Bell Laboratories Drives 20% Sales Growth with Advanced Robotics During COVID-19

When the pandemic shuttered restaurants across the U.S., rodents sought new food sources, creating a sudden spike in demand for mouse traps. Bell Laboratories, Inc., a seasoned manufacturer of rodent‑control products, capitalized on this shift, recording a 20% increase in sales over the past year.

About Bell Laboratories

Founded in 1974, Bell Laboratories employs over 500 people and distributes its products to more than 60 countries. Production is concentrated in Wisconsin—Madison and Windsor—where 26 injection‑molding machines, ranging from 110 to 600 tons, shape most of the company’s offerings. The firm prioritizes sustainability by molding many parts with recycled polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS).

Automation: From Sprue Picker to Full‑Scale Robotics

Bell’s automation journey began in 2014 with a Wittmann Battenfeld sprue picker, which addressed simple single‑cavity molds. Recognizing the limitations of that system for complex, multi‑cavity hot‑runner molds, the company expanded its robot fleet to 15 Wittmann 3‑axis arms, including the W833 and W821 models. These robots now perform part extraction, sprue removal, small‑bait‑station stacking, and part counting—tasks previously handled manually.

The W833 robot, installed on a 560‑ton machine, features a telescoping Y‑axis that clears the overhead crane positioned above the mold. This design reduces cycle time, eliminates damage from dropped parts, and extends tool life by requiring only a single ejection cycle per component. As a result, Bell Laboratories has seen faster throughput, higher quality, and lower maintenance costs.

Future Automation Plans

Building on proven success, Bell Laboratories is adding another W821 robot and plans to equip all large‑tonnage machines with W833PRO units. These upgrades aim to further streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and enhance product consistency.

Bell Laboratories’ story demonstrates how strategic automation investments can turn market disruptions into growth opportunities, reinforcing the company’s position as a trusted leader in rodent‑control manufacturing.