BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. (KAIT/Edited News Release) – Lexicon, Inc. has announced the installation of a new advanced robotics welding line at its Prospect Steel division in Blytheville, making the company one of the first in the United States — and the only in Arkansas — to use AGT Robotics’ BLOK 500 system for fabricating large trusses and other complex structural assemblies.
This investment positions Prospect Steel among the most technologically advanced steel fabricators in the nation, further solidifying Arkansas’s role in the future of American advanced manufacturing and construction.
The new robotics line was officially unveiled during a May 12 celebration at Prospect Steel, marking a milestone moment for the company and its continued investment in innovation.
Installed as a standalone, dedicated production line, the BLOK 500 system represents a major step forward in automating the welding of oversized structural components. This modular robotic welding cell is purpose-built for heavy fabrication and oversized steel assemblies. The robot offers full three-axis motion (X, Y and a plunging Z), along with part-rotation capabilities to provide vertical access into deep or complex weld zones — necessities for heavy beams, large trusses, fabricated columns, railcar components, and other assemblies that fall outside the limits of conventional automation.
The AGT BLOK 500 joins several other robotics lines already in place in Blytheville, including the Zeman SBA2 conti+ and the Lincoln Electric Zeman Enspector.
“With this addition, Prospect Steel is bringing the next generation of automated fabrication and cutting-edge craftsmanship to our clients in Arkansas and beyond,” said Lexicon COO Steve Grandfield. “This technology strengthens our ability to deliver high-precision, high-volume structural work for customers nationwide, and it reinforces our commitment to investing in innovation that moves our industry forward. We are proud to be among the first to install this line and look forward to how it will improve efficiency and safety, while better serving both our team members and our customers.”
During the project planning stage, Prospect Steel specified a dual-zone layout tailored to their workload. One zone is equipped with heavy-duty positioners capable of handling parts up to 25,000 pounds, while a second, flexible “free zone” can handle fixtures or variable assembly types for a variety of jobs. This allows teams the ability to safely alternate between massive structural weldments and lighter, mixed-volume builds without re-tooling the entire cell.
Manufactured by AGT Robotics, based in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, the BLOK 500 offers a critical advantage for structural steel work, where many assemblies are unique. Its Cortex software and SnapCam vision system are specifically designed for large and complex assemblies, automatically generating weld sequences for each part. This automation reduces lead times, minimizes rework and allows skilled welders to focus on higher-value tasks rather than repetitive manual welding.
“Lexicon is a clear leader in adopting advanced robotics to push the steel fabrication industry forward,” said Benoit Richard, CEO of AGT Robotics. “From the beginning, their team had a strong vision for how this system could enhance both performance and safety. We were proud to work closely with Prospect Steel to develop a tailored BLOK 500 solution that meets their specific production needs and supports their continued growth.”
“Prospect Steel has always been known for taking on the most complex jobs,” said Jimmy Stokley, vice president of production for Lexicon’s Fabrication Group. “This system allows us to handle much larger, more intricate assemblies than ever before, with weld accuracy and repeatability that manual processes or basic robotics simply can’t match. The BLOK 500 also reduces the amount of manual heavy welding required, enhancing safety and creating opportunities for team members to grow into higher-skill automation and robotics roles. It’s more than an equipment upgrade; it’s a strategic move to support our workforce and the long-term growth of our operations.”
The installation marks the first phase of a long-term strategy to continue modernizing production capabilities and technology across Lexicon’s fabrication facilities. Full production on the new line began in March.
Watch a video of the BLOK 500 in action.
