Customer in Focus: QMN

Back in 1984, five mates in a small shed in Ayr, Queensland, kicked off what would become QMN Manufacturing. They had little more than a few machines, big ideas, and a work ethic that set the tone for the decades to come. Fast forward forty years and that shed has grown into one of the country’s largest producers of hydraulic cylinders. QMN is still proudly family owned, still led by the Nucifora family with more than ninety years of combined experience, and still the name that people across Australia turn to when they need cylinders made right. 

As demand grew, QMN recognised that their painting process needed to evolve. While hand painting had served them well in the past, it was increasingly difficult to achieve the consistency, efficiency, and standards they were aiming for. Variations in finish and excess paint usage were limiting productivity, and the team wanted a safer, more streamlined approach that would support both quality and growth. ‘We pride ourselves on delivering excellence,’ says Workshop Manager Peter Jerkic. ‘Automation gave us the opportunity to improve consistency, reduce waste, and create a better environment for our employees, all while keeping pace with customer demand.’ 

That’s when QMN turned to Automated Solutions Australia. Our team worked closely with theirs to design and install a FANUC P-40iA paint robot into their existing booth. It wasn’t just about dropping in a piece of equipment, it was about understanding QMN’s workflow and finding the right way to integrate robotics without disrupting production. ‘At ASA, we don’t just supply robots, we work with our clients to find the best solution for their specific workflow,’ says Nathan Jones, General Manager Australian Domestic Unit. ‘For QMN, it was about integrating the paint robot in a way that supported their employees and processes, while also lifting quality and throughput.’ 

Using vision technology, the robot measures each cylinder as it rolls in on the conveyor and adjusts the spray to suit, no matter the size. ‘The first thing that hit us was how consistent the finish was,’ Peter recalls. ‘Every cylinder, no matter the size, came out looking identical. And we could switch colours without losing time. That’s a game changer.’ 

The results were immediate. Production sped up, the finish was more consistent, and waste dropped right back. Just as importantly, the team no longer had to wrestle with the repetitive manual work that had slowed things down. ‘With the robot, we’re working smarter, not harder,’ Peter says. ‘The quality is better, the process is quicker, and our employees can focus on what we do best, building tough Aussie made cylinders.’ 

For QMN, automation isn’t about replacing employees. It’s about making sure a family business from a large manufacturing plant in Ayr can keep leading the industry, creating safer jobs, supporting the community, and delivering the kind of quality that’s made their name for more than forty years. Or as Peter puts it, ‘Automation has become part of our DNA. It’s not about doing less with employees, it’s about doing more with the right tools.’ Nathan Jones agrees, adding: ‘What excites us is seeing Australian manufacturers like QMN embrace technology in a way that secures their future. It’s about giving family owned businesses the tools to compete at the highest level while keeping jobs and skills here at home.’ 

QMN continues to prove why they are one of the most trusted names in the hydraulic cylinder industry, and we’re proud to have played a role in helping them write their next chapter. If you’re looking for top quality hydraulic products, you can find out more at www.qmn.com.au
To learn how automation can help transform your own operations, visit us at www.automatedsolutions.com.au