Manufacturing is undergoing a transformation driven by a familiar challenge: not enough skilled labor, and rising pressure to maintain productivity and competitiveness. Robotics and automation have quickly become key solutions—not just for big players, but across machine shops and mid-size operations as well.
Phillips Corporation recognized this shift early and launched its OPTO Automation & Applications Division in 2019. Their mission was clear: support manufacturers who wanted to scale but couldn’t find the workforce to match.
“Customers told us they wanted more machines but didn’t have people to run them,” says Shane LeCroix, Automation Solutions Engineer at Phillips. “So we created a team that could help close that gap with automation.”
Rethinking the Role of Automation
When people think automation, they often picture a robotic arm. But automation includes far more—bar feeders, pallet systems, rotary tables, and more—all working to streamline repetitive processes.
Importantly, automation isn’t about eliminating jobs. As Dave Cirilo, Senior Applications Engineer, explains: “It replaces repetitive tasks, not people. It allows skilled workers to shift into more valuable roles—like programming, setup, or troubleshooting.”
Operational Gains from Even Small Changes
The impact of automation doesn’t require a massive overhaul. Many shops see significant production increases from relatively small investments. For instance, gaining two extra hours of runtime per day adds up to 10 hours of production weekly—without adding labor.
One real-world case involved a shop eliminating overtime demands on weekends thanks to automation. Workers benefited from better schedules and even raises, while the shop increased throughput.
Process First, Then Automation
Phillips OPTO emphasizes that automation works best when built on strong, efficient processes. “If the process isn’t stable, you won’t get the ROI you expect,” says LeCroix. That’s why their approach starts with evaluating current workflows and refining them before layering in automation.
Automation, in this sense, becomes part of a larger effort toward continuous improvement—not just a tech upgrade.
Adoption Is Getting Easier
What’s helping drive adoption now is how much more user-friendly automation technology has become. Programming and setup are far simpler than even a decade ago, and integration is more standardized.
As Cirilo puts it: “The learning curve is flattening. Automation is becoming just another tool in the shop—like probing or 5-axis machining did 20 years ago.”
Manufacturers who’ve embraced automation are already seeing real returns—in productivity, employee satisfaction, and operational resilience. And as the technology becomes more accessible, the shift toward smart, automated production will only continue to grow.
Biography
Shane LeCroix
Automation Solutions Engineer
Phillips OPTO – Automation & Applications Division
Based in Athens, Alabama, Shane LeCroix brings over 30 years of industrial manufacturing experience to his role as Automation Solutions Engineer. His distinguished career includes impactful work as a Manufacturing Engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where he supported critical Human Space Flight projects.
Shane’s technical foundation began with a degree in Machine Tool Technologies from Calhoun Community College, leading to successful positions as both an Applications Engineer and Sales Engineer. Today, he combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for innovation to deliver customized automation solutions that help manufacturers optimize processes, increase productivity, and stay competitive.
Rooted in the Tennessee Valley region, Shane shares his life with his wife Suzanne, daughter Olivia, and their beloved pets. His local ties give him a strong understanding of the challenges regional businesses face, allowing him to connect with customers and deliver results that truly matter.
Dave Cirilo
Senior Applications Engineer
Phillips OPTO – Automation & Applications Division
With 22 years of experience, Dave Cirilo, Senior Applications Engineer at Phillips, is a problem-solver in tooling design, toolpath generation, and advanced macro logic. From integrating robots into CNC machines to developing high-performance software, his innovative solutions boost productivity for customers across industries.
Outside of work, he’s a holiday lights enthusiast, renowned for choreographed displays, and enjoys woodworking and coding custom websites for his community.