Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine Issue 421 by Manufacturing and Engineering Magazine

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INSIDE: AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL FOCUS

ISSUE 421

MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING MAGAZINE

M M MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING MAGAZINE

PANAZ ISSUE 421

HOLDINGS LTD design excellence through technical innovation

cepac rawcliffe Laying the foundations for success

SAFTRONICS CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD

PRODUMAX PRECISION ENGINEERING LTD

The design, manufacture and installation of low voltage assemblies

Pure engineering excellence

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Comment editor’s

ISSUE 421

www.memuk.org

t e s s A r u o Y g in t c Prote

The Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA) will meet next month for its annual safety conference with a focus on “protecting your assets”. A number of key industry leaders will hold discussions on a range of topics, notably addressing areas that are being overlooked. Nina Day, a senior engineer for the government’s Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) will discuss how workplace transport accounts for over half of all RIDDOR accidents reported to the HSL. Rob Shaw, the HSL technical leader will support this with evidence of best practice and how the latest legislation impacts policy in regards to slips and trips. He’ll also address the importance of near-miss reporting, specifying appropriate flooring and effective preventative measures such as suitable footwear. Other speakers such as Colin Hinton, a member of the SEMA technical committee, will discuss the role racking protection plays including an examination of potential design, installation and clearance considerations. This will be supported by SEMA approved inspector Mike Pace’s discussion of safety critical features on cantilever racking and the association’s updated code of practice. The choice out there when commissioning racking repairs is almost immeasurable. To help companies choose the best option available, Steve Cowen, SEMA Technical Committee’s chair, will deliver his “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” speech, exampling maintenance and repair best practice. It all plays a vital role in protecting the workforce and further highlights the correlation between safety and commercial viability. Safety can’t have a price because the cost of succumbing to an accident can be devastating to not only a business, but a person’s life. It’s a duty for any business to look after its workforce and to create an environment fit for purpose. SEMA has proven a front-foot-forward approach to health and safety and its latest round of talks will prove hugely beneficial to the industry.

Daniel Stephens Contributing Editor

Magazine Manager Daniel Beardsley Feature Managers Tom Waite Elliott Jenkinson Kyle Joyce Bradley Drake Editor Ciaran Jarosz Contributing Editor Daniel Stephens Journalists Jeff Senior Hayley Toth Alice Rose Batley Art Editor Stacey Brewer Designers Carla Taylor Sam Dickinson Production Vicki Lindsay Lisa Pollinger Rebecca Scott Accounts Nick Charalambous Manufacturing and Engineering Magazine is published by: Trafalgar Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor Turnbridge Mills, Quay Street, Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD1 6QT Tel: 01484 437314

Manufacturing and Engineering magazine is published by Trafalgar Publishing Ltd. Company registered in England & Wales. All material is the copyright of Trafalgar Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Manufacturing and Engineering magazine is the property of Trafalgar Publishing Ltd. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or part without the written permission of a director of Trafalgar Publishing Ltd. Liability: while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of company or product reviews or comments, these have been based upon the true and honest opinion of the Editor at the time of going to press.

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Contents www.memuk.org

ISSUE 421 AUTOMOTIVE 6 AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL The latest developments within the automotive sector

12 CERTAS ENERGY Investing in the right lubrcant

AEROSPACE 14 SHARING IN GROWTH

First STAR day sparks sharing enthusiasm

16 TMD TECHNOLOGIES Small things that make a big difference

46 PANAZ HOLDINGS LTD

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING 22 GOVERNMENT DIGITAL Procurement for the digital age

26 BEST OF BRITISH Manufacturing at its best

28 PRODUMAX LIMITED Pure engineering excellence

36 SAFTRONICS CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD

Design, manufacture and installations of low voltage assemblies

40 CEPAC RAWCLIFFE Laying the foundations for success

46 PANAZ HOLDINGS LTD

Design excellence through technical innovation

97 BRITISH MARINE FEDERATION

54 MADE IN YORKSHIRE Buy local think global

56 OLYMPUS TECHNOLOGIES High quality technical solutions

58 HOLTEX

A service built around you

60 MINDACADEMY

Lead it, coach it, communicate it.

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RAIL 64 RAILTEX Success for Railtex

66 HV WOODING World class manufacturers

70 HEPWORTH INTERNATIONAL A global market leader

40 CEPAC RAWCLIFFE

74 JAFCO TOOLS Leading hand tool specialists

CIVIL ENGINEERING 76 STEEL CONSTRUCTION

CERTIFICATION SCHEME

Driving performance

78 LUXTRADE LTD Established manufacturers

82 L HARRISON & CO. (EASTOFF LTD)

The complete design and build service for agricultural, commercial and bespoke construction projects

88 MALIN FABRICATION LTD High quality fabrication services

92 MARSHFIELD CROSSKEYS (HEREFORD) LTD

For all your fabrication needs

MARINE 97 BRITISH MARINE FEDERATION

The Southampton Boat Show 2015

100 PLASTIC MOULDINGS Continual improvement and expansion

ALSO... 4 UPDATE

The latest news from the industry.

56 OLYMPUS TECHNOLOGIES

96 STICKERS4WALLS An innovative idea that sticks!

104 3D PRINTED

PROSTHETIC HAND

To enter the market next year

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update WARWICK ENGINEERING STUDENTS DESIGN WORLD BEATING SUBMARINE A submarine designed and built by engineering students at the University of Warwick was awarded 1st Prize for Innovation at the 2015 the International Submarine Races (ISR). Held at the Carderock Naval Facility at Bethesda, Maryland USA, the ISR competition saw a team of eight students from the University’s School of Engineering compete against 30 international teams to race a one-person, pedal powered submarine. The award-winning team, comprising of Richard Freeman, Theo Saville, Sam Clifton, Rupert Barnard, Stuart Snow, Jack

Fairweather, Verity Armstrong and Matt Shanahan, were the second most-highly decorated entry after receiving an Honourable Mention in the Best Design Report Award and $1000 prize money. 2015 marks second year that Warwick students have entered competition. The 2014 team achieved second place in the UK and fourth in the world. One of the biggest engineering challenges that faced the team was how to economically transport the submarine across the Atlantic. Fully assembled, the submarine is too big to fit inside standard packing crates making

air freight travel very expensive. Project Leader Richard Freeman explained; “We managed to reduce flight costs by designing a ‘fold away’ submarine; the chassis can be dismantled into four separate sections and can be packed up into a far smaller crate”. The work results in a transportable, world-beating innovative design. The competition itself is recognised globally as an opportunity for some of the best students, from a host of universities, to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for engineering, Students are required to work as a team applying the skills learnt on

INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURERS GET GOVERNMENT SKILLS BOOST The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has chosen five organisations to test new ways to develop skills for innovation in manufacturing. Each will run a trial programme expected to yield valuable learning that can be shared across the sector to improve innovation and productivity. The successful organisations include a leading UK manufacturer, an employer representative body and UK universities. Projects are based in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Swansea and Lancaster. Each will test skills development in their workplaces as part of the UK Futures Programme, a series of learning programmes aiming to address

specific workplace skills needs. Each project will receive co-investment from UKCES up to £150,000. UKCES Commissioner and leader of the competition Paul McKelvie OBE said: “I’m delighted to announce the successful applicants of our Skills for Innovation in Manufacturing competition. My team and I were impressed with the fresh thinking on display in these five projects, and we are excited to see what we can learn from their achievements.” UK manufacturing is identified as highly productive and a key sector for exports, and this competition seeks to explore new ways of developing skills and

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practices needed to maximise the value of innovation. McKelvie added: “Innovation is vital for our national prosperity. It has a critical role in productivity and job creation, and nowhere is this true more than the manufacturing sector. It’s vital that that we learn how manufacturing firms can optimise their workplaces and processes to take best advantage of their highskilled, highly productive workers. “We will watch and learn carefully over the coming months, and we look forward to sharing the learning from these five projects to the manufacturing sector as a whole.”

their course to a practical application. The culmination of the project in the UK is a week-long event where teams are assessed on a variety of criteria, following the completion of straight-line and slalom courses. The overall winner is determined on the basis of design, manufacture, performance and lessons learned. Awards also include those for speed, agility, innovation and presentation. Warwick may have a handful of places available in clearing for Engineering in 2015. Warwick’s clearing hotline number is: 024 7653 3544.

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update FOOD MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND DIRECTOR SENTENCED A multi million pound turnover food manufacturer and one of its directors have been fined after a worker was crushed by a forklift truck at its Warwickshire factory. Leamington Crown Court heard that agency worker Jamie Barsby was lucky to be alive after the incident at The Sandwich Factory Holdings Ltd on the Carlyon Road Industrial Estate in Atherstone on 29 July 2012. He was thrown from the forks of a forklift truck and crushed between the forklift and the back of an articulated lorry as he was being lifted into the back of the lorry to reorganise pallets of sandwiches. The 26-year-old, from Atherstone,

broke a number of vertebrae, fractured his pelvis and suffered blood blisters all over his body. The Judge found that director Paul Nicholson had failed to ensure safety management systems were in place at the factory. The court heard that had such systems been in place, the unsafe practice would not have occurred and existed for a prolonged period of time. The Sandwich Factory Holdings Ltd, of Helsinki Road, Sutton Fields Industrial Estate, Kingston upon Hull, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined a total of £60,000 and ordered to pay costs of £57,790.

OFCOM SMARTPHONE REPORTS NEED FOR OVERHAUL OF 999 SERVICES As Ofcom’s 2015 Communications Market Report reveals that smartphones have become the hub of our daily lives, technology experts are warning that there is a urgent need to make radical changes to the emergency ‘999’ call service to reflect the digital age. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is highlighting that urgent action is needed now to keep pace with the increasing move away from landlines to smart phones and to devices they enable like wearables, and from voice to data. The IET is also calling on the Government to ensure that reform of the service is not allowed to drift.

Prof Will Stewart from the IET said: “Smartphones have become the hub of our daily lives and are now in the pockets of two thirds of UK adults, and the vast majority of young people own one. Even half of 55 – 64 year olds now own a smartphone. “The data from Ofcom highlights the urgent need for radical changes to be made to the 999 emergency service so that those in need can text as well as call. “Much of the technology we need to update our emergency service is available today. But we urgently need to make progress now, with clear ownership from

Government and Ministerial leadership.” A data-based emergency service would allow people to text alerts via any appropriate app on a chosen easy-to-remember special number, such as 999 – and these alerts would then be passed to the human emergency operator. The main engineering challenge would be to set up priority routing of alerts to this special number in order to avoid delays at busy times. This needs to be arranged in consultation with the main mobile and app-based text providers, and with makers of new technology like wearables that might aid or even make emergency calls.

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AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL

NEW AGE OF

AUTOMOTIVE 4

Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled plans for a new National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) at the University of Warwick. Construction on the £150m project, which will deliver a cuttingedge UK automotive technology, innovation and education centre, began earlier this year. Set to open in Spring 2017, the 33,000 square metre facility will become the hub for Jaguar Land Rover’s advanced research, boasting cutting-edge workshops, virtual engineering suites, laboratories, advanced powertrain facilities, equipped to enable a full range of design, visualisation and prototyping activities. “The National Automotive Innovation Centre will serve as a generator of new skills and new thinking, providing a perfect, collaborative environment in which to learn, research and develop the designs and technologies that will shape the vehicles and personal mobility solutions of the future,” said Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover's CEO. The company currently employs more than 8,000 engineers and designers in the UK and is investing more than ever before in new technologies, skills and facilities. The development of the NAIC project is the next stage in Jaguar Land Rover's strategy to develop its global R&D and engineering capability, and makes up a significant portion of the £3.8bn investment it is making in product creation. "As well as helping Jaguar Land Rover create key technologies that will deliver new experiences for our customers; smarter, safer and more connected cars and a lowcarbon future, the centre will deliver wider benefits to the UK automotive industry,” added Dr Speth. “The NAIC will have a significant role inspiring the engineers of tomorrow and will help develop the skills we need the UK to nurture and develop to ensure we remain globally competitive."

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AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL

INNOVATION The aim of the NAIC is to help create a pipeline of people into companies nationwide, including the creation of many apprentices in specific areas of vehicle technology. Along with hosting visits from schoolchildren to inspire them to begin a STEM-based career, the NAIC will also start to address the shortage of skilled R&D staff in the automotive supply chain. "The NAIC builds on the success we have enjoyed as part of our long-standing relationship with WMG at the University of Warwick. This collaboration is our blueprint for how we expand our capabilities when the NAIC opens its doors," said Dr Speth. "I am delighted that we are now less than two years from realising the long-term strategic vision shared by Mr Ratan Tata and Professor Lord Bhattacharyya for a national hub for automotive innovation and skills. "Their support and investment in the development of an innovation infrastructure here in the UK will help this country and Jaguar Land Rover - remain at the forefront of global innovation in manufacturing and engineering for decades to come." The NAIC, which will employ 1,000 highly-skilled people, will enable Jaguar Land Rover to co-locate 600 of its engineers, researchers and technologists to work collaboratively with academics and R&D specialists from across the automotive supply chain. Long-term, multi-disciplinary challenges - such as electrification, smart and connected cars and the Human Machine Interface â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will all become a focus at the NAIC. This will complement Jaguar Land Rover's product research and development centres in Gaydon and Whitley.

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AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL

SPEEDBACK IS NATURAL STEP FOR ACE ENGINEER

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AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL

David Brown Automotive launched its first car in 2014. The British manufacturer of limited edition automobiles developed the Speedback, its debut model, and unveiled it to the world at the Top Marques Show in Monaco in April 2014. Similar to the Aston Martin DB5 and DB6, the Speedback was built on a Jaguar XK alloy platform. The £500,000 car, of which no more than 100 will be built, sources its production to British-based suppliers and builds cars on the XKR rolling chassis complete with powertrain but without body. “Building the Speedback was a natural step to combine my engineering and manufacturing background with my love of cars,” said entrepreneur and company founder David Brown of the car created by ex-Jaguar Land Rover designer Alan Mobberley. “It encapsulates all that I hold dear to me in terms of style, quality and performance. “I believe that my passion is reflected in every aspect of the car’s design and build. If you share these principles, and appreciate British engineering at its very best, then I hope that you will enjoy the Speedback as much as I have enjoyed its creation. I am proud of what our small team has achieved with the Speedback and I feel privileged to put my name to it.”

The Speedbacks, which enjoy the power of a 5.0-litre, 510bhp Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, are produced using traditional coach building methods to create a bespoke body; the aluminium body panels are hand beaten and then rolled over an English wheel. The bucks over which the panels are beaten have been milled out using a 5-axis CNC milling machine from CAD data. The car enjoys a six-speed automatic transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds. “This car appeals to anybody who desires a truly individual sports car, which can boast a fine British pedigree and which will only be produced in limited numbers, thus ensuring the kind of exclusivity associated with Britain’s once proud heritage of traditional, high-quality, automotive coach-building,” commented Brown. He added: “Speedback is the realisation of a dream for me, and is the result of skilful and dedicated work by a team of highly talented designers, engineers and craftspeople. The Speedback name perfectly reflects the classic sports car tradition of the past, while also doing justice to the sophisticated silhouette of the car’s hand-built body and unique styling which features among plentiful detail, including a fold-down picnic seat.” Hidden features and surprises, such as the retractable picnic bench or the pillarless roofline, ensure the Speedback is equally at home on Casino Square as it is at the polo. A generous luggage compartment and spacious cabin make the Speedback one of the most unique and versatile luxury GTs in the world today. “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to reintroduce the iconic shapes of the Sixties into an entirely new and contemporary package. To have been able to do this without compromising on any aspects of the development is a dream come true. Speedback is the result of all my many years of experience working in the automotive industry,” said Brown.

