Automated Polishing Raises Production Above 5,000 Locks per Shift

In 2025, the results of our upgraded robotic polishing system were documented by FANUC America. Working with Acme Manufacturing, we installed a compact system using two high-speed FANUC M-10 series robots to polish our brass padlocks. The equipment can accommodate 18 different padlock styles while fitting within the existing production footprint at our Marion plant. The change substantially increased finishing capacity. FANUC reported that production rose from approximately 1,500–1,800 finished locks during an eight-hour shift to more than 5,000. The automated process also reduced downtime and the amount of manual polishing required, while improving the repeatability and consistency of the finish. The project also addressed the physical demands of polishing, which FANUC described as tedious and ergonomically challenging work involving fast-moving equipment. Employees previously assigned to those tasks could move into safer, higher-value roles. For us, the investment represented another step in using automation to expand domestic manufacturing capacity at our long-established Marion operation.