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Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

RISE Armament Expands With Advanced Technologies

With the help of: Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

About

RISE Armament is a leading manufacturer of complete rifles and aftermarket trigger options for the AR-15 as well other parts like handguards and bolt carrier groups (BCGs.) With about 60 employees, the 10-year-old company continues to expand its 100% American-made product line from its headquarters in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

The Challenge

RISE Armament saw an enormous growth in the demand for its products. Company leaders were looking for help in putting advanced manufacturing processes in place and integrating new technologies, hoping to better meet the surge and prepare for future expansion. Looking for advice, President Matt Torres turned to Jenny Cothran, a manufacturing extension agent with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, part of the MEP National Network™. Cothran had worked with RISE on several projects and enjoyed a solid relationship with its leadership team.

Our investment in robotics and advanced technologies is vital to our continued growth. The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance has been there to support our development and integration with its unique capabilities. There is no organization, public or private, able to provide that kind of expertise.

— Matt Torres, President

MEP's Role

Cothran met with Torres and Matt Zinter, VP of operations. Along with other leaders, the team developed a strategy that added to its workforce while increasing the efficiency of its production flow. With the help of applications engineers working for the Manufacturing Alliance, RISE invested in new robotic equipment and other advanced technologies. At the same time, Cothran ensured the company was able to push forward in its ongoing continuous improvement efforts, along with business transformation activities like training and long-range strategic positioning.

Success with an initial collaborative robot integration led to five new robotic cells that boosted production and reduced lead times for waiting clients. In addition, Cothran secured several new and local supply chain partnerships for peripheral components that allowed RISE to refocus on core operations.

Created July 29, 2021, Updated June 21, 2023