Chattanooga company TR Automation was cited today for developing what was called a revolutionary approach to robotic work station manufacturing.

The business, which employs 75 people doing mostly robotic welding work for automotive and aerospace firms, was awarded the Kruesi Award for Innovation by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

Brent Boxall, a senior applications engineer for TR Automation, said its innovative process gives it about 100 percent utilization of its welding robots.

“It’s a thought-cultivating environment and a progressive-thinking company,” he said at the Chamber’s Spirit of Innovation meeting.

Also at the meeting, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Chief Executive Vicky Gregg said its new $299 million corporate campus under construction is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

She said the project will be the state’s largest to receive such a citation aimed at sustainable building design.

Former NFL quarterback and businessman Roger Staubach, whose company is managing the BlueCross project on Cameron Hill, lauded the insurer’s efforts.

“It’s important to our company and BlueCross to do it right,” he said.

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen also mentioned the importance of green innovation, saying the state is positioned to be a leader in alternative fuels.

See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.

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