Rockwell Automation expands program to help companies with machine safety

MILWAUKEE - Industrial companies trying to keep up with today’s complex requirements for machine-safety systems while staying as productive as possible now have more help available to them through the Machine Safety System Integrator program. 

Rockwell Automation has added three new members to the program, which connects companies with system integrators that have expertise in current safety standards and a track record of designing safety systems. The program now has 45 members located around the world.

“Working with qualified system integrators helps manufacturers keep systems compliant with current standards while improving productivity,” said Lee Lane, vice president and general manager, Sensing, Safety and Connectivity business, Rockwell Automation. “Safety isn’t just another box to check. Having a positive safety culture, helping to ensure compliance and using contemporary safety technology is shown to reduce unplanned downtime and significantly improve worker safety, hiring and retention.”

The new members of the Rockwell Automation Machine Safety System Integrator program include:

• Matrix Technologies, Inc. provides automation and control systems integration, manufacturing intelligence and operational technology, and process and facilities engineering for multiple industries across the U.S. The company is based near Toledo, Ohio, and has a presence in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Denver and Atlanta.
• Automation Group supports the food and beverage industry by integrating proven automation, networking and virtualization solutions. The company is headquartered in Modesto, California, with additional locations across California and Nevada. 
• Factory Automation Systems provides turnkey automation and robotics solutions across the U.S. Based in Atlanta, GA, the company supports industries including building products, food and beverage processing, consumer products, metals, automotive and aerospace.

Matrix Technologies, Inc. is a Rockwell Automation Solution Partner. Automation Group and Factory Automation Systems are both Rockwell Automation Recognized System Integrators.

To be eligible for the Machine Safety System Integrator program, candidates must be Solution Partners or Recognized System Integrators in the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork program with three to five years of machine-safety experience. They must also complete an intensive education and assessment process. Rockwell Automation recognizes third-party certification from industry-accepted organizations like TÜV or exida.

After meeting these initial requirements, the candidates’ safety engineers complete training modules on various machine-safety topics. Finally, candidates must submit a machine-safety project that is consistent with global standards.