Pilgrim Fulfills First Phase of Robotics and Automation Strategy
Pilgrim Aerospace Fasteners implemented the first phase of its automation plan with the help of Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Arizona MEP), In-Position Technologies (IP Tech), and the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus. Pilgrim specializes in military and aerospace threaded fasteners. The automation plan is designed to improve efficiency to meet growing demand for its screws, bolts, special fasteners, and other unique hardware. Pilgrim consolidated its Rhode Island operations to Chandler in 2018. Arizona’s business-friendly environment and relocation services provided by the Arizona Commerce Authority were key incentives for choosing the state.
Arizona MEP Connects Pilgrim to Automation Partners
Arizona MEP previously worked with Pilgrim on a successful value-stream mapping project for one of its most profitable parts. The relationship continued through regular meetings between Arizona MEP Senior Client Advisor Tanya Perkins and Pilgrim’s leadership team to discuss goals and operational needs. One priority was expanding automation and robotics, and based on similar projects with other manufacturers, Perkins connected Pilgrim with IP Tech, a licensed dealer for Universal Robots.
Selecting the Right Automation Solution
The local IP Tech representative met with Pilgrim to understand its operations, equipment, part types, and order volumes. The visit concluded with a live demonstration of a robotic arm performing a pick-and-place task. “The rep from IP Tech set up a robotic arm demo in less than half an hour and programmed a pick and place in less than two minutes,” said Jason Grove, Pilgrim’s Chief Operating Officer. “We immediately saw how the robot could handle repetitive tasks while operators focused on quality checks, paperwork, and machine setup.”
ASU Polytechnic Supports Implementation
During the first phase of implementation, Pilgrim planned to install two Universal Robots UR5E units, one in a CNC cell and another in the hot forging department. IP Tech recommended partnering with students from ASU Polytechnic to support engineering and system programming. Students completed two capstone projects to design and build mobile robotic stands and program the robots to communicate with CNC machines and with each other.
“We ran two ASU Poly projects at the same time,” said Grove. “Seniors completed a two-semester capstone for the hot forging robot, while juniors handled a one-semester project for the CNC cell. As a result, we hired three students after graduation.”
Robotics Supports Long-Term Growth
“The robotic arms were implemented to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and support our growing business,” Grove said. The success of this phase created a repeatable model for future automation, with plans to add an average of two robotic arms per year alongside additional CNC machines and facility expansion in Chandler. Through Arizona MEP’s connections with IP Tech and ASU, Pilgrim aligned the resources needed to execute its multi-year automation strategy.