USI students to build test benches for upcoming SIGMA Surplus repair services
[Evansville, IN. April 25, 2022]: SIGMA Surplus, a division of SIGMA Group, has announced a new collaboration with the University of Southern Indiana. Based in Evansville, Indiana, SIGMA Surplus is a leading provider and purchaser of spare manufacturing components and electronics.
This internship, spearheaded by SIGMA Surplus leadership and the USI Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, was facilitated by USI’s Center for Applied Research. The project will task students with constructing test benches as part of SIGMA’s new automation component repair service.
Over the next several months, two USI student interns led by Brad Kicklighter, clinical assistant professor of engineering technology, will develop state-of-the-art test benches and procedures designed to certify a wide variety of common automation components.
Once complete, SIGMA Surplus will employ five full-time technicians to operate each station, which will feature modern, high-end tools needed to recondition components and ensure proper operation.
SIGMA Surplus is proud to offer a two-year warranty on all reconditioned and tested products, ensuring customer satisfaction when it comes to mission-critical components.
“We have a great deal of respect for the USI engineering program and we couldn’t be more excited to work with their students on this project, ”said Michael LaGrange, Chief Operations Officer of SIGMA Group. “This is an exceptional opportunity for USI students to gain critical, real-world engineering experience with guidance from Prof. Kicklighter and the SIGMA team. Their efforts will lay the groundwork for our new testing and repair service, offering SIGMA Surplus customers even more options for their spare part needs.”
“This partnership allows USI to engage with our community in a positive way,” Kicklighter said. “The students working with me on the project get to learn more about the practice of engineering through the design and construction of equipment that meets SIGMA’s needs. I am happy to have the opportunity to apply my knowledge of automation to help SIGMA expand its capabilities.”
In addition to the new testing and repair program, SIGMA Surplus has recently undertaken multiple new expansion projects to better assist customers. In fall 2021, the company successfully moved into its new 660,000 square-foot facility in northern Evansville. This facility features an expanded product conveyor system along with vastly expanded office, production, and floor space.
Additionally, SIGMA Surplus has grown its staff with additional team members across customer service, sales, acquisitions, product management, and other areas. New job listings are posted regularly at thesigma.group/careers.
About SIGMA Group: Since its inception in 2003, SIGMA has worked with customers around the globe to address their manufacturing equipment needs. Composed of six distinct divisions, SIGMA Group offers a holistic approach to automation, from equipment and surplus components to auctions, asset management and appraisal, electronics recycling, data sanitization, logistics, and more. Learn more about our mission at thesigma.group.
About SIGMA Surplus: SIGMA Surplus is one of the most trusted MRO parts providers in the United States. We strive to build lifelong relationships with our customers through personalized service, reliable name-brand products, and competitive rates. Our mission is to make it easy to buy and sell spare parts for all manufacturing industries.