WEIRBULLETIN | FEBRUARY 2013 GLOBAL CAPABILITY Construction work during the expansion MINERALS OIL & GAS POWER & INDUSTRIAL


Todmorden foundry expansion nears completion


The £5m fast loop foundry expansion project being carried out at the Weir


Minerals Europe site in Todmorden is progressing well, with construction work completed.


The need for additional heavy bay


capacity was identified across the Minerals Division during 2011. In response to increased global demand, Weir Minerals Europe came up with a solution to increase the output from Todmorden of high demand products and parts through the installation of a semi-automated moulding loop. Approval for the project was secured during July and following initial groundwork, the construction phase of the new two- storey block began in October, with each milestone in the process reached on schedule. Importantly, the installation was designed to create minimal effect on the existing plant, which has seen a heavy workload during 2012 to support another year of growth for Weir Minerals Europe. The plant will commence the


manufacture of moulding boxes in two sizes and will be capable of producing two complete moulds per hour, using advanced manufacturing techniques. The plant is fitted with IRIS, a pattern recognition tool, which will enable the plant to run semi- automated. The new plant is projected to


Work being carried out inside the new building


ensure demand is met through to 2015 when additional planned foundry capacity will be in place in other parts of the Minerals network. A mezzanine floor has been designed into the building to facilitate a lean operation, with pattern storage and mould preparation located close to the plant, and consumables pre-prepared for each mould. Tony Locke, managing director, Weir Minerals Europe, commented, “The


foundry in Todmorden is an example of British manufacturing excellence. It is a huge source of pride that the products we make are chosen and used right around the globe. Having in place a state-of-the- art plant from which we can increase the production of our most in-demand products and parts will allow us to keep pace with the steady growth in demand we have seen in recent years.”


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