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AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL

SOURCING OPPORTUNITIES TO STRENGTHEN SUPPLY CHAINS New automotive initiative to help West Midlands firms share in multi-billion pound investment opportunities

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AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL

Drive West Midlands is a sector specific initiative which works with automotive businesses from vehicle manufacturers through the supply chain to help them gain maximum benefit from the organic growth of the UK’s automotive industry, so helping to improve the economy in the six West Midlands LEP areas. The programme has been developed using the National Automotive Council’s Industrial Strategy and knowledge and awareness of local conditions and sector needs. It has a specific focus on sourcing opportunities to strengthen the supply chain and to increase the number of commodity groups with UK market share above 50%. A collaborative initiative led by Marketing Birmingham and UKTI, Drive West Midlands was launched in Birmingham on 25th June 2015. To accelerate the initiative through driving engagement with industry and government, the programme will be championed by a senior figure from the industry. The ‘Champion’ will be announced shortly. At its core, Drive West Midlands has four main objectives: To develop a robust automotive supply chain in the West Midlands equipped to meet present and future vehicle manufacturer demand, to increase local sourcing levels at Tiers 1 and 2, to improve coordinated working between UKTI, the Automotive Investment Organisation, the Automotive Council, and the 6 West Midlands LEPs and to develop a sustainable West

Midlands-wide operation. The West Midlands supply chain is currently faced with a significant opportunity due to the unprecedented investment in the UK’s automotive industry. However, for West Midlands companies to remain competitive and win a share of the opportunities, the automotive sector needs to be supported. Drive west Midlands will work with automotive suppliers to help them gain maximum benefit from the growth of the UK’s automotive industry, so helping to improve the economy in the West Midlands with activity derived from the national Automotive Council and knowledge and awareness of local conditions and sector needs. The initiative has a 2016/7 target of securing 30 inward investment projects (of which 15 are high value) generating 1000 jobs. The key enablers for this will be Jaguar Land Rover’s drive to encourage overseas suppliers to establish a local presence (and there is already a level of engagement in this) in addition to promoting reshoring activity within the Tier 1 supply base. Increasing supply chain export levels is also targeted. Jaguar Land Rover’s globalisation programme is a major opportunity for the supply chain to export directly or establish a direct or indirect presence in the local territory. Consideration has also been given to leading trade missions. For example, a West Midlands based supplier to Nissan in Sunderland may be well placed to supply other Nissan plants in e.g. Spain and Morocco.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive at Marketing Birmingham, commented: “The success of our automotive sector relies on nurturing its supply chain. Global manufacturers still need networks of suppliers based just minutes away from their plants. With 90% of the region’s automotive companies having fewer than 100 employees, supporting the development of these smaller firms is crucial to growing the wider industry across the West Midlands.” Drive West Midlands also operates as an independent enabler for the supply chain from vehicle manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers and Tier 2-n suppliers. Its independence enables it to take a holistic view of what a robust automotive supply chain should look like. In addition, Technology is a key differentiator at all levels in the supply chain. Drive West Midlands will work to unlock barriers to commercialisation of new technologies faced by SMEs by enabling a route to market and commercialisation, including access to finance to move new products into volume production. Drive West Midlands also focuses on boosting productivity and competitiveness, increasing investor readiness, encouraging exports, bringing new products to market and winning business in new markets. Key to supporting productivity and competitiveness is also the support of skills and training throughout the wider manufacturing industry, allowing organisations to benefit from a highly trained and experience workforce.

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AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL

INVESTING IN THE RIGHT LUBRICANT SHOULD ALWAYS BE THE FIRST PIT STOP

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AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL

The efficiency and longevity of high-performance machinery depends heavily on choosing the right lubricants. Andrew Salton, Lubricants General Manager in Scotland North England for national fuel and lubricants distributor Certas Energy, talks about the risks of using sub-par lubricants. According to the most recent report from the RAC, there is a general decline in basic car maintenance knowledge across UK roads, something which it cites as a partial reason for an increase in breakdowns. The report lists engine faults as being the fifth most common cause for breakdown. One way in which engines can become faulty is through the use of the wrong or sub-standard lubricants. By not using high-quality lubricants, car engines can see massive issues in their internal mechanisms, resulting in repair costs that run into the thousands.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LUBRICANT QUALITY The primary function of lubricants is to reduce engine degradation. By forming a protective film over engine components and moving parts, they prevent contact and reduce drag, friction and wear and tear. When it comes to high quality lubricants, by enhancing motor oil with a careful blend of additives, they also clean the engine, preventing blockages by clearing away debris and deposits from vital components. High quality lubricants also diffuse heat build-up by carrying heat away from sensitive areas, such as around the piston rings where the temperature can reach up to 320Â°C.

At Certas Energy, the company understands that lubricants can be just as important to the smooth running of businesses as they are for engines. SETTING THE STANDARDS There are a number of bodies set up to regulate lubricant quality in Britain. The main lubricant testing body for the UK is the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA,) which represents leading car, van, truck and bus makers. Although the ACEA doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t certify oils, it encourages suppliers to register products with them in order to be able to trace who is making ACEA claims and to monitor where those oils are being marketed. The UKLA (UK Lubricants Association) is another body set up to provide members with advice and information on current, future and pending legislation relating to lubricant quality. Its subsidiary, VLS (Verification of Lubricant Specifications), provides independent sampling and testing services, ensuring optimum lubricant quality. At Certas Energy, the company understands that lubricants can be just as important to the smooth running of businesses as they are for engines. The ultimate users - mechanics, garages and car repair workshops, which rely on their reputation, are responsible for choosing the most efficient lubricants. If sub-standard lubes are used, perpetrators can be referred to Trading Standards by the VLS.

Certas Energy is a distributor of industryleading quality brands such as Shell, Gulf, Castrol and Valvoline - manufacturers who ensure that the correct lubricants are designed for use in specific engines and spend billions of dollars a year on research. As authorised distributors, Certas Energy has also invested in two large new depots in Kettering and Livingston. These depots are able to hold over five million litres of bulk lubricant stock, ensuring we can meet our customers demand. While the company works with some of the biggest names in lubricants, Certas Energy's dedicated team is always on hand to provide expert technical advice while delivering a world class service at a local level.

www.certasenergy.co.uk

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SHARING IN GROWTH

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FIRST STAR DAY SPARKS SHARING ENTHUSIASM Sharing in Growth (SiG) has held its first STAR day at Centrax Turbine Components’ Newton Abbot headquarters. Sharing in Growth (SiG) is a governmentfunded programme that is improving the global competitiveness of the UK aerospace supply chain. And STAR (Sharing Together Achieves Results) Days allow SiG beneficiaries the opportunity to learn by sharing good practice and to add value to their own and each other’s operations. STAR Days also help establish networks for sharing experiences on generic business issues and for benchmarking in commercially non-sensitive areas. The experience was seen as a major opportunity by the first STAR pioneers who quickly understood the benefits of sharing their experiences to the advantage of the UK aerospace supply chain who need to maintain the country’s leading position in Europe and worldwide. SiG offers coherent and cohesive £3 million four year training and transformation programmes which are delivered by industry specialists in lean operations, manufacturing engineering, procurement and cost and value engineering. They work with expert partners to lead a fully integrated change programme focused on leadership, culture and operational excellence. As well as hosts Centrax, the STAR Day participants were CW Fletcher of Sheffield,

Produmax of West Yorkshire and Leicestershire-based Winbro Group Technologies. Between them these SiG beneficiaries have secured over £130 million in contracts since joining the programme. Guests heard from Centrax Director & General Manager Tony Wiltshire about how the SiG programme was contributing to both Business and Continuous Improvement and then enjoyed a factory tour which featured visual control, innovation and built-in quality. The theme for the day was management culture and use of data as well as how the SiG brand could be used to support beneficiaries’ marketing and employee communications. Said Malcolm James SiG’s Operations Executive: “We are working with beneficiaries to strengthen the SiG brand and extend our reach so that more people understand our success and what it means in terms of global competitiveness. There is no doubt that the opportunity to learn from each other is now a major advantage offer by the SiG programme. Not only are the first STAR Day participants now arranging their own sharing visits, we plan to offer more to help companies truly raise their game.” Said Winbro operations manager Gary Robinson: “I came with an open mind and have

found real honesty and sharing of learning so we’ve all benefitted from the STAR Day. It has really helped to understand how all the improvement activity hangs together and how you make it work.” Chris Wardle, general manager of operations at Centrax Turbine Components agreed that the day had been well worth the while. He said: “I’ve been unlucky enough to move two factories to China and lucky enough to move one back. I see Sharing in Growth as a great opportunity for UK PLC. It doesn’t matter where you go, someone is always doing something better and we can all learn from days like the STAR Day. “ Other UK Aerospace supply chain companies are being offered the opportunity to benefit from the £1.2 million worth of professional business transformation support offered by SiG. Companies who meet the qualifying criteria are being invited to a briefing on 29th September at RAF Cosford to hear from companies already on the programme about the business benefits. They can also discuss with SiG engineers and business gurus how the four year scheme works and why it is being endorsed by organisations such as Airbus, AgustaWestland, GE, Bombardier, GKN, Rolls-Royce and ADS.

For further information on the SiG September briefing please visit www.sig-uk.org.

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AEROSPACE TMD TECHNOLOGIES

SMALL THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE A close partnership with suppliers and customers is one of the reasons TMD Technologies is going from strength to strength

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AEROSPACE TMD TECHNOLOGIES

Partnerships with customers and suppliers play a crucial role in TMD Technologies’ operation. They’re necessary because, having contributed to the first airborne radars seventy years ago, the company continues to specialise in producing complex and high value products. “We make transmitters for radars and aerospace systems,” explains Managing Director Dave Brown. “They go into search and rescue helicopters looking for objects on the sea or into air defence and battlefield radars looking for incoming planes and missiles or bullets and shells. We also have a range of products for commercial applications; instrumentation amplifiers used by laboratories, universities and EMC test houses.”

EXPORT CUSTOMERS Having predominantly sold to the Ministry of Defence and UK aerospace companies, TMD now exports around 90% of products with major customers in the USA, Asia, South Korea, Japan and Turkey plus others across Europe, South America and Africa. Whilst some commercial products are standard items, those for military customers are bespoke for their

requirements and are fully designed, developed and manufactured in the UK. That, according to Dave, is why the partnership approach is so crucial: “We partner with all suppliers and customers, and have very close relationships, because these specifications are complicated and very difficult to fulfil at the reliabilities we achieve. Customers come back time and again because we produce high quality products that are extremely reliable. We go through the ups and downs of development programmes with our partners and always deliver for them. There may be difficulties along the way but we’re in for the journey.” The approach is typified by a recent contract for a Turkish customer where TMD worked closely on the development of a new radar. The relationship extended from the concept stage through definition of design, the design process and into development and full testing. The outcome in most cases is products that can withstand harsh military environments whether on helicopters, battlefield drones or ships in all types of conditions. Reliability is ensured by in-house capabilities that include testing from -50 to over +100 degrees Celsius.

Dave Brown, Managing Director, TMD Technologies

“Customers come back time and again because we produce high quality products that are extremely reliable.”

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AEROSPACE TMD TECHNOLOGIES INNOVATION AND SERVICE The complexity of the products means development cycles can be anything up to three years while production volumes often range from one or two up to twenty a month. But the emphasis, as Dave confirms, is on innovation and service: “We’re delivering new technologies and capabilities through our customers’ drive and our own investment. We invest around 10% of turnover in new products and deliver innovative products to a very high level of service. “We can achieve exceptionally low amplifier noise levels to make radars able to detect smaller targets at longer ranges or achieve new modes to do ground imaging or whatever the requirements. We work with customers to put that innovation into those products, their requirements often at the extreme limit of performance.” All that’s only possible through the partnership approach that extends to suppliers as well as customers, providing standard and bespoke components and sub-assemblies. “We’re starting to have much greater involvement with suppliers in internal manufacturing readiness and design reviews so they help us design cost out of products,” states Dave. “Getting involved at that stage means we are aware of issues we could be potentially designing in and ensure we don’t. As well as maintaining the highest quality and reliability, we also design to the right price point.” These relationships helped TMD following a recent request from a key US radar systems provider for a 50% increase in production rate — to help it deliver an order for its end user. This was achieved despite only thir-

TMD Technologies premises in Hayes, Middlesex

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High voltage power supply assembly ty days’ notice by a combination of lengthened shifts, hard work and organisation — with the help of a responsive worldwide supplier base that enabled commitments to the end customer to be met.

TRAINING INVESTMENT The success of the company is partly due to a recognition that it’s only as good as the sum of its parts and central to that is a workforce where a good proportion is professional engineering staff. The long-term aim in respect of that, as Dave outlines, is to keep standards high: “We have graduate schemes with various universities and work closely with Cambridge University and Brunel on various schemes. We have ongoing research with Huddersfield, Strathclyde and Nottingham Universities, employ two PhD graduates and invest heavily in training inside TMD.

“We’re additionally funding more training through the Sharing In Growth programme so we’re really upskilling the workforce. Having that continually refreshing technological base of people and ensuring we invest in their skills, keeps us able to compete on the world stage. It’s not cheap to do but it’s what we need to ensure the UK is competitive and TMD is a key component of that.” The company’s participation in the Sharing In Growth programme is intended to modernise and transform the business. It fits in perfectly with TMD’s partnership approach, effectively being a partner with the government and the Sharing In Growth organisation to co-fund a large investment in improving people, practices and processes to ensure the business is fit for the future. The company has successfully completed the evaluation phase and is well into the second phase of the 3-4 year programme.

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AEROSPACE TMD TECHNOLOGIES Although still relatively early days, participation in the programme is seen as an opportunity that’s already yielding results.

FUTURE GROWTH “It takes us a long time to find new orders so we probably haven’t seen new ones yet, but we’re certainly seeing improvements in efficiency and profitability right from the early stages,” says Dave. “One outcome will be us moving through development much more rapidly, enabling us to win new customers. We expect all growth over the next three years will be new products for new or existing customers. We’ll keep our baseline size based upon repeat business for current customers and all growth will be driven by investment in new products and accessing new markets.” That investment has seen the development of new products that include a range of microwave power modules with tightly integrated power supplies and travelling wave tubes. These have halved the weight and volume of existing products while increasing efficiency and being produced at a lower cost. As a result, they’re extremely popular with customers where size and weight are key attributes and are expected to contribute greatly to the business over the next few years. The range of microwave power modules is being expanded into a higher frequency band, the Ka band, and there’s a range of instrumentation amplifiers offering a real step change in capability as well as remote diagnostics through internet connectivity. Added to those are new solid state microwave power modules with a broad power range, the first to be

Precision microwave tube assembly at TMD Technologies

Charlotte Gumbs (SiG) and Jeff Boyle (SiG) discuss the Value Stream Map with Luke Wetherell (Tubes Manufacturing Manager, TMD Technologies, in the centre)

“Sharing In Growth is an enabler and facilitator for growth. We have to apply improved practices, techniques and processes from it to new products and find customers for those new products”

designed, developed and built in-house and particularly suited to the electronic warfare market. “Sharing In Growth is an enabler and facilitator for growth. We have to apply improved practices, techniques and processes from it to new products and find customers for those new products,” remarks Dave. “It’s a really exciting time for TMD. We have a broad range of new products, some really talented young engineers driving those products through and some very excited customers waiting to integrate them into their products for the aerospace market.”

www.tmd.co.uk Telephone: 020 8573 5555

Ground Mobile Radar (courtesy Thales Raytheon Systems)

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AEROSPACE TMD TECHNOLOGIES

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING GOVERNMENT DIGITAL

PROCUREMENT FOR THE DIGITAL AGE A change in the way information systems can be delivered

An initiative aimed at easing procurement by public sector bodies in departments of the UK government of commodity IT services, the G-Cloud scheme has quickly provided a number of benefits. It gives businesses an established procurement framework, while the promotion of innovative technologies delivers faster, profitable advantages alongside reduced costs. There is no long term commitment, flexibility to choose from a comprehensive set of products including open source technology, and a choice of several services that have been accredited at an official level. G-Cloud, using a centralised procurement framework, can gain access to more than 800 suppliers and more than 7,000 services across all types of cloud-based service models. This

includes public, private and hybrid from the GCloud Digital Marketplace. Through a legally compliant framework it provides public sector organisations a way in which they can buy commodity pay-as-you-go services, as a cheaper alternative to traditionally sourced ICT. Simple and transparent, GCloud is easy to use. Indeed, users have already noted rapid implementation of days and weeks not months or years, making buying easier and saving on costs. The G-Cloud consists of a series of framework agreements with suppliers, from which public sector organisations can call on services without needing to run a full tender or competition procurement process. Through the online store – or “digital marketplace” - public sector bodies can search for services that are covered by the G-Cloud frameworks.

