Liquid finishing myth: is automation too expensive?

“Automation is nice to have but too expensive to adopt.” It is an objection often raised by business leaders unfamiliar with the returns of automation. The truth is that automation in liquid finishing can be one of the best cost-saving investments a company can make. 
 

A strategic investment

Automation is often perceived as a cost, when in fact it is a long-term, structural investment in your company’s bottom line. In the long run, automating your paint line will save you money thanks to the greatly optimised output and significantly lowered production costs that you will be rewarded with over time. Think about the cost-savings resulting from automation, such as consistency, flawless mixing, minimal paint wastage, 24/7 operability and so on. 

You can even choose equipment that is energy-efficient to provide you with even larger savings. You have to remember that it all adds up. Calculating these potential bottom-line savings is part of a well-developed, long-term plan.
 

Great returns for larger and smaller companies

Automating does not require an all-or-nothing approach. You can start with smaller, more affordable steps in line with your immediate needs. Then you can expand your automated systems over time. For example, you can upgrade your two-component paint mixing system with manual spray guns to a system with automatic applicators. And as more user-friendly solutions enter the market every year, automation is becoming more accessible as well. Even to SMEs.

Company leaders of SMEs often wonder if automation can be useful for them. An understandable question considering the upfront cost has more impact on their smaller capital. But for smaller companies, too, the return greatly outweighs the cost. And seeing as smaller companies are trying to grow and remain competitive, the investment in automation can be even more necessary. 

Partner with an expert

The liquid finishing process offers many automation opportunities. Worried it might be too complex? Not sure where to start? Partner with an experienced provider and let them guide you on your automation journey. They can help you work out a comprehensive, long-term plan so that you will have an exact and clear overview of the bottom-line savings you can expect over time. 

Leveraging extensive expertise, dedicated guidance and a cutting-edge product range, Graco is the perfect partner to automate your liquid finishing processes. Want to discuss your potential returns? Our automation experts are happy to help.