Tumbler Maker Stays Hot With Cool Automation: A unique inflatable gripper handles parts

摘要

When one thinks of high-growth products, insulated plastic beverage cups don't spring to mind. And yet Tervis Tumbler Co. of North Venice, FL, has seen sales soar over the past few years thanks to its commitment to quality and the ability to handle high-mix, high-volume production. Tervis introduced its cup-within-a-cup design in 1946. In 2010, the company enjoyed a 60 percent increase in sales, added over 200 jobs, and boosted manufacturing space by 35,000 square feet. Today, the company is a three-shift operation employing more than 600 people and assembling tens of thousands of cups daily. There's no premade inventory at Tervis. Each tumbler is assembled to order. The company produces tumblers in six sizes, ranging from 8 to 24 ounces. Consumers can customize their tumblers with accessories, such as handles and lids, and hundreds of decorative designs, including team insignias, corporate logos and cartoon characters.