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"By creating a competitive marketplace, the G-Cloud framework will constantly encourage service providers to improve the quality and value of the solutions they offer, reducing the cost to taxpayers and suppliers," said Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, when launching the services. "It gives SMB suppliers of niche products the same opportunities as bigger organisations supplying services." Examples of G-Cloud’s services includes word processing, email, electronic records management, system hosting, enterprise resource planning, office productivity applications and customer relationship management. "Using cloud solutions that have already been secured and accredited will almost always be less expensive, and we will only pay for what we use. We will also know from the outset the cost of the product and, importantly, the cost of

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Arcus

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“If you look at what the rest of Europe is doing it’s clear the UK is far more advanced. Part of the reason is cultural. The UK has a legacy of being far more open to contracting with global suppliers” exit from contracts that will be no longer than 12 months," said Maude. Following the service beginning in 2012, more than 700 suppliers – 80% of which were small or medium sized enterprises – were part of the framework within 12 months. £18.2m of sales were made by April 2013 and with the adoption of the Cloud First policy in the UK in late February 2014 sales continued to grow. In fact, reports in 2014 said the figure was around £50m. Massimiliano Claps, research director at IDC believes the UK is far more advanced in its pursuit of pushing cloud services in the public sector than most countries. He said: “If you look at what the rest of Europe is doing it’s clear the UK is far more advanced. Part of the reason is cultural. The UK has a legacy of

being far more open to contracting with global suppliers. If you look at Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and to some extent Northern Europe, they more often than not rely on local vendors. And none of them are really releasing guidelines on how to procure these services in a consolidated way.” G-Cloud is definitely performing better than similar initiatives taken elsewhere – like the US, which recently cancelled its public sector cloud app store initiative. “It’s generating an impact beyond the Cloud Store. It generates awareness across government, and has created the right context for the pan-government accreditation mechanism – which even though it was slow to get approval, created a good environment for buying by reducing the burden on government depart-

ments when it comes to auditing.” Building upon its success, the Government Digital Service (GDS) must aim to raise awareness of its existence. Research carried out last year suggested 90% of UK small business owners were entirely unaware of G-Cloud. It means there’s room for improvement in terms of choice. Furthermore, GDS must clarify its intentions as it looks to the long term future. Some commentators have suggested a “roadmap” showing how G-Cloud will work over the next few years. This would be beneficial not just to buyers but suppliers as well and could detail how it plans to move forward. Will it be a case of building all the components around Government-as-a-Platform or integration of commercial off-the-shelf solutions to clarify interface standards. Currently, the G-Cloud 5 (G5) framework will be available on the Digital Marketplace for another six months. The extension has been put in place to ensure continuity of service for customers during the development of G-Cloud 7. G5 is now due to end 22 November 2015.

www.digitalmarketplace.service.gov.uk

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING BEST OF BRITISH

MANUFACTURING AT ITS BEST Despite the renown dip in manufacturing since the 1970s, where UK manufacturing contributed approximately 25% of GDP, the UK still ranks second globally in the aerospace arena and has seen great prosperity in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. Manufacturing has always been something that the UK excels at, and this isn't likely to change any time soon. With manufacturing currently account for only a tenth of the British economy, one might think it a bleak picture for the UK manufacturing sector, however reports suggest that British factories are in fact in the midst of a resurgence. In a recent survey it was shown that the balance of manufacturers reporting a rise in domestic sales rose during the second quarter of the year to the highest degree since records actually began in 1989, showing great signs for the future of the industry. It is not, however simply an increase in the number of sales, but an overall change in the economic landscape for the UK manufacturing sector whereupon new markets and new arenas have been located by ingenious manufacturing companies. China, Russia and India have increasingly become more important in the UK exports market, with a great deal of work brought back home from some of the world's most prominent industrial emerging market powers such as China – something that has greatly assisted in supporting the market. So why is there a sudden surge in the market? Sources suggest that it is the British reputation for productivity, efficiency and quality which has been opening up new opportunities in the market for reputable manufacturers such as for

Future Advanced Manufacture, one of the companies spearheading Britain's manufacturing revival. Craig Peterson, Managing Director of Future AM commented: "We're getting enquiries all the time. Even though we're a little bit more expensive, with the cost of shipping (from China), lead time problems and the quality issues, we're seeing a lot work coming back now.” Of those industries currently performing, British-built bicycles have seen impressive leaps in sales, jumping up to approximately 70% last year as the industry adapts in line with the wider cycling boom. Adrian Williams, managing director of Stratford-upon-Avon based manufacturer Pashley, the UK’s second-biggest bicycle manufacturer, said: “We have seen a general upswing in demand for British products.” This growth can be attributed partly to the popularity of Tour de France, held in Yorkshire and well reputed for inspiring people into a healthier, more fitness-conscious lifestyle. Alongside the surge in popularity for riding bikes, there had been a corresponding 70% year-on-year growth in the number of bikes being produced in Britain, with the numbers more than doubling to 120,000 in three years since 2011, the exact point at which British cycling was underlined at the London Olympics and at the Tour de France. British

Cycling Campaigns Manager Martin Key commented on the increased demand and popularity of bikes, whilst also urging changes in transport infrastructure to facilitate the sustained interest, saying: “With so many people now riding their bikes regularly, it’s time that the proper transport infrastructure is put in place to allow them to get around safely and in the manner that many of our European counterparts currently enjoy,” he said.

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING PRODUMAX LIMITED

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PURE ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE Produmax specialises in developing innovative manufacturing techniques for a wide range of industries, including aerospace; telecommunications; mechanical engineering and medical devices

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It would be fair to say that quality is always one of the foremost concerns for manufacturers and engineers across all disciplines, however the importance of quality manufacturing still varies from sector to sector. It is obviously however that key flight critical components in the aerospace industry cannot afford to be anything short of perfection due to the importance of their reliability within an area where safety is paramount. Produmax has the expertise and capabilities required to consistently deliver high precision, complex, flight-critical components and assemblies such as flaps, steering mechanisms and actuation systems, for the aerospace industry. The company has earned a reputation for overcoming many of the challenges faced with manufacturing these complex parts, often incorporating the use of hard metals and titanium which typically prove difficult to manage. Founded in 1966, Produmax was purchased by current Managing Director, Jeremy Ridyard in 1997 to develop and expand the business into the high precision commercial and defence aerospace markets. Having grown from a turnover of £1.4m in 1997 to a turnover of £6m this last year, the company has enjoyed consistent growth of about 10% year upon year under Jeremy's care, and aims to reach an approximate turnover of £10m by 2020 – an ambitious yet achievable

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING PRODUMAX LIMITED goal considering progress to date made possible by the company's acquisition of a new 28,000 sq foot manufacturing plant, which they will be moving into this October. Although UK-based, Produmax is a major supplier of its parts to the global aerospace industry, exporting 70-80% of its products internationally to areas of the world such as the Philippines, North America and North Africa. Not only is the company's global competitiveness a testament to its own build quality, but it also showcases Produmax's parts as representative of leading edge British manufacturing. Of course, Produmax doesn't only stand out in the arena of quality, but also in areas such as flexibility, design and cost effectiveness, which have each allowed for the company to take on a number of new programmes and work. But what allows the company to continually offer a service which excels in all of these areas is their dedication to investment. Viewing investment as the key to their success in the coming years, Produmax displays a consistent commitment to advancing its operations through new technologies, processes and training schemes for its staff. As mentioned above, the company has invested in new premises through which it hopes to facilitate increased growth and overall efficiencies across the board. Jeremy explains the facility further and the ways in which he hopes it will open up new

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“The Sharing in Growth programme has highlighted just how much of an open mind you need to take on new processes and new products.

capabilities and the potential to reach a turnover in excess of £20m: “We're moving into a purpose-built facility on a high-tech business park that has been developed by Bradford Council. The AMRC virtual reality centre in Rotherham has helped produce a solid model fly-through of the layout which has been invaluable to us – it’s allowed us to plan each and every unit to ensure a seamless fit before we even move in. The new factory will have a large amount of lights-out automation so we can take advantage of weekend and night working, where we will have robotic loading and automation, thus allowing Produmax to compete on price with the emerging and Low Cost Ecomomies. The processes involved in that include a lot of on-machine probing and real time process control, and allow us to be comfortable enough to run the parts unmanned through the weekend on the easier operations and do the technical, clever parts when it's

manned during the day.” Produmax was also selected as one of 40 aerospace suppliers to take part in the government sponsored Sharing in Growth scheme. Commenting on Produmax's involvement with the scheme, Jeremy explains: “one great achievement for Produmax is that we were selected onto the UK Sharing in Growth Aerospace Programme. The minimum entry level is £10m turnover and employment of 100 people, but because of the ambitions and culture of the company and our bold new building proposals, we were accepted onto the programme with £5m and 50 people. It really was quite a stretch for the management team to take on all the new skills and training programmes when the framework was designed for a company more than twice our size, however the fact it's gone so well is tantamount to the hard work of all our employees. “The Sharing in Growth programme has

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highlighted just how much of an open mind you need to take on new processes and new products. We have a very open relationship with most of our customers and we're always prepared to try a different or fresh approach. If you're not trying new things, then you're just not learning.” Produmax also understands the importance of not simply using the right materials for the right job, but also sourcing such materials from the right supplier, to the required standard. As such, the company works closely with many of its key supply chain members to ensure that standards are maintained across the board and that all suppliers demonstrate advanced innovation techniques in line with Produmax's own pioneering nature. “Particularly with certain, key raw material and treatment suppliers, it's a case of managing the processing of the parts all the way through their route to ensure we don't get any damage on the end components.

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overcome the structural complications there were a lot of check and measure cuts, and analysis of stress in the raw materials and throughout the process to deliver a solution within the confines of the original design.” Looking to the future there are clear ambitions for continued growth, both in terms of turnover and overall efficiencies and standards of service. Through the company's new, purpose-built factory, the Sharing in Growth process and investment in extensive employee training and new technology, we have no doubt that Produmax will have the means to deliver an increasingly broad and excellent level of product and service to an everexpanding customer base. The future looks bright for Produmax.

www.produmax.co.uk Handling is a critical aspect of the treatment process and so we work closely with a number of our treatment suppliers and visit on a regular basis to look at how to improve the processes,” explains Jeremy further. This embedded approach to supply chain partnerships has allowed for the company to gain mutual understandings with supply chain members so that both are able to tailor their respective aims and services in line with one another; however it's crucial to note that this slant is not used solely with the suppliers, but also with the company's customers and their leading designers. “We work the best when we're entrenched into the customer's processes as opposed to being a stand-off supplier,” explains Jeremy, noting that through a more integrated approach towards working with customers, again Produmax is able to offer a far more flexible service in line with their needs, and assist in the design process often inspiring new concepts or processes. Of course, due to Produmax's highly specialised area of operation, the company regularly has to overcome new challenges and requirements as defined by customers. On a day to day basis these challenges are things which Produmax's flexible approach to business are able to handle seamlessly, allowing customers to have faith in their ability to deliver consistently. Commenting on some of the more difficult issues which the company has managed to overcome in recent times, Jeremy explains: “The biggest challenges have been the weight limitations on some of the more modern, commercial aircraft where we've had to manufacture parts as thinly as possible to reduce their weight. To

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING SAFTRONICS CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD

TRUSTED SUPPLIERS Saftronics specialise in the creation of process control and automation systems incorporating the design, manufacture and installation of low voltage assemblies

Serving as an industry-leading specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of process automation and power distribution services, Saftronics is a company which offers a complete service for clients across all industry sectors including: power, water, transport, oil and gas, and chemical. Key product areas for the company cover motor control centres, control panels, LV switchboards and PLC systems where the company is regarded as an expert in its field. Providing world-class equipment and a customer-centric service, it's no surprise that the company has earned such a highly esteemed reputation for quality and client-care. “For us,

it's very much about the service – we're all about assessing the customer's needs and developing a solution,” explains Mark Godfrey, Managing Director of Saftronics. Originally founded in 1979 as a joint venture between RF Winder and Saftronics Pty in South Africa, the company initially set out to provide DC Drive Systems into a number of industries, predominantly for the steel industry. In the early 80s the company started to evolve and produced the first soft-start units available within the UK, signalling a movement from DC drives to AC drives. Having achieved considerable success within this industry, Saftronics slowly turned its gaze towards the production of motor control sys-

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tems which is, to this day where the company maintains its focus and ambitions. Of course, as the company's focus changed, so did the way in which Satronics did business. Playing a key role In the company's evolution was the way in which metalwork was designed, produced and sourced as explained by Mark: “At that time we were purchasing steel work from third parties as the basis for our panels, but in the early 90's we decided to design our own range of metal work for which we successfully gained accreditation and ASTA certification. That's what we still use today. We design our own steelwork in 3D and we use a supplier to produce the metal to our design and we'll then assemble and populate the panel to meet

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING SAFTRONICS CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD the customer’s requirements.” What this enables for Saftronics is a greater control over the metalwork used in its systems and better integration of the components within that design. In fact, Saftronics metalworking and design capabilities are what effectively enable the company to compete on a national and global scale against the best of the best in the industry. Produced using the latest CNC metal forming technology Saftronics’ SafSmart steelwork product on which the majority of its panels are based is assembled from a range of pre-formed galvanised and painted pieces which allows multiple varieties of sizes and overall dimensions to suit each application. What this does is reduce the shop-floor build time due to the ease of assembly whilst simultaneously retaining the strengths and integrity of traditional enclosures – all the benefits, but none of the drawbacks. Commenting further on how Saftronics' approach to metalwork allows the company to

