“The automation assessment helped us identify opportunities we hadn’t fully considered. Installing the Modula Lift allowed us to consolidate inventory vertically and free up valuable floor space for additional machines. It’s helping us grow without expanding the building.”Beau D’ArcyGeneral Manager - Quadrant Tool & Manufacturing Company
Quadrant Tool & Manufacturing Company is a precision CNC machining business located in Schaumburg, specializing in high-precision components for advanced manufacturing industries such as medical, aerospace, and defense. When leadership began evaluating how to make better use of their facility, they didn’t start with equipment, they started with strategy.
In 2023, the company partnered with IMEC through a Cook County-supported automation assessment led by Technical Specialist Tim Mauer. The goal was clear: identify opportunities to increase efficiency, optimize floor space, and support long-term growth without immediately committing to a building expansion.
A Recommendation That Changed the Layout, and the Future
One of Tim’s key recommendations was the implementation of an automated inventory storage and retrieval system, sometimes called a “VLM.” At the time, it was a forward-looking suggestion that would require investment and planning, but Quadrant Tool saw the potential.
Recently, they brought that recommendation to life by installing a vertical storage system from Modula. The system is 20 feet tall, contains 40 storage trays measuring 162” x 34”, with each tray capable of holding almost 1,700 lbs.
Immediate Impact: More Space. More Capacity. More Efficiency.
The results were immediate and significant:
- Freed up substantial floor space by removing old shelving and pallet racks
- Created room for up to four additional CNC machines
- Increased production capacity without expanding the building footprint
- Saved time by organizing assembly parts, reducing the effort spent finding inventory
- Improved safety by lifting objects from waist height instead of the floor
Quadrant Tool estimates these operational efficiencies are already adding up to $25,000 per year in time savings, thanks to faster access to parts, fewer misplaced items, and streamlined setup of fixtures.
Rather than pursuing an expensive facility expansion, Quadrant was able to unlock capacity within their existing walls, achieving growth at a fraction of the cost and complexity of a construction project. By leveraging vertical space and modern automation, they transformed storage from a constraint into a competitive advantage.
A Partnership Built on Practical Guidance
General Manager Beau D’Arcy credits IMEC, and specifically Tim’s strategic guidance, with helping the company see this opportunity clearly. What began as an automation assessment evolved into a high-impact operational improvement that is now generating measurable business results.
Looking Ahead
With additional machines now planned for their reclaimed floor space, Quadrant Tool is positioned for continued growth and better prepared for future facility changes when the time is right. Their story demonstrates how thoughtful automation, guided by the right expertise, can drive:
- Operational efficiency
- Smarter capital investment
- Revenue expansion
- Scalable growth
Pictured: Quadrant Tool and Manufacturing Company, shop dog, Cody
