Introduced in 1995 at a PPG plant in Delaware, OH, the Kaleidoscope Workcell technology is designed to effectively supply the growing market for smaller but more frequently placed orders. The technology minimizes batch-to-batch variations while producing coatings more rapidly, efficiently and economically, the company says.

The workcell in Janesville employs a microprocessor to control coating agitation, recirculation, finished-product dispensing, production orders, and safety interlocks. The system has reduced lead time to fulfill orders from three weeks prior to installation of the workcell to less than one week currently, the company says.