“WE WILL WORK WITH THE CUSTOMER TO ACTIVELY GENERATE NOVEL, BESPOKE SOLUTIONS WITH SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED METALWORK TO PROVIDE A FINAL SOLUTION WHICH WILL FIT EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEED”

better provide for its customers and overcome challenges other like-companies would be able to, Mark explains: “Motor control centres are technologically quite straight forward, incorporating power components, relays, tmers and PLC systems, and so to try and get a USP is quite difficult. What we've done is just that. We get a range of customers where a standard product will simply not meet their needs. In these cases we will work with the customer to actively generate novel, bespoke solutions with specifically designed metalwork to provide a final solution which will fit exactly what they need. We can put corner sections in, U-shaped panels, busbar bridges, multiple height sections and basically anything the client could want within the bounds of possibility. An example of where this approach has paid off for Saftronics lies in the company's recent completion of a tidal barrier project. As part of the project, Saftronics provided a quotation for the supply of a control desk. The installation was particularly difficult with the desk having to be transported up a number of flights of stairs and through a tight corridor. No conventional control desk would have been able to be transported to its final position due to the complexities of the route. Saftronics’ approach was to provide a desk that could be readily broken down into manageable parts allowing easy handling and rapid rebuild in position. Saftronics’ 3D design systems and bespoke manufacturing processes ensured that a workable solution could be devel-

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“THE REAL VALUE IS IN OUR STRATEGIC THINKING, NOT THE NUTS AND BOLTS WE USE IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS” oped which helped to secure the contract. Having benefited from the advanced controls afforded to the company in bringing the design of metalwork in-house, in 2001 Saftronics also made the move to also produce the required software for its clients in-house also, establishing and earning the required accreditation for its own SCADA software team. “When TickIT accreditation came in, which was an extension of ISO9001, we were one of the first in our field to get the accreditation. That changed in 2014 to become TickIt Plus, however once again we were one of the first within the UK to achieve that – there were around 30 companies in total when we earned it. We've stayed well ahead of the game in that one,” added Mark. Backed up by the company's wealth of

industry experience and the understanding of relative client needs, it is the integration of inhouse services such as software and metalwork design which have allowed Saftronics to truly come into its own as a company capable of both understanding and delivering to the specification of highly differential clients. Commenting further on the way in which Saftronics assumes a “problem solving” approach to business, Mark explains: “BMW sells a car and so does Skoda. However, whilst they both use metal, plastic and hundreds of components, each produces a very different vehicle with very different differentiators and target audiences to mind... Equally there are other process control companies and, whilst I cannot speak for them, I know that our differentiation is more about service,

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problem solving, complete solutions and providing a quality product, more than it will ever be about the mere supply of 'products' in their own right. The real value is in our strategic thinking, not the nuts and bolts we use in the manufacturing process.” With Saftronics, there is a degree of handholding for clients, whereupon the company will sit down with clients and work through every aspect of their needs, the challenges to be faced, how these can be overcome and everything that the client may need to do in order to ensure satisfaction. This is only possible because of the sheer expertise and intelligence displayed by Saftronics' own team of engineers who are able to undertake a number of on-site surveys for the state of existing panels, the potential for extension, re-use and the respective lifespan of a panel. Additionally, the company also partners with other organisations able to offer even further levels of assessment such as harmonic surveys and power quality surveys to ensure that anything and everything can be taken care of for the customer. In short, a service which is second to none.

www.saftronics.co.uk

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING CEPAC RAWCLIFFE

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS Cepac is the UK’s leading independent integrated corrugated packaging and display provider

Established in 1999, Cepac Ltd.’s progressive approach to business, incorporating ongoing strategic investment in the latest corrugator and conversion technology for the packaging industry, has seen it develop an enviable reputation within the market. In a short space of time, Cepac has laid down the foundations for what is currently one of the most modern and successful operations in the UK. Principal operations involve the design and production of a range of corrugated fibreboard packaging. This includes highvolume corrugated containers, retail-ready packaging, highly decorative print to all sectors, and ultra-strength industrial and automotive packaging, with clients in sectors such as FMCG, Distribution, Drinks, Chemicals and White Goods. Specialist niches are also served, with the Automotive, Produce and Furniture markets calling on Cepac’s expertise.

Eager to solidify its position and continue an ambitious growth strategy, the company has made three major acquisitions since December 2012, with the plant at Rawcliffe Bridge in East Yorkshire being one of them. This has allowed it to broaden its range of products and solutions into high-quality print, point-of-sale display and tailormade speciality packaging, establishing Cepac Ltd as the UK’s leading independent corrugated manufacturer. The Rawcliffe site, originally secured as a carve-out business from a competitor (one shift of business with one shift of people), has since enjoyed significant sales growth in its chosen markets. This has funded suitable investment plans in new technology, and set the site on the road to being a full two shift business again, based around innovative solutions for

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING CEPAC RAWCLIFFE industrial and automotive packaging and a plethora of service offerings in the local market for standard conventional type transit packaging. In this way Rawcliffe has commenced re-branding its identity whilst also playing an important role in the rest of the newly formed Group in terms of contingency supply in the FMCG arena. “We're in the midst of some exciting times,” says David Hainsworth, Sales Manager of Cepac Rawcliffe. “We've seen a significant turnaround in terms of business performance, subsequently backed by the Board in terms of investment. Our capital plans which serve as part of a five-year plan are now being enacted and in the last 12 months it has accelerated with new machines and upgrades being installed constantly; this is great for both plant morale and the message to customers both old and new,” remarked David. The site which has a history of supply into the Automotive Sector offers a variety of Kan-Ban and VMI (vendor managed inventory) options for all of its sectors now. Instead of simply operating along the lines of securing and fulfilling the base needs of a client’s contract, Cepac Rawcliffe actively looks to establish ways in which the product and service can be broadened into a comprehensive solution to remove true cost from the supply chain. Not only are its designers and sales staff trusted advisors but even specially trained lorry drivers are often called upon to do inventory analysis at customers’ premises and create orders as part of the offering. But it isn't just in the type of service that Cepac Rawcliffe provides a truly flexible

solution, as this approach also extends to the products themselves and the stance the company takes as a supplier. As David states “We're independent as a business and therefore able to offer independent choice with respect to materials and substrates. Every customer’s requirements are analysed and the most appropriate supply agreement put into place, tailored to suit them. An important part of our offering is we provide consultants rather than just out and out salespeople; that's because we're not really serving customers in a true b2b environment but we like to think of it more as a true partnership, where we can develop a relationship with them.”

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“in the last 12 months it has accelerated with new machines and upgrades being installed constantly; this is great for both plant morale and the message to customers both old and new”

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“We need to ensure we align the sales and manufacturing functions within the business itself, so that investment directly impacts on our offering” Cepac Rawcliffe has gained recognition from existing clients and attracted new ones. The tailored service offers a more malleable solution, accommodating the varying needs of Cepac’s client base and adapting accordingly. In doing so, the company is seeing more and more “doors” open with an increasing array of customers who appreciate this next-level approach to business. “The introduction of ‘The Workshop’, a dedicated and truly unique design resource delivering on-the-day supply chain solutions, ensures our response to customer demand is

market leading. Rawcliffe has an identity with paper and corrugated production that goes back a long way, so it's important we maintain that historical footing which dates back almost 120 years. The Workshop makes the most of the tradition of the site whilst utilising the latest investment in technology and people,” says David. Scott Pudsey, Operations Manager, is notably excited about the future of the business but acknowledges there are challenges ahead. “We've had some considerable investment over the last 12 months, but obviously what we need to do now is look how we can gain a competitive advantage. We need to be flexible with the market. If the market moves in a certain direction then we also need to be ready to adapt to that and move with it.” David adds: “We need to ensure we align the sales and manufacturing functions within the business itself, so that investment directly impacts on our offering and positions us firmly as the partner of choice. Above all Scott and I insist that we do business with integrity, ethics and honesty and

offer customers genuine choice, backed up by hard work in all of the right areas. That's our commitment and it’s echoed from the top of the organisation.” Certainly, Cepac has already proven it has the ability to become a true development partner for its clients within their supply chains. Examples include turnkey services to the automotive supply chain, farm to fork produce packaging for the agricultural and horticultural sectors and flat-pack and transit packs for furniture and white goods manufacturers. No matter which industry you look at, you’ll find followers and innovators. It is the role of the innovator to consistently push the boundaries of both its products and its service delivery. Through selected investment into new technology, clever design and market research Cepac is clearly one such innovator in the high performance packaging and print industry.

For more information contact cepacrawcliffe@cepac.co.uk

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING PANAZ HOLDINGS LTD

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING PANAZ HOLDINGS LTD

DESIGN EXCELLENCE THROUGH TECHNICAL INNOVATION 4

Flying the flag for British design and manufacturing, Panaz is a company that continues to outperform the market. With distinction as a core principle, Panaz has distinguished itself from its competitors, and done so in a way which has proven more than satisfactory. Founded in 1985, Panaz has become an accelerative force in the textiles industry, providing quality fabric for the hospitality, healthcare and commercial industries. It has consistently outstripped its competitors to become one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading suppliers of superior fabric. Honed by CEO and founder Tony Attard OBE FRSA, Panaz is looking to extend its grip, worldwide. The continued success of Panaz can, at least in part, be attributed to the aspirational, yet modest, Attard who has received extraordinary acclaim. In receipt of awards for industry

excellence and the strength of his managerial philosophies, this director is one unwavering in his course: Panaz is set to be world-leading. Panaz is celebrated as forerunner in the development and dissemination of flame retardant fabrics across sectors and has accumulated a horde of trademarks during its 30 years of success. Moreover, it makes use of a unique, multi-layered fabric composition which incorporates an anti-microbial layer, fluorocarbon stain resistance, the base cloth, a waterproof barrier and a final flame retardant layer. The singular development of several of these layers is, in itself, new. The compilation of these layer is, then, revolutionary. Tony Attard asserts that Panaz's anti-microbial treatment has, in fact, been key to securing business overseas in the US. It has been implemented in the private healthcare setting, applied to hospital cubicle curtains to eradicate the potentially deadly transmission

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of microbes. As he explains, “It reduces the rate of hospital-acquired infections which is vitally important. Hospital is an incredibly dangerous place to be and, unfortunately, around 4,000 people die per year from these infections.” A large proportion of Panaz's business is derived from its relationship with the private and public healthcare sector and it was therefore of paramount importance to manufacture a fabric with the capacity to repel or destroy microbes in order to ensure patient health. Panaz more than met that demand, developing several fabrics and fabric-treatments which are unparalleled in their effective destruction of bacterial, viral and fungal micro-organisms. The Shield Plus product, which is the treatment rolled out in the States

and to which Attard refers, has the smart technology to bond and kill harmful microbes efficiently and without fear of causing mutation. This is in response to anxieties raised about the negative consequences of antimicrobial fabrics, including their attribution to the mutation of cells and the rise of the 'Superbug'. By contrast, such a curative measure denies any opportunity for mutation, attracting microbes of various guises in order to destroy them. Shield Plus treatment is effective for the entire life of the fabric and capable of killing various microbes which are prevalent in a healthcare setting. This includes the particularly deadly C. difficile bacteria, even when it its vegetative state. Panaz is not just ticking the boxes and continues to drive industry standards with its

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ethic of innovation and excellence. Though applicable to various levels of its operation, including its approach to customer service and the efficiency of its UK supply chain, it is in the products themselves where Panaz makes its supremacy most apparent. This is a firm which, while striving for innovation and the manufacture of durable fabrics, never loses sight of consumer needs. The sophisticated technology implemented throughout Panaz products never comes at the cost of their overall aesthetic design. As Tony Attard points out: “Nobody wants to buy it unless it looks great as well. Some of our clients are amongst the most discerning in

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING PANAZ HOLDINGS LTD

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“We utilise the strength of the textiles industry in the North West and work with a number of suppliers who innovate new products.” Tony Attard, CEO

the world, you're talking about international designers who have a huge choice of products and yet they choose ours over a number of competitors globally, so we must be doing something right.” Panaz is responsible for the supply of fabric to the Premier Inn chain globally and also accommodates the cruise ship market. Recently, the company decked out the Queen Mary II with its durable, inherently flameretardant fabrics. And indeed, these products are truly beautiful and a significant motivator for clients. Elegant and well-made, the products are compiled into ranges, memorably named and exuding luxury. With such a secure business model, it comes as no surprise that the company has recently consolidated three of its former sites into one, creating a more expansive facility. The new premises are located at Bentley Wood Way, Hampton, just outside Burnley, and were opened to guests and staff on July 1st this year. At 90,000 sq. ft. in total, the site comprises 20,000 sq. ft. of office space which houses a new design studio, a fully furnished showroom and two other areas dedicated to finance, management, sales order processing and production planning. The remaining 70,000 sq ft are allocated to manufacturing

and distribution space. The site will make for a more efficient and organised set up, allowing Panaz to grow in the future. Growth is a core principle by which Panaz is directed. The Bentley Wood Way site enables Panaz to incorporate new developments as they're conceived. Tony Attard explains the latest: “One of the things we have made a big investment in over the last few months, and which is an important aspect in facilitating the success of the new premises, is the investment in new digital manufacturing. Basically, it means our printing facility is now completely online so we can offer a faster service and bespoke designs to our customers, as well as being able to bring new products to the market more quickly.” Undeniably, the company owes its ability to sustain this combination of aesthetically pleasing and technologically progressive fabrics to its close relationship with suppliers. Heralding from the North West of the UK, Panaz benefits from the historically prosperous region which is home to a number of its key suppliers. Tony Attard states: “We utilise the strength of the textiles industry in the North West and work with a number of suppliers who innovate new products. This thereby enables us to access all sorts of different expertise, whether its in chemistry, material science or processing science. We actually develop programmes of innovation using those key members of the supply chain.” “We do look overseas for new innovations and the supply of price-sensitive components but if you're a progressive company, you have to have a good understanding with the local supply chain in order to innovate.” The Shield Plus programme and its implementation on cubicle curtains, aforementioned, is testament to Panaz's collaborative ethic. The company are reliant upon developing market product differentiators and it is within exceptional technology that Panaz excels. Its products are informed by the wealth of knowledge its UK supply chain brings to development and, for CEO Attard, maintaining their UK base is vitally important for continuing to fulfil their aims of quality and pioneering fabrics. As such, Panaz is committed to its core objective, design excellence, and can only get bigger in the exports market – something which we eagerly anticipate observing. www.panaz.com

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING MADE IN YORKSHIRE

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING MADE IN YORKSHIRE

BUY LOCAL THINK GLOBAL leading industry trade show Manufactured yorkshire demonstrates that the british manufacturing industry is gaining considerable speed

Some consider the days of manufacturing and industry in the UK to be dead, and for a brief historic period this may have been somewhat the case, however times are changing and the UK manufacturing and engineering industry has been gaining considerable speed. With British manufacturing already being highly regarded for its quality and sturdy engineering, the last few years have been more about bringing that quality to an increasing number of companies and showcasing British engineering standards. Free for manufacturers and buyers of any type to attend, Manufactured Yorkshire (MY15) is a leading trade show which brings together manufacturers of all shapes and sizes to provide industryrelevant benefits and opportunities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cutting to the chase, we're giving you value for time and money,â&#x20AC;? explains MY15, which traditionally attracts over 1,000 delegates over a two day period and is a must-see for any and all manufacturing industry professionals.

