A new plant in Adel is applying high technology to one of the oldest manufacturing jobs in the world.Making bricks is a pretty simple job: mix mud, bake. But a new addition to this plant not only promises twenty new jobs, it’ll involve computers and robots in its brick-baking operation. Automated robot units will set the bricks into cars to roll into huge ovens, and computers will monitor the mix of clay, temperature and humidity in the firing process. Supervisors can even access the mixers by computer from off-site and change the recipe being used. Managers promise the new line of United Brick and Tile products will exceed all architectural standards, and scrubbers in the smokestacks will ensure the ovens don’t pollute the air.
