Kuka Robotics Shows Off Stars, and Shelby's Business Assets

With only eight months of Shelby Township residency under its belt, Kuka Robotics Corporation has become a cheerleader for the township and is working with officials to attract high-tec manufacturing companies to the area.

"Because of our positive experience here in Shelby Township, we're trying to get the word out," Stu Shepherd, Kuka Robotics’ CEO and Area Manager of North America told Patch during an open house Wednesday to showcase the company's new building and newest robot.

Kuka Robotics is a subsidiary or Kuka Systems and Kuka AG, which is one of the world’s leading suppliers of robots used in the automotive industry, aerospace, the solar industry and the entertainment sector, to name a few. 

Shepherd said since moving into the 80,5000 square foot building at 51870 Shelby Parkway Road in December from , he has been working with township and county officials, along with local businesses, to put Shelby on the map as a potential economic powerhouse for Southeast Michigan.

Shepherd, a Rochester resident, who joked about being from Shelby because he spends so much time at the facility, said in part, Shelby was chosen above Oakland and Wayne counties and even offers from out of state because it had everything the company needed: a large facility, nearby hotels, good restaurants, tax breaks, and an educated population "who understands robotics."

"We did everything we said we would do and it has had a ripple effect on the local economy," said Shepherd, referring to the company's promise to bring new jobs to Shelby Township and work to champion the area to other industrial companies.

Shepherd said the company had promised the Shelby Township Board of Trustees that it would make a $3-million real property investment in the township and hire an additional 25 positions, and it has exceeded its promises, with hiring up by 10 percent.

With cooperation from local businesses, and officials, Shepherd said he is now working to get the residents on board, and understand the companies plans to transform Shelby Township into a hub for high-tech companies.

After reading residents negative in the industrial plaza where Kuka resides, Shepherd said, "If we don't bring businesses to the area, the tax burden shifts to the residents."

Kuka Showcases New Building, New Robot

During the two-day open house Tuesday and Wednesday for clients, media and township and county officials, Kuka pulled out all the stops and put the signature bright orange robots on display.

The robots put on a show for the humans demonstrating movements ranging from palletizing, to mounting, hand-held controlled robots, steel-cutting and welding.

The real star of the show was Kuka's newest robot, Agilus, a smaller, faster and more agile robot that will be introduced to the world at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago this fall.