This year, Manufactured Yorkshire was overjoyed to see eight different countries travel to Huddersfield for the second Manufactured Yorkshire Trade Show to "Buy Local, Think Global". USA, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Thailand and Russia joined Yorkshire manufacturers across the engineering and food & drink sectors to point out the export opportunities for each country and detail their areas of interest. The purpose of this 2 day forum, which attracted the likes of HS2, Haribo, Cummins Turbo Technologies and central government was to strengthen supply chains regionally, nationally and internationally to bolster reshoring, raise Yorkshire's profile as a leader in Circular Economy and get more of the regions manufacturers involved in major contract opportunities. Amongst the interactive workshops, Meet the Buyer sessions with Cummins Inc, HS2, Team Humber Marine Alliance, Morrisons and ASDA, the international focus carried on throughout the show with an International exhibition stand amongst

nearly 100 manufacturers and suppliers across the show. On the second day of MY15, 8 UKTI Commercial Officers presented the opportunities within their market of expertise for Yorkshire food and drink producers as well as businesses in the Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing sector. Chrissie Slater, Event Director of MY15 commented: "Doing business overseas is essential for the growth and expansion of British companies. Exporting has a positive impact on staffing, productivity, financial performance and longevity. Yorkshire manufactured products are very popular overseas due to a number of reasons. Yorkshire food and drink stands for high quality and is loved by many consumers overseas. Besides this, a large number of expats has to be taken into account; who always love to get a little taste of home. For that reason, overseas opportunities should be exploited by Yorkshire companies. As a key sponsor, UKTI has worked very hard to make these opportunities available to Engineering and Food & Drinks Manufacturers at MY15."

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING OLYMPUS TECHNOLOGIES

HIGH QUALITY TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS Olympus Technologies specialise in industrial Robotics & Automation and Welding Technologies.

Olympus Technologies has a diverse product portfolio from distributing welding and cutting products to integrating robots for all industrial applications. Formed as a subsidiary of a local mining equipment manufacturer it has been independent since 1987. The progression from manual welding and cutting products, to automated welding and cutting with robots continues to expand into all market sectors. Although specialising in welding and cutting, robot systems are also supplied to diverse industries from soft furnishing manufacture to production of steel railway sleepers. Olympus has a track record of delivering turnkey automation solutions fulfilling customers’ ambitions and ensuring the repeatable quality of the finished product. The company’s niche is working with the customer to solve problems and provide bespoke solutions that cannot be ‘bought off the shelf’. Olympus is committed to long term

partnership with their customers with aftersales support ensuring value is derived from the projects for many years. It is satisfying when customers return to entrust Olympus with subsequent projects. Olympus has a long-standing partnership with the German company Reis Robotics who are now part of KUKA Industries. They have delivered a large number of projects including automation of assembly, handling, die-casting, plastic injection moulding, laser processing, machine tending, palletising and welding and cutting. In the last 3 years, Olympus has also partnered with Universal Robots to provide an affordable entry point for SMEs to start the automation journey. The 3 models of collaborative UR robots are fast to set up, easy to program and flexible to deploy enabling customers, with assistance from Olympus, to achieve rapid returns on their investment. With their innovative safety features, the UR Robots can often be used alongside people without the need, expense and restriction of additional guarding.

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING OLYMPUS TECHNOLOGIES

The original product base is still dear to the heart of Olympus with a local trade counter for welding and cutting tools and BOC industrial gases. Years of experience with national distribution of Dinse welding tools and ESS machines equip Olympus with the right solution for all, be it a local car body repair or an aerospace component in some exotic alloy. The latest technology is applied to provide high quality with even the most difficult of welding processes. From well-stocked premises in Huddersfield, Olympus delivers parts to customers across the UK and Ireland with a next day service. The location is also convenient for visiting any customer requiring technical support. Not resting on laurels, Olympus is pushing technology forwards participating in research funded by The Technology Strategy Board and the EU using robots and lasers. Their excellent relationships with The Welding Institute, AMRC and the Innovation Centre of the University of Huddersfield (3MBIC) mean robots from Olympus are being used by researchers and students alike. “As we grow our business, we have recruited additional welding experience and are pleased with the success employing student interns to drive forward our Engineering and Marketing priorities” said Adam Swallow, General Manager at Olympus. “We will be supplementing our engineering skills too as the number of projects increases.”

www.olympustechnologies.co.uk

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING HOLTEX

A SERVICE BUILT AROUND YOU Holtex is a yorkshire based precision engineering company, specialising in prototype or low volume manufacturing.

It’s an exciting time for Holtex founder Aaron Holt who took the ambitious decision to set up his own precision engineering company last year. Recognising that for many large engineering businesses getting components from concept to finished assembly can mean all the difference when trying to win business or reinforce existing contracts, Holtex was conceived as the solution to this problem. The company, a specialist provider in prototype or low volume manufacturing, was built upon its founder’s experience working within the supply chain for a leading OEM where he had witnessed first-hand the difficulties in trying to meet customer demand, which was seemingly always pushing for improvements on delivery. Holtex is geared directly towards com-

batting this anomaly. Success has been rapid and sustained. “Holtex grew from pretty much nothing in 2014 to a solid and diverse customer portfolio,” says Holt. “We support a major automotive client and have developed some fantastic relationships with other customers. To meet demand, Holtex invested in purchasing new machinery (including a Doosan DNM 400 II) and set up a design studio in collaboration with SJR Engineering, something which we hope to expand throughout 2015.” The company is also targeting further investment with the purchase of additional machinery, which could increase capacity by up to 50%. Utilising the latest technology, equipment and supplier management techniques Holtex aims to be the one stop supplier for engineering require-

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ments. This approach is founded on the principles of high standards and short lead times. This has led to some very interesting projects. “At the moment we are looking in some detail at cycle time optimisation for a client that involves introducing helical trochoidal milling paths, something which reduces machine time as well as improves tool life. Much of this has benefited from high quality tooling we’ve been trying out from Fullerton UK,” details Holt. Holtex’s innovative capabilities are a mark of the expertise it possesses but the company’s main area of business is in the application of known technologies or processes to best effect. Holt’s previous work within the supply chain focussed on quality where he received extensive training and support in tools such as Six Sigma and Japanese Lean Management. Therefore,

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING HOLTEX much of what Holtex aims to offer is not just the manufacture of parts but also how those designs may be tweaked to make them cheaper to produce or create a more efficient product. Key to its approach, however, is a customer-centric ethos. “Holtex is predominantly about supporting our customers in the best way possible. We’re very keen to establish ourselves as approachable; customers can speak directly to the machinist on the job to better understand the limitations of manufacture or design.” There is also a strong local element to its work, which supports the skill of British engineers and the UK supply chain. “We feel passionately about Yorkshire and British engineering, something which had seen a decline but appears to be picking up in recent years. We believe that honest skilled workmen “down the road” can be a valid solution opposed to subcontracting abroad. “Holtex works with quite a large supply chain, bringing in raw material, fabricated parts, cutting and machine tools. Much of that structure is in line with our belief that supporting the local engineering community should be a priority. Without our suppliers we wouldn’t be able to provide the flexibility of service we aim for, so being able to have them on the end of the phone or 15 minutes in the car is a real benefit.” It’s definitely a case of onwards and upwards for this Holmfirth-based engineering solutions provider. Indeed, the company can now boast another string to its bow after achieving the ISO 9001/2008 accreditation at the first time of trying.

www.holtex.eu Tel: 0757 286 2598

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING MINDACADEMY

MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING MAGAZINE

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING MINDACADEMY

LEAD IT COACH IT COMMUNICATE IT Mindacademy is providing a unique opportunity to highly technical industries such as aerospace, rail and automotive; where it is more important than ever to have a clear business vision

Within the modern business world it is as important as ever to offer a competitive product or service, yet often it is the case that this alone is not enough to ensure commercial success. Beyond the base provision of a product or service there are three core principles which must be ingrained into the very spirit of a company: effective leadership, coaching for success and excellent communications. Even in highly technical industries such as aerospace, rail and automotive it is crucial for organisations to maintain a sharp wit, a positive attitude towards business and a clear vision which can be pursued. Indeed, with many of the companies we have spoken to over the years it is the creation, realization and communication of a corporate vision which serves as the underlying foundation for any and all commercial success. Without vision, passion and the ability to create positive behaviours, leaders and their respective organisations will be unable to achieve their maximum potential and be all that

they can be. “Ideas without application are just ideas,” laments Mark Jennings, one of the three founders of MINDacademy. Presenting a unique opportunity for businesses to grow, MINDacademy brings a fresh approach which aims to engage minds and allow business leaders to exceed all expectations creating the right behaviours. MINDacademy promotes a positive attitude towards business backed up by experience, effective communication and the knowledge required to succeed. This is achieved through the open sharing of information and personal experiences with MINDacademy's clients over the last 25 years. This wealth of knowledge is then shared through a series of monthly leadership workshops, coaching sessions and communication techniques – each of which connects with one another creating a structured twelvemonth programme. Of course, how could an organisation claim to promote positivity, shared visions and the sharing of information if it too, did not follow a

similar approach internally? MINDacademy is built on a solid business mode; however what really defines the organisation is the partnership, friendship and unity of the three founding MINDacademy partners: Catharine Brooks – leadership consultant, Mark Jennings – business and executive coach and Ellen G Kay – communications expert. Through working closely together this partnership is able to make a real difference within companies, as Mark explains: ”It’s about creating behavioural change which creates greater results both personally and professionally.” MINDacademy aims to achieve an ambitious goal, which is to drive businesses and leaders to achieve beyond their own expectations by following in the footsteps of other highly successful and talented businesspeople such as Steve Jobs, known for being the cofounder and public face of Apple. He was a visionary who focused on behavioural change and became an excellent communicator. Naturally, it's easier said than done to follow

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in the footsteps of Apple when considering how you may be able to apply the ingenuity of Steve Jobs to other, less consumer or designled industries; however this is where MINDacademy's experience really makes a difference. Explaining how the creation and management of a vision can lead businesses down a similar path, Ellen comments: “The reason we call it the MINDacademy is because everything starts from creating the right internal mindset. If you are minded to make things happen then you will make them happen. It comes from having a clear vision, having a goal and taking action.” Additionally, looking at each partner from MINDacademy there is a singular consistency in the level of both experience and success which each of them has had across a number of technical industry sectors which often struggle to maintain the same positive, ambitious and motivated behaviour within companies such as Apple. Through the combination of this experience, anything is possible. MINDacademy is unlike any other development organisation with a dedicated twelvemonth programme for aspiring business professionals where individuals can truly engross themselves in the programme and its messages as opposed to dipping in and out of a variety of workshops. MINDacademy will show you a range of leadership techniques over twelve months, use coaching skills to embed a new leadership mindset into your organisation and

help you communicate the changes to a wider audience. “This unique solution of leadership training, supported by coaching and proven communication formulas will deliver behavioural change and drive a positive effect on your business,” explains Mark. Once people have registered (free), each and every new member receives a personal call from Mark to touch base with you on a more personal level, developing an early relationship and mutual understanding of your goals, ambitions and what the programme can effectively provide for you from the outset. “It's the people that make the difference and what we're passionate about are the people sat down in front of us. We want to know a little bit about them so that we can make the programme about them and not about us.” says Mark. By personalising the courses in line with the respective goals and ambitions of each and every member, MINDacademy isn't simply a cookie-cutter development programme to suit all, but the provider of a reactive service which responds to the changing needs and expectations of its members. This then effectively allows MINDacademy to offer a programme that suits all, by developing new ways for new people. Looking at the partnership itself, behind each of the three MINDacademy partners lies a distinct and unique skillset, with each partner bringing something different yet equally essential to the partnership. Of course, this also means that the success of the business depends on the individual performance of each partner, so collaboration is key; and it is through the unity and shared vision of Catharine, Mark and Ellen which allows MINDacademy to offer three very different forms of business support and training to a consistent high standard.

LEAD IT, COACH IT, COMMUNICATE IT. The programme begins with leadership and Catharine shares over 25 years of experience with FTSE 100 companies and provides leadership techniques that help you transform your passion into results. Having earned her reputation from working with some of the UK's and world's leading organisations, Catharine has the experience required to show individuals exactly where and how they can improve as leaders. She will demonstrate, over the twelve months, specific leadership development techniques including Vision Mission and Goals, Time Management, Impact and Influence and many more. “As a leader, if you want to get your employees demonstrating the right behaviours, you have to demonstrate those same

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behaviours yourself. After all, people believe what they see over and above what they hear you say” says Catharine. “So, if you want to inspire, capture the hearts of and enable those around you to achieve great things, you have to start with yourself.” After the engaging and thought-provoking leadership workshops the programme then shows you how to embed the development and this is where Mark uses proven coaching techniques to create sustained behavioural change. Mark is a successful business and executive coach and with this ‘can-do’ attitude he has earned the respect and admiration of many industry professionals, having spoken as a guest speaker at many national events such as the Confederation of British Industry Awards. Mark is one of the top thirty business coaches from around the world and works with ActionCoach. And of course, with new leaderships skills, an attitude to push towards achieving your goals with proven coaching techniques, it is then through Ellen that you will learn a three step formula for communication success. She has worked as a communications professional with a number of industry-leading organisations such as Capita, Rolls-Royce

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING MINDACADEMY Aerospace, Sharing in Growth and Worldpay. Specialising in helping people to improve their communication skills through sharing practical exercises and a tried and tested approach to supporting the delivery of effective communication both externally and internally across many organisations. Her company also offers communication techniques and the power of three matrix to professional football clients delivering proven results. Of course, what really makes MINDacademy so special is the fact that these three individuals, each with their own unique experiences and expertise have come together with one singular goal, to show others how to follow in the footsteps of giants. The midlands launch is on October 9th. There are a limited number of spaces available so go to www.themindacademy.co.uk for more information and click on the link to register. The event is FREE but places are limited. MEM will also be at the event as we are offering every MINDacademy member an editorial in MEM over the next twelve months. MINDacademy is perfectly aligned to the growth currently being enjoyed by the aerospace industry. Warren Buffett, the world’s most successful and famous investor has just spent $36B on a global aerospace supplier, Rolls-Royce Aerospace has recently won a £4B order from Emirates for their Trent 900 engine and Airbus has just won a £2B order from an Indian Airline. UK supply chain manufacturers

COMMUNICATE IT

LEAD IT

can now harness growth strategies with MINDacademy to enjoy the growth within the aerospace industry. Ellen has worked closely with Sharing in Growth (multi million pound development programme for UK suppliers) for the last two years and with Catharine and Mark will share with you the benefits of leadership, coaching and communications for you to share in the growth of aerospace.

07973205348 www.themindacademy.co.uk

COACH IT

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RAIL RAILTEX

SUCCESS FOR RAILTEX The latest technology, equipment and innovations were exhibited at the most effective Railtex for years

Railtex is the all encompassing showcase for technological innovation across all sectors of the rail supply market. Against a backdrop of continuing investment in rail and significant ongoing projects, Railtex provides a timely opportunity for companies serving the rail market to highlight their capabilities and showcase their products and services. Nearly 7,500 rail industry professionals visited the recent Railtex 2015 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham from 12 to 14 May. A total of 468 leading suppliers took part in the successful show, presenting their latest technology, equipment and innovations during an event regarded as the most effective Railtex for years. Participants included many of the best known firms supplying the UK rail market. There was a high-profile presence by Bombardier Transportation, which is currently delivering new trains for London Underground and Thameslink, Southern & Great Northern, and will soon be supplying rolling stock for the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossrail project. The Hitachi Rail Europe stand featured a model of the intercity trains the firm is to build at its new County Durham factory for the Department for Transportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IEP programme, plus its vehicle concepts for future UK high-speed lines. Also present was Siemens, which will deliver the first new Thameslink trains later this year and is also supplying new trainsets to Eurostar. They were joined by a vast range of highly specialised com-

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RAIL RAILTEX

“With access to over 2,700 representatives of exhibitors and almost 7,500 visitors over the three days, we were able to share the RSG’s vision for the future” panies covering every sector of a very diversified supply chain. Railtex 2015 was not only about business transactions, though: an extensive and wideranging programme of speeches and presentations by leading industry figures was a major highlight, with many sessions standing room only and plenty of constructive exchanges between speakers and audience. With 468 of the rail industry’s leading suppliers taking part, Railtex 2015 was the biggest and busiest of these events for more than a decade. A total of 7,449 trade visitors attended the show. A further 2,700 people were present as exhibitors, bringing together some 10,150 rail industry professionals over three days at

the NEC. Of the 7,449 trade visitors, over 73% were of senior manager level or above and possessed purchasing power. As a result, many exhibitors said Railtex exceeded their expectations, with show surveys indicating that 98% received positive business enquiries.

