Hi Greyseal!
I have to agree with the choice of using a motoman being that they are so close to you.
From what I gather, the total package (complete robot cell) is really important to investigate because as Ed Craig so elequently put it: " If you're integrating with a japanese welding power source, your welds will come out inferior compared to using a north american power source for about half the price." Stay away from Japanese components!!!
Fixturing and positioning are also important so, bottom line is to go with an integrator that has plenty of experience with all aspects of robotic cell integration. Genesis in the US comes to mind...
Respectfully,
SSBN727 Run Silent... Run Deep!!!