Over the past ten years, a silent phenomenon has taken place in the global industry: while some manufacturing plants have closed due to cost pressures or failing to modernise in time, others have resurged with impressive strength without the need for multimillion-euro investments. What is the secret? Intelligent industrial reconstruction supported by refurbished robotics and flexible modular cells. It is a formula that has allowed many businesses to become competitive again without stopping production or going into debt to buy new equipment.
When talking about industrial reconstruction, many people think of demolishing areas, purchasing brand new machinery, or rebuilding entire lines from scratch. However, there are now more efficient alternatives: gradual modernisation using refurbished robots from brands such as ABB, KUKA, FANUC or Yaskawa, integrated into modular cells that are quick to install and can adapt to multiple processes. This strategy not only reduces financial risk but also enables plants to evolve step by step towards more automated, connected, and profitable operations.
One of the major benefits of this solution is its accessibility. A refurbished robotic cell costs between 40% and 60% less than a new one, yet still offers precision, repeatability, and the ability to operate 24/7. Additionally, modular implementation allows companies to begin by automating just one key process and then scale up without disrupting the entire factory. This is exactly what medium-sized manufacturers in sectors such as metalworking, food, injection moulding, recycling, or renewable energy have done. They started with a simple cell for welding, palletising, or pick and place, and later integrated artificial vision, conveyors, and sensors as needed.
There are real cases that demonstrate the impact this strategy can generate. In Spain, a metalworking company manufacturing structures for the construction sector lost competitiveness against Asian suppliers. They decided to modernise their plant without halting production and acquired three refurbished KUKA KR 210 robots for MIG/MAG welding, integrated with rotary positioners. In six months, they reduced cycle times by 37%, decreased rework, and regained customers. They did not have to lay off workers; instead, they reassigned them to new programming and quality roles. This is intelligent industrial reconstruction.
In Germany, a plastics recycling company automated its sorting process using two refurbished FANUC M-20iA robots with 3D cameras. Previously, they relied on manual inspection and lost a significant amount of reusable material. With modular automation, they increased the recovery of reusable plastic by 24% and managed to certify their operation as a circular industry. The result: new access to more demanding European markets.
This strategy is also growing in emerging sectors. Manufacturers of wind turbines have started using refurbished ABB IRB 6700 robots for blade sanding and repair processes. Some industrial 3D printing companies are using refurbished Yaskawa GP12 robots as part handlers in ovens or for post-processing. Even in construction, refurbished robots are being adapted for block handling or panel cutting.
The argument is clear: rebuilding a factory is not just about buying new machines—it is about redesigning processes intelligently. Well-integrated refurbished robotics make it possible to achieve this quickly, without stopping production, without going into debt, and while respecting industrial sustainability. For many medium-sized companies that need to be competitive once again, this may be the most strategic path: automate without complications, step by step, with a return on investment in months rather than years.
At URT, we believe that automation should be accessible to any factory, regardless of its size. That is why we offer certified refurbished industrial robots from ABB, KUKA, FANUC, and Yaskawa, ready for integration into industrial reconstruction projects. If you are transforming your plant or want to start with a modular cell adapted to your process, we can help you design an intelligent, scalable, and profitable solution.