EXTENSIVE SUPPORTING PROGRAMME While the event continued to fulfill its primary role as a showcase for the latest in railway technology, it also featured an extensive and high profile range of supporting activities, providing further Railtex highlights. These included technical seminars plus a full programme of interactive sessions including project updates, industry

briefings and discussion forums. Many featured presentations by leading figures shaping the UK rail sector and all were free to attend. The popularity of these sessions meant that many were standing-room only, including those by the recently formed Rail Supply Group set up by the industry and government to optimise the potential of UK companies. The Group’s cochairman Terence Watson said: “Railtex provided the RSG with an unrivalled opportunity to engage with both the industry and its customers. With access to over 2,700 representatives of exhibitors and almost 7,500 visitors over the three days, we were able to share the RSG’s vision for the future; and also outline how businesses in the supply chain, both large and small, could work with us as we develop our Industrial Strategy. Railtex will form a key part of our engagement with the industry over the coming years.

www.railtex.co.uk.

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HV Wooding.qxp_feature 2 03/09/2015 14:43 Page 66

RAIL HV WOODING

WORLD CLASS MANUFACTURERS HV Wooding’s client list includes top international manufacturers from a wide range of industry sectors.

HV Wooding (HVW) offers a subcontact engineering service which provides components and sub assembly processes to customer’s exact specifications. The company is dedicated to providing its valued clients with nothing but the highest standards, this is why HVW manufactures components to clients’ engineering drawings; thus, creating a high quality, bespoke product for each customer. HVW began trading in 1968 and was set up by Harry Wooding and his father, HVW has stayed as a family run company with multiple generations working throughout the business currently. The company has five main core processes: metal presswork, busbar manufacturing, wire erosion, CNC machining and sub assembly. The core capability of HVW is the manufacture of a wide range of components for their customers, however the company is always looking to improve and progress into new markets. The company takes its corporate responsibility very seriously and ensures that it is doing as much as is can to support itself, its employees and the surrounding areas and industry. In doing so, the company has created a sustainable and rewarding work environment where employees thrive. “We have had a recent restructure to support our internal services and customer demand, which includes a carefully detailed process map for the next 3 years. The new organisational structure also includes creation

of two separate channels within HVW for work that’s either repeat or new, to ensure that resources are applied accordingly within the technical department. We are a respected manufacturer in up and coming industry sectors including research, renewable energy and hybrid transport,” detailed Harriet Wooding, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at HVW. New technologies are constantly being introduced into the work that HVW carries out. Furthermore, the company has recently been involved in the development of a process to

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manufacture flexible busbars. There are many variants of flexible busbars however HVW have found that the unofficially named 'Endless Loop' is a reliable, repeatable process. This involves the winding of very thin sections of material/ metal (typically copper) to configure the shape; this then creates a flexible busbar that moves in all geometries. Harriet commented: “The application of these busbars is not limited to, but primarily is power transferral and the need for movement/flexibility within the part is largely due to the application for the components and

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RAIL HV WOODING

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RAIL HV WOODING

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HV Wooding.qxp_feature 2 03/09/2015 14:43 Page 69

RAIL HV WOODING there need to flex/ twist/ bend. “A part of our recent re-structure will facilitate an increased level of technical capabilities which in turn will support our internal and external customers and ensure all new roles are supported, trained and rewarded adequately. We also want to launch our new internal quality module to bring this in line with our integrated management systems that are underpinned by our ISO & OHSAS accreditations.” Paul Allen, Sales Director, added: “Historically a lot of what the company has sold has been individual manufactured components within a project or supply agreement. However recently we have increased our involvement within assemblies to include an ACDC busbar kit with an end application in power conversion. These busbars are being integrated within a structured unit, inside that we are assembling electronic components such as capacitors. We are then carrying out full electrical testing on the complete assembly that we have manufactured; this is demonstrating that we're not just a manufacturer of parts but we are also assembling and testing them to a specification given by the customer.” HVW are no longer just a component manufacturer, it now offers a product solution for things such as assemblies and sub-assemblies. The company is helping to evolve the solution using their technical resource and design department complete with 3D Solid works, rather than solely manufacturing components from a drawing. HVW is always looking for ways to expand its customer base, therefore what better way to do this than get involved with Railtex. Railtex has been running for a number of years and is a great way for businesses to showcase their work and possibly meet new clients within the rail sector. HVW is excited to be involved with Railtex'15 for a number of different reasons. Harriet explained: “It is important for us to be

“Although we work very closely with companies who are cemented within the renewable energy sector we also try our level best to create and use our own renewable energy.” involved with Railtex as we want to increase our current customer base within rail, ensure we are offering services that are in demand within that sector, learn and understand where rail is developing into and understand how we can support this and develop those requirements into our business model.” The company has worked hard to minimise its environmental impact as is brings its products to market. And “Although we work very closely with companies who are cemented within the renewable energy sector we also try our level best to create and use our own renewable energy. We are now at maximum capacity for optimum solar panel exposure for UV panels on our building roofs and with our additional 100 panels (430 total) we have achieved for

the previous month, 23.7% of energy consumption from our solar panels,” stated Harriet. HVW excel in every aspect of the business including health and safety. The company runs a stringent safety regime that includes tool box talks, preventative measures for planned maintenance and a central matrix of all training records and more. There is no doubt that in the future HVW will continue the exceptional work that it has been doing and will continue to please its customers by providing them with nothing but the best in component manufacture and assembly.

www.hvwooding.co.uk

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Hepworth Rail.qxp_feature 2 01/09/2015 15:29 Page 70

RAIL HEPWORTH INTERNATIONAL

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Hepworth Rail.qxp_feature 2 01/09/2015 15:30 Page 71

RAIL HEPWORTH INTERNATIONAL

A GLOBAL MARKET LEADER Hepworth international is the world's leading supplier of bespoke rail windscreen wiper equipment

Hepworth International is a company with a long and illustrious past, beginning humbly as far back as the 19th century. Since then the company has strengthened itself significantly, eventually positioning itself, where it is today; a global market leader. However, even with this fantastic accolade the company is constantly striving for improvement and is very much looking forward to future successes as a growing, global brand. The core business of the last 30 Years was mainly producing complete windscreen wiper systems, including wiper motors, wiper arm and blades, control systems and wash tanks for the Rail and Marine market, with all systems fully

designed and manufactured in house. The Hepworth group has distributors all over the world and exports to more than 50 countries. From 2009 Hepworth International started also as a fabricator for the Rail and Yachting industry in the UK. It was a small and fairly easy step to become a fabricator and wiper manufacturer at the same time. A big part of the wipers is made on the same machines and uses the same materials as required for fabrication. Today the company supplies precision fabrication for many more industries and this division has tripled turnovers. The aim is to triple this again in the next 2 years. There are large investment plans in new machinery, including a new laser cut-

ting machine on order, a new paint plant, benders and saws will be following soon; doubling the company's capacity. Innovation plans are ongoing. Hepworth International keeps looking into using new materials, cost reductions and reliability for customers and end users. Having its own design team, the company can offer bespoke systems and support our fabrication customers with product design improvements. The company's strength is that it does not have to use sub-contractors - only one contact reduces the chances of making mistakes and misunderstanding. For potential fabrication customers Hepworth International can offer cutting,

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RAIL HEPWORTH INTERNATIONAL

To be able to keep the production in the UK the company recognises the need to be innovative and seek the support of its suppliers. bending, welding (EN15085), machining, powder coating and assembly. The main materials the company works with are aluminum, mild steel and stainless steel. The products range from simple brackets, electrical cabinets, outdoor cabinets, masts and products for the yachting industry high gloss polished parts. It is always a challenge to stay competitive in a an open market where the market is flooded with products from parts of the world, where salaries are significant lower as well as the health and safety rules not being as tight as in the UK. However Hepworth International still has the belief and determination to maintain production in the UK, ensuring that it offers customers the quality and service they require, and deserve. More importantly the company feels responsible for the 140 employees and their families. To ensure them a job in a good, safe and healthy environment. To be able to keep the production in the UK the company recognises the need to be innovative and seek the support of its suppliers. The company prefers UK based suppliers with stock and a good service to be able to maintain the service it likes to offer customers. The benefits for having a good supply chain are, short delivery times, low transport cost, little time lost when things need putting right and stock can be kept to economic level with easy communication and no time lost when working in the same time zone. As an ISO and IRIS certified company, Hepworth International will go the extra mile to satisfy customers. It was Hepworth International's first time at Railtex and the company was pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of the visitors. Winning best new comer to the exhibition, it will definitely participate in Railtex 2017. New projects include 23E locomotives in South Africa, Class 376 overhaul and Class 170 Retrofits from old pneumatic systems.

www.b-hepworth.com

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RAIL HEPWORTH INTERNATIONAL

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jafco2.qxp_feature 2 03/09/2015 14:48 Page 74

RAIL JAFCO TOOLS

LEADING HAND TOOL SPECIALISTS Jafco tools ltd is a well established manufacturer of quality hand tools, significantly improving safety, strength and reliability.

When most of us think of hand tools, hammers, spades, spanners and crowbars spring to mind, indeed terms like ‘Japanese Cant Hook’, ‘Pansetter’, ‘Panlock Pullers’ and a ‘Tangye Hydraclaw Jack’ are alien terms for people not connected to, or familiar with the rail industry. However at Jafco Tools in Wednesbury in the Black Country, these terms along with a bewildering list of many other special industry specific tools are the very stuff of day to day business and production. Since its founding in 1981, Jafco Tools has developed a reputation as one of the world’s leaders in the production of specialist hand tools, further to this, since its acquisition by P F Cusack in 2013 the company has continued to increase both its specialist range of tools, client diversity and market sector share. The company’s three primary industry sectors are Rail, Fire & Rescue and Highways & Infrastructure, the latter encompassing both local government and contractor usage, however the company also boasts an impressive array of forestry hand tools.

These days its ties with P F Cusack mean it is able to offer a rail specific, high quality, railway standards compliant PPE wear range as well as an off the shelf rail sign service to its customers. In fact, to put it simply, Jafco doesn't just make fine hand tools, they create working relationships with companies and assist them on a day to day basis, Jean Wilkes, Jafco’s General Manager stated “We are committed not only to our own ongoing product development, but also to our customer project development activities, working with them to constantly improve and innovate” Indeed innovation is a company byword for Jafco having three new ranges added to its already large and diverse inventory in 2015 alone. The core feature of the company’s professional tool ranges are the ‘Pultruded’ Fibreglass handles which give the tools an unprecedented mix of strength, durability and electrical insulation properties, which can literally save lives in safety critical situations. All the professional range tools are batch tested to and in most cases above industry standards, with a comprehensive array of

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RAIL JAFCO TOOLS

“We are committed not only to our own ongoing product development, but also to our customer project development activities, working with them to constantly improve and innovate” strength and load tolerance, abrasion, insulation, soaking and flammability tests, simply making these the finest and most durable hand tools available to industry. One of the company’s cornerstone ranges is the BS 8020:2011 Track Tool Range, developed over many years in partnership with London Underground and Network Rail (formerly British Rail) Currently in development in conjunction with Network Rail to complement its existing Trough Tilter is a two man and four man ‘Total Lift’ Trough Lifter to make the sometimes hazardous task of removing trough lids simpler, safer and easier due to hand and foot injuries occurring in the past. Malcolm Latham, Works Manager stated “Working with our clients and suppliers alike, we are happy to take on any new challenges and design projects created by the ever growing demands in our chosen industry sectors”.

+44 (0) 121-556 7700 www.jafcotools.com sales@jafcotools.com

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SCCS.qxp_feature 2 24/08/2015 14:16 Page 76

CIVIL ENGINEERING STEEL CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATION SCHEME

DRIVING PERFORMANCE The SCCS was established in the early 1980s to provide a Quality Management Systems certification service for steelwork contracting organisations

The Steel Construction Certification Scheme continues to drive performance in the steelwork industry. The scheme, which assesses and certifies the capabilities of steelwork contractors and associated companies against International Management System standards, has been established since 1986. Since its inception it has remained committed in its pursuit of driving standards and securing best practice across design, manufacture and erection processes and associated procedures and practices in the steelwork construction industry. Quality management systems operated by the certified contractors are formally assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2008. Each certificate issued is valid for three years during which period SCCS conducts regular surveillance audits to monitor continued compliance with the certified management system. Meanwhile, environmental management systems operated by the certified contractors are formally assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements of ISO 14001:2004, and

occupational health and safety management systems operated by the certified contractors are formally assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements of BS OHSAS 18001:2007. Assessment and certification is governed by an independent certification board whose members are selected from each sector of the steel construction industry. The board provides the essential technical links to ensure that the correct interpretation of standards, new technologies and work practices are applied to assessment and certification. The scheme's assessors are carefully selected to ensure that their experience is relevant to the product and process, such as design, preparation, fabrication, welding, painting and erection as well as environmental and health and safety issues. The assessors, who understand client needs, are specially trained on a continuous basis and all come from a background within the industry. Recently, the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best and brightest were celebrated at the 47th Structural Steel Design Awards. The BCSA, of which the SCCS is a wholly owned subsidiary, is a national organisation for the steel construction industry and

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sponsors the awards each year. The glittering ceremony recognises the high standards of structural and architectural design attainable in the use of steel and its potential in terms of efficiency, cost effectiveness, aesthetics and innovation. They are open to steel based structures situated in the United Kingdom or overseas that have been built by UK or Irish steelwork contractors using steel predominantly sourced from Tata Steel. The BCSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s member companies undertake the design, fabrication and erection of steelwork for all forms of construction in building and civil engineering. Associate members are those principal companies involved in the direct supply to all or some members of components, materials or products. Corporate members are clients, professional offices and educational establishments which support the development of national specifications, certification services, fabrication and erection techniques, overall industry efficiency and good practice.

www.steelconstruction.org Tel: 020 7839 8566

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CIVIL ENGINEERING STEEL CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATION SCHEME

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Luxtrade.qxp_feature 2 01/09/2015 11:27 Page 78

CIVIL ENGINEERING LUXTRADE LTD

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CIVIL ENGINEERING LUXTRADE LTD

ESTABLISHED MANUFACTURERS Luxtrade professionally manages and delivers bespoke steel fabricated products throughout the UK to a broad section of industries.

