JR Automation Responds to Critical Need for COVID-19 Medical Supplies

Holland, MI – March 27, 2020 – In response to the need for critical COVID-19 medical supplies around the world, JR Automation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), is here to help. Our automated systems are engineered and built to manufacture essential protective equipment and medical devices, such as N95 masks, gowns, gloves, hospital beds, diagnostic testing kits and devices, and more.

Our engineering and systems integration background includes experience with aseptic, barrier isolation and clean room environments, contract manufacturing, processes with a high degree of precision and repeatability, and more. We have an in-house FDA validation team that works with the customer through the validation process, which enables us to bring products to market faster.

Specific project examples include an air filter mask assembly line, which produces filters for N95 masks. This line produces over 90,000,000 filters per year and includes two in-line testing stations. We also provide equipment to manufacturers that produce the fibrous web material by taking bales of fiber, blowing, then “converting” the material into the necessary web material. In addition, we’ve produced equipment that assembles hospital beds at the rate of approximately 100 per day. A surgical face mask process and assembly line we deployed for a customer produces over 15,000,000 masks per year. With timing being critical, our teams have focused our innovation on quick delivery of equipment to meet our countries immediate needs.

We have an industry reputation for being knowledgeable in process and assembly automation, including joining technologies for various materials and large material handling/logistic and fulfillment centers related to e-commerce. To help our customers, we support an advanced engineering group in our Holland, MI office whose responsibilities are to assist customers with solving these challenges.

Established in 1980, we now have 23 facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, with 1.2 million square feet of floor space. To further support this growing crisis, we are also open to discussions on utilizing available floorspace for critical equipment production.

To inquire about a manufacturing line, please email us at solutions@jrautomation.com or call us at +1 833 800 7630.

About JR Automation

Established in 1980, JR Automation is a leading provider of intelligent automated manufacturing and technology solutions that solve customers’ key operational and productivity challenges. JR Automation serves customers across the globe in a variety of industries, including automotive, life sciences, aerospace, and more.

In 2019, JR Automation was acquired by Hitachi, Ltd. In a strategic effort towards offering a seamless connection between the physical and cyber space for industrial manufacturers and distributers worldwide. With this partnership, JR Automation provides customers a unique, single-source solution for complete integration of their physical assets and data information; offering greater speed, flexibility, and efficiencies towards achieving their Industry 4.0 visions. JR Automation employs over 2,000 people at 23 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is focusing on Social Innovation Business combining its operational technology, information technology and products. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal 2018 (ended March 31, 2019) totaled 9,480.6 billion yen ($85.4 billion), and the company has approximately 296,000 employees worldwide. Hitachi delivers digital solutions utilizing Lumada in five sectors including Mobility, Smart Life, Industry, Energy and IT, to increase our customer’s social, environmental and economic value. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

For additional information, contact Lizzie Uhl at +1 616.335.7371.