National Office Furniture a Unit of Jasper based Kimball International Inc. has been recognized by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management as a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. National was awarded this honor in the Pollution Prevention category for its robotic finish technology which was identified as an exemplary and innovative environmental project with measurable results.
Wendell Sloan, National’s Director of Manufacturing says they are very pleased to receive the award. He says their robotic automated finish line reinforces their culture of continuous improvement in serving their customers by utilizing technology in a cost efficient manner while improving pollution prevention efforts within the community.”
This robotic system is one of the first of its kind in the United States in the woodworking industry. The technology creates a reduction in product throughput time and material usage. Halogen curing ovens have replaced the older electric ovens that remained on throughout the day to maintain temperatures.
Bruno Pigott, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management says the projects demonstrate the excellent work that Hoosier businesses, governmental agencies, organizations, and communities are doing to protect and improve the environment.”