Boasting a reputation within the UK steel sector as a problem solver, Luxtrade has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of galvanised steel fabrication. With its expertise and wide-ranging experience, the company is able to offer bespoke metalwork for such applications as hand-railing, fencing, stairs, expanded metal mesh, balustrades, flooring, and importantly, supporting structural steelwork when necessary. Established 30 years ago, Luxtrade has enjoyed long-running success but since an ownership change in 2009, the business has gone from strength to strength. Originally importing and distributing steel products, the company now manufactures secondary steelwork packages for the construction and process engineering sectors. Development within the business six years ago brought commercial and technical expertise from the top of the aerospace industry meaning Luxtrade is the only steelwork engineer with a spacecraft designer at the helm. Its confident, capable approach is driven by a determination to maintain the qualities that Luxtrade is renowned for, namely a wide-reaching knowledge base, technical skill, and pro-active customer communica-

tion. This has seen the business emerge from the recession - which saw its top five customers and suppliers go out of business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; stronger than ever before. Operating from 28,000 square foot premises, the company benefits from access to its own press shop, machine shop and extensive warehouse facilities, giving it both a comprehensive manufacturing base and the capability to quickly and efficiently supply most standard items from stock. Proudly, it serves over 1,000 clients

in the UK ranging from the smallest privately owned business to some of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top construction outfits. The evolution of Luxtrade in recent years has seen it tackle bigger and more complex projects, growing its portfolio to include major infrastructure works. For example, having led the development of the Airbus A380 Fluid Power systems and primary flight controls ten years ago, Chairman Richard Holland was delighted to secure the flooring contract for the A380 Baggage plant at

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Luxtrade.qxp_feature 2 01/09/2015 11:27 Page 80

CIVIL ENGINEERING LUXTRADE LTD Gatwick. This comprised 2200m² of special high load flooring, designed and tested specifically for this project and manufactured to some of the tightest possible specifications. Elsewhere, the company’s involvement with Eurostar saw it outfitting the massive Temple Mills Train Care Depot with a range of steel flooring and steel panelling before embarking upon a number of heavier steelwork activities. Luxtrade also supplied a stair and platform package to the Exeter Energy from Waste factory and delivered a 35m high free-standing stair to Ridham Dock in Kent. It’s about finding and delivering the right solution to the individual customer, acknowledges Richard Holland. “Everything we do is aimed at making us easy to do business with,” he says. “We have become an important technical capability for our customers and not surprisingly our consultancy workload has expanded rapidly. Because we focus on complex secondary steel we do not get into competitive situations with our customers who are for the most part structural steel companies. Rather we are geared up for more awkward fabrication activities that are not suitable for automated plants. “Thus we are increasingly becoming an important extension of our customers operations. Above all, we place on-time delivery and customer satisfaction at the heart of our business philosophy.” It is this ethos that has enabled Luxtrade to lead from the front. “Surprisingly, our greatest innovation is to actually talk to our customers in a meaningful way. Keeping them regularly advised of project progress is part of our strategy of building flexibility into our day to day activities and making sure we have sufficient

“Unlike many businesses we are not profit driven for the sake of profit. Rather we look to a sustainable business that is modestly profitable and provides security for employees, customers, suppliers and investors alike”

forward visibility of production and site installation to be truly effective.” This approach is complemented by a desire to keep improving. “Our challenge is to always find the most cost effective method of manufacturing customer steelwork. We operate a state of the art CAD package and in due course will use this to drive our various metal cutting machinery,” adds Richard. It is this attention to detail that distinguishes Luxtrade. Following acquisition six years ago it set itself the objective of becoming an outstanding corporate citizen; to operate the company with total transparency. Richard says, “Unlike many businesses we are not profit driven for the sake of profit. Rather we look to a sustainable business that is modestly profitable and provides security for employees, customers, suppliers and investors alike. Our sales office whiteboard has our philosophy written in black and white ‘we do not cheat anyone – ever’. “Looking after our stakeholders in this way has given everyone confidence in Luxtrade and allowed us to mature as an organisation. Our journey is not over – there are great challenges ahead as we look to grow and develop our business.” Certainly, there’s every reason to be positive about the future. The ISO9001 and CE Marking accredited business, which also enjoys membership of the BCSA and pending accreditation to Construction Line, is eager to develop opportunities on larger and more complex projects while constantly developing its capability to keep it at the forefront of the secondary steel market.

www.luxtrade.co.uk Tel: 01902 353 182 80

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CIVIL ENGINEERING LUXTRADE LTD

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L Harrison.qxp_feature 2 02/09/2015 16:11 Page 82

CIVIL ENGINEERING L HARRISON & CO. (EASTOFF LTD)

THE COMPLETE DESIGN AND BUILD SERVICE FOR AGRICULTURAL, COMMERCIAL AND BESPOKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 82

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CIVIL ENGINEERING L HARRISON & CO. (EASTOFF LTD)

Boasting seven decades of experience encompassing a huge range of projects, Harrison is a Lincolnshire-based, family-grown construction company with an enviable reputation won through the highest levels of quality and service. Its expertise extends to the design and construction of commercial and agricultural buildings, including chilled product stores, large grain stores, workshops and offices. This has allowed it to build an enviable, wide-ranging portfolio of work including warehousing and factories, bespoke residential developments, maintenance and general repairs and civil engineering work such as con-

crete roads, tank bases for the chemical industry, drainage and car parking. Supported by its parent company Orion Developments, Harrison has been encouraged to take on larger projects for new and existing clients. The business was founded in 1946, when Leonard Harrison began constructing agricultural buildings for businesses in the Lincolnshire area. He was later joined by his brother Eric Harrison. Family members Jim and Gordon Harrison and Margaret Easton joined the company in the 1960s and Harrison established a reputation for design, construction and civil engineering work carried out to the highest standards for a mainly local client base. Much of its work over the years has been

repeat business, a sure indication of its customers’ satisfaction. Prestige builders Orion Developments acquired Harrison in 2007, with directors Tim Lumb, Chris Weston and Andrew Largent joining the existing management team. Centred on continuity, security of employment and an approachable managerial style, Orion’s corporate values mirrored Harrison’s and the acquisition was made with continuity and further growth in mind. As well as bringing greater financial strength, Orion’s team has enhanced the broad range of expertise, which Harrison is able to offer to clients across a variety of sectors. In 2010, Andrew Largent took over the role

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CIVIL ENGINEERING L HARRISON & CO. (EASTOFF LTD)

Part of Harrison’s success is its ability to offer a one-stop-shop. From a complete design and build package to the complexities of planning approval, specification and budgeting, the company can look after all elements for the client.

of Managing Director when Jim decided it was time to reduce his workload and hand over the reins. Following Gordon’s retirement in 2014, Steve Howden was appointed Construction Director to oversee the management of projects. Despite these organisational changes, the company’s commitment to complete customer satisfaction remains as strong as ever. Today, Harrison has an enviable reputation as a leading contracting company specialising in the design and construction of commercial and agricultural buildings, from conception through to completion. Its expertise is varied and widereaching meaning it can also tackle civil engineering schemes for a huge variety of developments, often meeting challenging technical demands. Proudly, and importantly, all its steel framed buildings are now fabricated to BS EN 1090-1 and carry the CE Mark. Harrison’s base in Eastoft, near Scunthorpe, includes its own builders’ yard, complete with steel fabrication and joinery workshops for exclusive use on its projects - ensuring that the

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utmost quality control is maintained at every step, from manufacture through to construction on site. Initially concentrated in Lincolnshire, the operation has expanded to serve construction projects in Humberside, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. Part of Harrison’s success is its ability to offer a one-stop-shop. From a complete design and build package to the complexities of planning approval, specification and budgeting, the company can look after all elements for the client. And, when construction is ready to commence, Harrison can call upon the services of time-served in-house tradesmen and approved subcontractors, all of whom have proved themselves able to consistently deliver high levels of quality over a long period. As an example of Harrison’s work, one of its most significant commercial projects took place for Lincoln & York over multiple years. The business specialises in providing a coffee sourcing, roasting and packing services to the

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CIVIL ENGINEERING L HARRISON & CO. (EASTOFF LTD)

out-of-home, retail and foodservice market in the UK, Europe and worldwide. Over a six-year period Harrison completed a series of build projects to accommodate the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing expansion. After outgrowing various premises on the Elsham Wold Industrial Estate, Lincoln & York initially required a purpose-built factory and office. Harrison completed the facility in 2008 and in 2011 it extended the office area with the addition of a second floor. In 2012, Harrison completed a lean-to extension on the new warehouse to aid with the storage and loading of finished products. In 2013 and 2014, Harrison oversaw the construction of a new warehouse extension and the external refurbishment of an existing building on the site, which now also includes additional office space. Harrison has completed a wide variety of commercial projects serving companies across a broad range of sectors. The company is experienced in designing and building new headquarters, including the sourcing and securing of prime locations to meet the strategic and operational needs of its clients. It is also an expert in expanding, extending and refurbishing existing premises to accommodate the growth of clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; businesses and reflect their changing needs. Further example of its work can be seen at AKP in Lincolnshire where Harrison developed a state-of-the-art storage and grading plant to complement facilities which process and distribute potatoes in the UK and overseas. In

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CIVIL ENGINEERING L HARRISON & CO. (EASTOFF LTD)

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CIVIL ENGINEERING L HARRISON & CO. (EASTOFF LTD)

2011, Harrison built a 3,200-square metre chilled potato store incorporating five individual stores capable of holding 8,000 tonnes of potatoes. The project was built over a very short time scale to ensure its readiness for the potato harvest, without compromising on the quality of the build. Harrison also constructed a new 4,000square foot, two-storey office building to accommodate AKP’s continued expansion. The premises included a boardroom, fully furnished kitchen, large open-plan offices and several individual office areas. The building was finished to a high standard, incorporating many unique features specified by the client, including an American Walnut staircase with stain-

less steel handrails. Richard Arundel, Managing Director at AKP, said: “AKP have worked with Harrison on previous developments, including projects undertaken on behalf of many of our grower clients, and we know that they provide consistent quality and reliability.” However, the capability of Harrison allows it to accommodate a range of requirements for clients including unique, bespoke packages. These range in scope and nature, from innovative energy generation to retail estate refurbishment and individually designed residential schemes. In each case, Harrison has been able to design and deliver an ideal solution to a detailed brief, which encompasses a very specific set of demands.

The capability of Harrison allows it to accommodate a range of requirements for clients including unique, bespoke packages. For example, Rockscape Energy Ltd required an Anaerobic Digester facility – an increasing form of renewable energy - and construction work commenced in 2013 on their North Moor Farm site at Crowle. Harrison was appointed to carry out various works including drainage, silage clamp installation, access roads, pile cropping, various concrete bases and tanks, bio-bed installation and construction of a new farm office building. This technically demanding project was completed in April 2014 and the facility is now fully operational. Elsewhere, in 2009 Fisher Security appointed Harrison to construct a new purpose-built headquarters in Goole to accommodate the office staff, workshop, stores and remote monitoring facilities which include a control room that operates 24/7. The state-of-the-art facilities were built to the latest NS1 Gold Standards and finished in colours which matched Fisher Security’s corporate identity. Harrison provided a complete design and build package incorporating a high specification throughout.

www.harrisoneastoft.co.uk Tel: 01724 798245

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Malin Fabrications.qxp_feature 2 03/09/2015 10:09 Page 88

CIVIL ENGINEERING MALIN FABRICATION LTD

HIGH QUALITY FABRICATION SERVICES Malin fabrication offer a complete turnkey service to clients that require design and fabrication of a structure, component or device.

Malin Fabrication Ltd was set up to complement the wider abilities of the Malin Group and offer standalone high quality fabrication services to the marine, heavylift and associated engineering industries. Its integration with the comprehensive expertise of the Group allows it to draw upon in-house engineering, draughting, transportation and installation skills allowing services to grow with clients’ changing requirements. “What we do not want to be is another fabrication company,” says General Manager Gordon Burnley. “We have a true commitment to quality, customer focus, a can do attitude, innovation and health and safety. These are things clients want and are the reason they return to us. Openness and honesty are always the best way of building a relationship with clients; it is deeply rooted within the Group’s culture and will be here at Malin Fabrication as well.”

A key accomplishment for the company in 2015 was to achieve both CE marking and ISO 9001 accreditation. Having successfully achieved and implemented these, Malin Fabrication has witnessed a number of benefits in terms of being able to respond positively to clients who have, as part of their RFQ, requested these quality benchmarks. Now, the focus going into 2016 is on business development with these accreditations as key selling points. Indeed, from its dedicated workshop with floor space of 80m x 15m within a site offering room for expansion, the company is ideally placed for growth. This is enhanced by its location in Renfrew with its excellent transport links via the road network or through coastal shipping at the nearby RoRo quay. “Over the course of this year and next we will be looking to improve on our capabilities through possible introduction of new plant such as Fronius. Our focus is to implement to the maximum a lean manufacturing environ-

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ment and where required invest in new plant and equipment to achieve this,” remarks Gordon, adding that this is only a fraction of the company’s ambition as its looks to its future. “We pride ourselves on having a culture where it is important to have a great working environment, to look after our staff and maintain the highest standards of product delivery,” he says, acknowledging the importance of a strong health and safety culture in the success of the business’s overall objectives. “All too often the industry can see health, safety and the environment as something that costs money and adds time to the job. This can be true if these aspects are not part of the management and culture of the business. “At Malin Fabrication every job is looked at from a health and safety viewpoint right at the start. It is our team that ultimately delivers the project and in order for them to deliver they need to be safe and healthy, otherwise it does not work. So, whether it be simply keeping work

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CIVIL ENGINEERING MALIN FABRICATION LTD places clean and tidy or ensuring all PPE is available for the work in hand we take very seriously our commitment to having a 21st century approach to working. To this end we have a dedicated in-house trainer who can carry out various training sessions if there are any gaps in knowledge, stringent HSE rules and regulations for the workforce, and also regular HSE walk rounds and inspections. Our aim is to get everyone home safe at the end of the day.” This attention to detail is also extended to the way Malin Fabrication works with its supply chain. “We realise how important our relationship with the supply chain is to our success. This is why we take comfort in the fact that when suppliers and clients visit our premises they comment on our facility and workforce positively, and compliment us on our way of working.” It helps, of course, to have strong technical and operational support within the Group. Most recently, it was proud to serve as main contractor for the transportation of the Flagship Aircraft carrier blocks, where the Group provided all heavylift transportation and associated steelwork to ship the large blocks around the UK. This included deck grillages, sea-fastenings and other bespoke structures, all designed and provided in house.

