Multi-Craft Developing Business As Authorized Robotics Integrator

Springdale-based Multi-Craft Contractors Inc., the state’s largest combined mechanical and electrical contractor, began more than 40 years ago as a plumbing company.

But as more and more of its clients needed additional services, MCC adapted to meet the requirements of a diverse customer base.

Today, the company offers a wide range of industrial and specialty contracting services through a variety of platforms, including automation and robotics.

In October 2012, MCC became an authorized robotics integrator for Fanuc Robotics, the largest maker of industrial robots in the world.

MCC is the only authorized Fanuc integrator in the region and is actively developing business for its new platform, selling robotics integration and robotics services to new and existing customers.

Automation and robotics can reduce manufacturing costs and improve efficiencies in a wide range of industries, said MCC project development director Tomas Blodgett.

“The application possibilities are much closer to limitless than they were say 3 to 4 years ago,” said Blodgett, who is heading up operations for the five employees in the A&R group.

As a Fanuc integrator, MCC specifies what robot model will best suit a customer’s requirements.

“Then we engineer and build the end of the arm tooling, ancillary systems and support infrastructure, procure the robot and install and integrate everything into the customer’s operations,” Blodgett explained. “With the deepest bench of internal resources in the industry, MCC finds itself being the only turnkey solution provider out there capable of true self-performance.”

MCC, which Blodgett estimated would surpass $70 million in revenue this year, currently has 22 robot-specific projects with purchase orders in hand. Eighteen of those projects have MCC installing new robots and ancillary systems in its customer’s facilities, both regionally and internationally. The rest are the servicing and/or retrofitting of existing customer’s robotic systems.

Blodgett said the A&R group has secured $3.3 million in purchase orders since April, and has already reached elite status with Fanuc.