrial automation in manufacturing?
The primary goal of industrial automation in manufacturing is to improve efficiency, productivity, and consistency in the production process.
What are the benefits of using automated equipment in manufacturing?
The benefits of using automated equipment in manufacturing include increased efficiency, improved product quality, reduced labor costs, and enhanced safety in harsh industrial environments.
Can automated equipment be integrated with existing systems?
Yes, automated equipment can typically be integrated with existing systems. PASCO's automation solutions are designed for seamless integration, allowing clients to enhance their existing operations with advanced packaging and processing capabilities.
What is the role of robotics in industrial automation?
Robotics plays a crucial role in industrial automation by enhancing precision, speed, and efficiency in manufacturing processes, enabling businesses to optimize production, reduce errors, and increase overall productivity.
What types of products are commonly palletized?
Common products palletized are items such as packaged goods, boxes, crates, drums, and other bulk materials that can be stacked efficiently for storage and transportation.
How does industrial automation reduce production costs?
Industrial automation reduces production costs by improving efficiency, reducing labor expenses, and increasing output consistency and quality, leading to lower overall operational costs.
Can industrial automation replace human workers completely?
Industrial automation can enhance productivity and efficiency, but completely replacing human workers may not be feasible or desirable in many industries due to the need for specialized skills, flexibility, and human judgment.
PASCO® designs and manufactures end-of-line automation systems that handle a wide range of packaging types, including bags, drums, cases and pails. Packaging automation replaces manual handling with consistent, repeatable performance at the end of the line.
Automating packaging improves throughput, reduces variability and keeps products moving through the line with greater consistency. PASCO systems are engineered to run reliably in real production environments where uptime matters.
Automated Palletizing
Automated palletizing systems from PASCO handle the final step of packaging by stacking finished products onto pallets at production speed. Automating palletizing improves efficiency, reduces manual labor and removes one of the most physically demanding tasks on the floor.
PASCO palletizing systems handle cases, boxes, bags, drums and other packaged products. Each system is engineered around the product, throughput and layout of the facility to deliver consistent palletizing performance.
The PASCO Approach
PASCO builds automation equipment as an original equipment manufacturer. Most critical components are manufactured in-house, keeping engineering, fabrication and system integration closely connected.
Customers work directly with the team that designs and builds their systems. That same team supports the equipment long after installation with parts and service when needed.