“We can deliver a suite of services that would normally be only expected from a much larger organisation, while retaining our close personal approach to the work we do”

“This allows us a degree of ability that punches well above its weight in terms of what would normally be expected of a company our size. We can deliver a suite of services that would normally be only expected from a much larger organisation, while retaining our close personal approach to the work we do,” adds Gordon. This has seen Malin Fabrication work with some of the biggest names in the industry such as BP and BAE Systems. Recently it produced CE Approved lifting beams for an offshore project where as a Group Malin was able to design, fabricate and certify bespoke lifting beams including all shipping. For the shipping industry, the Group was also able to provide a full turnkey service for deck grillages to support the multiple Class refits that included all design fabrication and delivery.

www.malingroup.co.uk Tel: 0141 243 2242 90

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CIVIL ENGINEERING MALIN FABRICATION LTD

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CIVIL ENGINEERING MARSHFIELD CROSSKEYS (HEREFORD) LTD

Quintain House curved building

PCNC plasma profiler

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CIVIL ENGINEERING MARSHFIELD CROSSKEYS (HEREFORD) LTD

FOR ALL YOUR FABRICATION NEEDS Marshfield Crosskeys (Hereford) Ltd is a small but fast growing fabrication company based in hereford

Marshfield Crosskeys (Hereford) Ltd formed in early 2012 after restructuring of an old company with a view to expansion and pushing toward manufacturing on a larger scale. Since then it has extended its workshop facilities by taking on the adjacent unit in addition to its existing premises and has added both a new 7.5 tonne and new 11 tonne lorry to the fleet in addition to upgrades to the vans to enable them to be fully kitted out for site work as and when required. The size of Marshfield Crosskeys’ facilities and workload has recently forced the need for two new lift trucks taking the company’s total to four. All these extras have enabled the company to take on much larger work and it has recently completed a structural steel project in excess of 100 tonnes and managed to run this alongside numerous other projects. Craig Stanton, Workshop Manager, says Marshfield Crosskeys has seized the opportunity to enhance standards across its operation since the introduction of CE marking of structural steel. “We have used the systems that we have put in place to ensure that all of our structural jobs are run correctly and legally. But we have transferred this to all work enabling us to keep more accurate control over production times and

stock management thus keeping our costs to a minimum and allowing us to transfer this saving on to our customers. “Being as diverse as we are, these new systems have enabled us to keep a closer eye on jobs of all sizes thus not letting larger projects have a detrimental effect on the smaller ones.” CE status has opened up many new opportunities for Marshfield Crosskeys, enabling it to develop the scope of its work and open up new working relationships both locally and nationally. “One of our proudest moments came 12 months after gaining our CE accreditation through SCCS, when we passed our annual audit with flying colours with no recommendations for necessary improvement. For this we must thank SCCS for their helpfulness and professionalism; we owe this also to the dedication and hard work that our office staff continue to put in, and to everyone in our workshop who have taken on board all the changes and implemented them perfectly,” remarked Craig. Indeed, the company’s association with SCCS has seen the structural side of its business expanding month after month with more and more enquiries coming in as people are becoming aware of the importance of CE marking. “We are in a fortunate situation in that our managing director has the attitude that quality,

advanced equipment makes our work easier and more efficient. He is not afraid to invest when he sees the benefit. “This not only applies to our saws, press brakes, drills, welding plant and numerous other machines which are regularly serviced and upgraded when required, but particularly to our CNC plasma profiling table which we initially obtained when the company formed.

“Being as diverse as we are, these new systems have enabled us to keep a closer eye on jobs of all sizes thus not letting larger projects have a detrimental effect on the smaller ones.”

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CIVIL ENGINEERING MARSHFIELD CROSSKEYS (HEREFORD) LTD

Spiral stairs in production

Process pipework

“After a couple of years’ work and a very close working relationship with the machine’s manufacturer ESCCO (which has seen us manufacturing and assisting them to develop some of the components for their machines), we recently upgraded to a larger and much more technically advanced model. “This enables us to supply high quality plates right through from 25mm thick down to less than 1mm. This has given added momentum to what was previously a side-line to our business allowing us to produce a range of innovative and original items ranging from hanging basket brackets, coat hooks and key hooks with many more items being added constantly and available on our newly developed on line shop MCDIRECT.” As a forward thinking company Marshfield Crosskeys is guided by its own individual high standards, which it integrates into all areas of its work, right through from its environmental impact to the high quality of craftsmanship alongside consideration for the people that its work effects. Increasingly, the company works closely with a growing number of businesses and organisations. Due to the variety of Marshfield Crosskeys’ work and the skills it possesses it does tend to assist these companies with project development. Looking to the future it aims to maintain what it considers an excellent approach to record keeping and project management which enables it to provide a high quality service and product.

www.marshfieldcrosskeys.co.uk Tel: 01432 820101

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CIVIL ENGINEERING MARSHFIELD CROSSKEYS (HEREFORD) LTD

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a e d i e v i t a v an inno

that sticks! Are you ready to brig Decorative wall s hten up your living space? quick and cost-ef tickers are a brilliantly fective way to up and feel of your h date the look ome.

The idea for Stickers4Walls came about 21 years ago when Karen Griffin and her husband struggled with decorating the nursery whilst caring for a prem baby. Now 18 years on, the idea has completed its incubation to be registered as FabriStick®. FabriStick® allows rooms to be redecorated again and again without need for nails, paintbrushes or complete weekends juggling the former with children under the feet. This is an ideal product for those in rented properties too. Sticker4Walls' range was initially aimed at children under the age of 8 years, but a new ‘laptop/tablet’ sticker range is due out in the Autumn. A new Beach Hut design, aimed at bathroom and kitchen decoration, has proved a best seller. In 2014 the company conducted a number of changes to machinery, production methods and also gained a better understanding of cutting patterns that will increase speed and accuracy. All of the sticker sheets are still finished and packed by hand to ensure every order is absolutely perfect. The company detailed: “Refining the FabriStick® product has taken

us to places that we had never expected. The product journey has seen advice from some of the top names in business, as well as a financial offer from an ex ‘dragon’.” 2015 has seen a refinement to the company's marketing channels, although online sites such as Amazon and Etsy are still selling way ahead of traditional retail outlets. Recently Stickers4Walls has partnered with a locally based company which is working very well, producing a faster turnaround and ability to offer personalised products – something that is proving very popular with the B2B market. In other new developments, the company has recently joined the Entrepreneurs Circle which has really pushed the business forward in terms of refining market and outlets, whilst teaching the effects of consumer testing on the bottom line. It has also opened the company's eyes to new potential markets where the features of FabriStick® would prove more attractive. Stickers4Walls remains committed to having an ethical and friendly business despite its recent growth. The company accepts both Year 10 and Year 12 work experience students and hopes to learn as much from them as they do from Stickers4Walls. Stickers4Walls commented: “Going forward – we intend to launch our new laptop/tablet single stickers in the Autumn and hope to get them at Point of Sale in a High Street Store, but we also hope to work more in the B2B market during 2016, or find a partner to take this forward faster.”

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MARINE BRITISH MARINE FEDERATION

THE SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW 2015

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MARINE BRITISH MARINE FEDERATION

The Honda Boat Show Eye is a must see for all boat show visitors; the eye lifts you over 100 feet in the air and gives you a 360 degree view of the boat show and the impressive marina.

There are many different reasons why you shouldn’t miss this September’s Southampton Boat Show. These include the wide range of exhibits, getting the chance to have hands on experience on a boat and a Red Arrow show; all of these things and more are available to see at this year’s event. Taking place from the 11th to the 20th of September, this spectacular boating event is one you can't afford to miss. With 1000's of boats and brands accompanied by 100's of unique exhibits, this annual boating festival is perfect for the whole family. The show is a great way to expand your horizons and knowledge of the boating industry. As well as being an educational day out, the kids will not be bored as there are many attractions designed specifically for them. The Honda

Boat Show Eye is a must see for all boat show visitors; the eye lifts you over 100 feet in the air and gives you a 360 degree view of the boat show and the impressive marina. The marina, one of Europe’s largest purpose built marina's with over 2km of pontoons and space for 300 boats, is always a crowd pleaser. There are many ways in which you can get yourself some hands on experience at the boat show. Get Afloat is an attraction run by On The Water and designed for 8-16 year olds and includes the chance to have a go at sailing and stand up paddle boarding; and its free. Each 90minute session is supervised by qualified instructors and will show the young participants the joys and benefits that can be had from boating. Also run by On The Water Group is Try A Boat. Southampton Boat Show state: “This attraction is in great demand so get to the Show early as it’s first come, first served. Book your

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MARINE BRITISH MARINE FEDERATION

Southampton boat show 11th - 20th september southamptonboatshow.com

Try-a-Boat session as soon as you enter the Show, in the Arena on stand A140. Try-a-Boat is available for children aged 8 upwards, and under 18s need a signature from an adult.” The show is a great opportunity to gain experience and knowledge from a wide range of industry professionals. It is also the perfect place to meet other people that share the same passion as you. With a plethora of exhibits and a wide range of activities, there is bound to be something there that everyone can enjoy. Southampton Boat Show is also a great family day out and offers opportunities for the younger generations to get a taste first hand of what sailing is really like. Amongst the exhibitors is leading British luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Fairline. The company will be hosting the highly anticipated worldwide launch of its exciting new boat, the Targa 53GT, at this year’s Southampton Boat Show. The Targa 53GT will make a pleasant addition to Fairline’s already impressive line-up of six Squadron and Targa boats on the water at this year’s show. The Targa 53GT has a number of specialist features including a large cockpit, seating and sunbathing areas and interior saloon seating that provides a seamless flow of entertaining and relaxation space. A popular feature of the new boat is sure to be the full beam mid-ship master cabin with a full king-sized bed. The master bedroom also contains a feature headboard and large panoramic windows which bathe the cabin in natural light. Fairline will also be showcasing the Targa 38, which is another of the company's sports cruisers. Completing the line up is the beautifully crafted Targa 48 OPEN, Squadron 42 and Squadron 48. Also appearing at the show is the renowned brand of Princess Yachts. The boating giant will be showcasing a number of yachts in the show ranging from 39 to 88ft. Princess is a leading British Brand which has been creating luxurious yachts for many years. The company has an ongoing dedication to the yachting industry and provides a stunning range of luxury motor yachts. The Southampton Boat Show wouldn’t be possible without its hosts, The British Marine Boat Shows, a subsidiary of The British Marine Federation, a membership organisation for the UK's boating industry. The British Marine has been representing the UK boating industry from the start, when yachting started to become popular in the UK. The profits from any shows are reinvested back into the UK leisure marine industry through the services and representation provided by British Marine.

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MARINE PLASTIC MOULDINGS LTD

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MARINE PLASTIC MOULDINGS LTD

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION plastic mouldings is one of the UK's leading Moulding companies specialising in PVC dip moulding, rotational moulding, vacuum forming and much more

Plastic Mouldings has been in business for over 50 years. Located in the South West of Glasgow in the town of Irvine, Ayrshire, the company has been situated at its current premises since it began. Plastic Mouldings also employs a lot of experienced local labourers which helps the local communities to grow. The company can offer a wide range of services including dip moulding, dip coating, dip casting, neoprene moulding, rotational moulding, vacuum forming slush moulding and fabrication. All of the work that is done is done so in house. Plastic Mouldings manufacture everything on site and pride itself on making products in the UK. The company also prides itself on taking on any custom plastic moulding jobs that it can. From the design to the end product, all of that work is done on the company's current premises. Gareth Houston, Marine Manager: “We added a new division to our business three years ago called the Marine division. For this we have recently added a new range of fenders to the division, so we now offer two ranges of products. “Furthermore, we have recently taken over a company called Superspout, which

makes an automatic fuel pouring spout. The spout stops automatically when the level gets too high and it can also be lifted out in the pouring position as it will not spill.” SuperSpout has been a great success for the company so far as the revolutionary design and easy no spill spout are features that are greatly needed across various industries. The product is easy to use and will save time and money when it comes to putting the right amount of fuel in a tank. Even with the multitude of services that the company already offers, it is continuously improving its services and is expanding year by year. Gareth commented: “Our aims as a

business for 2015 is to further promote our services, for example our fabrication department can manufacture windscreens, single windows and a lot of custom products from various different materials such as acrylic, perspex and polycarbonate. We have also taken on a laser cutter and engraver for the fabrication department and have purchased new tooling which enables us to grow as a business because we can provide more up to date services.” Southampton's annual Boat Show takes place this September from the 11th to the 20th and is a major end of summer event for the marine industry. A wide range of compa-

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MARINE PLASTIC MOULDINGS LTD nies will be exhibiting at this years show including Plastic Mouldings. “This will be our fourth year exhibiting at the boat show, after the first year we moved to a different location at the boat show that had more footfall and this helped our business greatly. Last year when we exhibited we showed our new fenders for the marine division and also our new business SuperSpout,” detailed Gareth. This year the company will be exhibiting its new range of 'Blue End Fenders', fenders that have been dipped in blue ink and will look quite effective at the boat show. Plastic Mouldings also want to show off some of the other services that it can offer as the boat show gives companies visibility in the marine industry by having such a wide range of exhibitors in one place. There are not many places where you can have such a big audience over the ten days. It has been very successful for Plastic Mouldings to show at Southampton Boat Show in the past. Gareth added: “The Southampton Boat Show seems to get busier each year, last year was by far out busiest year at the show. There is a real buzz about the show as there is something there for everyone, it is also a very easy

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show to navigate round. Each year when we go back to the show people will start to recognise us and remember what position our exhibit is in. This helps us build up our client base and gain some repeat customers.” As well as continuously improving its services, the company also works hard to comply with any health and safety legislations. Plastic Mouldings takes the matter of health and safety very seriously as it is a key factor in any business. Gareth stated: “We have an in house training programme for health and safety, each staff member has a training record which is updated when needed and is signed off by a superior. We are also audited twice a year as a business. We are currently ISO90001 accredited and run regular tool box talks to keep all of our staff up to date with regulations.” The company works tirelessly to provide its customers with the highest quality products possible, there is no doubt that Plastic Mouldings will continue to improve the standard of product that it produces, along with its commitment to its valued customers. www.plasticmouldings.com

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MARINE PLASTIC MOULDINGS LTD

“We have an in house training programme for health and safety, each staff member has a training record which is updated when needed and is signed off by a superior. We are also audited twice a year as a business.”

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THE LAST WORD...

3D-Printed Prosthetic Hand To Enter Market Next Year A 3D-printed prosthetic limb that costs just £1,000 to produce could change the lives of thousands of people as early as next year. Developed by 25-year-old robotics graduate Joel Gibbard, the prosthetic hand can be produced in 40 hours for a fraction of the cost of today’s crop of advanced prosthetics. Indeed, Gibbard’s model has only four manufactured parts meaning it also lasts longer than most products on the market. The project set out to create low-cost advanced robotic hands for amputees everywhere, enabling them to gain greater independence, and to encourage young amputees to feel good about their differences. Gibbard says the new technology, which won this year’s James Dyson Award, can be custom built from a 3D scan of the amputee within two days. He told the BBC: "We have a device at the lower-end of the pricing scale and the upper end of functionality. At the same time it is very lightweight and it can be customised for each person. "The hand is basically a skeleton with a 'skin' on top. So, we can do different things to the skin - we can put patterns on it, we can change the styling and design. There's quite a lot of flexibility there.” Gibbard’s hand operates through the use of myoelectric signals meaning it detects muscle movement via sensors on the user’s skin allowing them to control the hand’s operation. The hand can open, close and form a pinch grip with touching sensors controlling the pressure exerted. This means the hand can pick up fragile objects such as

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raw eggs without breaking them. Gibbard acknowledges the greatest attribute of the new 3D-printed hand is its low-cost construction and speed of assembly. "The original design was primarily made of different plastic parts that were screwed and bolted together along with off-the-shelf components. It took a very long time to build, and because it was all made of plastic it was subject to a lot of weak points where it could break. "The new design is made of thermoplastic elastomer, which is basically a flexible rubbery plastic. So, we're able to print something in far fewer pieces and then have flexible joints. That means it's much more robust to impact forces and it requires much less assembly, so there are savings in cost, time and improvements in performance." The prosthetic hand has drawn recognition from the British Foundation for International Reconstructive Surgery and Training (BFirst). "Joel Gibbard is to be congratulated in advancing the availability of functioning prosthetic devices at affordable prices. Amputees, especially in developing countries, such as Sierra Leone where the civil war left many upper limb amputees, need to have access to affordable and durable prosthetics that work,” said Barbara Jemec, Chair of BFirst. "A working hand can make all the difference between hunger and being able to work and take care of yourself and your family. I shall be following the development with interest,” she added.

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INSIDE: AUTOMOTIVE SPECIAL FOCUS

ISSUE 421

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M M MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING MAGAZINE

PANAZ ISSUE 421

HOLDINGS LTD design excellence through technical innovation

cepac rawcliffe Laying the foundations for success

SAFTRONICS CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD

PRODUMAX PRECISION ENGINEERING LTD

The design, manufacture and installation of low voltage assemblies

Pure engineering excellence