Rockford Systems, LLC., a premier provider of machine safeguarding products and services, is pleased to announce that it has become a Supplier Member of the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), underscoring the increasing role machine guarding plays in protecting operators of robotic welding, assembly, CNC and metal cutting equipment.

"Robotics is a growing multi-billion dollar market with unlimited potential for Rockford Systems' safety solutions," said Joe Nitiss, CEO of Rockford Systems, LLC. "In just the first nine months of this year, 23,985 robots were ordered from North American companies, all of which require machine guarding equipment to maximize productivity and safety. Rockford Systems is uniquely positioned to meet these needs with our suite of state-of-the-art products and services."

Unlike in non-automated environments, injuries occurring in robotic automation typically occur during non-routine operating conditions, such as programming, maintenance, testing, setup, or adjustment when the worker may temporarily be within the robot's working envelope. Rockford Systems manufacturers components that protect workers during both routine and non-routine robotic operations. These components, which include roll-up barriers, light curtains, gate switches, and safety shields, are added by the integrator prior to commissioning machinery. Rockford Systems also offers on-site surveys of automated processes to assess risks.

Founded in 1974, RIA is the only trade group in North America organized specifically to serve the robotics industry. Member companies include leading robot manufacturers, users, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms.

For more information, visit www.rockfordsystems.com.

About Rockford Systems

Headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, Rockford Systems, LLC delivers innovative machine safeguarding solutions for organizations working with industrial machinery. As a trusted advisor since 1971, Rockford Systems helps organizations interpret and apply complex Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) machine safety standards for a broad array of industrial applications. In addition, Rockford Systems provides complete Machine Safety Life-Cycle Management Solutions, including onsite risk assessments, onsite machine surveys, customized engineered solutions, proprietary products, installation and integration services, safety training, 24x7 technical and in-field support, and ongoing compliance validation. Rockford Systems has improved the profitability of many of North America's largest companies by increasing compliance, reducing worker risk, increasing productivity and decreasing costs.