GARDNER DENVER CELEBRATES 45 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING


Vacuum pump and compressor manufacturer Gardner Denver celebrated 45 years of great British manufacturing with an open week in July. Held at the company’s Centre of Excellence in Redditch, the event marked the company’s status as one of the few remaining manufacturers of air compressors in the UK. A major employer in the local area, over 300 people currently work on site manufacturing world-recognised products including Hydrovane which has been produced there since the


early 70s together with the 160- year-old Belliss & Morcom brand and long-standing Reavell range. “I’m proud to celebrate the continued success of a local manufacturing company here in the Midlands with a worldwide export market supported by a strong local supply chain,” says local MP Karen Lumley. “I’m a big believer in apprenticeships and preparing young people for the world of work. Companies like Gardner Denver which are encouraging young people into a


career in engineering make a positive contribution to the economy.” Ben Sweet who has just completed a four-year apprenticeship with Belliss & Morcom says: “Taking up an apprenticeship means I can get ahead while working and I’m always learning something new. No two days are the same and I benefit from others’ experience." A factory tour allowed visitors to


see how the company’s compressors are manufactured and new machines launched specially for the event: the


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MANUFACTURING GROWTH REMAINS STEADY


Manufacturing growth continued in the three months to July but exports are set to weaken, according to the latest CBI Quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. The survey of 445 firms reported


slower growth in total new orders in the quarter to July although it remained above average. Growth in total new orders, output and numbers employed are projected to remain firm over the next quarter. The volume of new export orders rose slightly but the outlook for the next quarter is gloomier. Survey


respondents continue to report sharp falls in competitiveness in the EU, likely linked to sterling rises earlier in the year. Political and economic conditions abroad were seen as a constraint on orders by a significant number of firms. Investment intentions remain broadly similar to the last quarter, staying above their long term averages with plans for spending on building and plant and machinery improving slightly. “Manufacturers are continuing to feel the pressure from the stronger


pound,” comments CBI Deputy director-general Katja Hall. “Greater buoyancy in exports remains a missing element from the UK’s recovery. However, we’re encouraged by the Government’s commitment to address this as part of its productivity plan. The EU remains our largest trading partner so while the UK economy’s direct exposure to Greece is minimal we must encourage all leaders to act decisively to preserve growth and stability throughout the Eurozone. www.cbi.org.uk


SURFACE TECHNOLOGY INVESTS IN PARTNERING CUSTOMERS


A


pparently, a 3D plane has been launched from a Royal


Navy ship and landed safely on Chesil beach in Dorset. The same technology has been used to make guns. The implications are both exciting and, dare I say it, alarming? Assembled from four major parts without tools, the ‘world’s first entirely printed aircraft’ flies almost silently. Imagine the scenario when this capability gets into the hands of ‘undesirables’... Of course, some of the


technology featured in this issue could be used for destructive use but we focus on the productive and constructive!


Susan Deane - Editor 4 JULY/AUGUST 2015 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT


Several key investments are underway at the Surface Technology plant in Coventry as the facility gears up to meet an influx of high volume work for black passivation and stainless steel zinc nickel finishing. By investing £60k into the latest coating technology the site is further enforcing its reputation as a zinc nickel specialist while showcasing its capability into new markets. In addition, the company has


implemented its first fixed weekend working shift across the group in order to meet the increased capacity as well as demonstrating its professional approach to creating safer working conditions with OHSAS 18001 accreditation. A new black passivation tank was


introduced in response to a significant increase in demand for black coatings. Through a fully automated process Surface Technology will see its black capacity


increase to in excess of 5,000 parts per hour. In addition to supporting its core automotive and construction industry sectors the site will diversify into mining, agriculture and military, allowing the company to offer a viable alternative to the highly competitive black paint market. “The paint industry has grown


significantly in recent years, largely due to its highly aesthetical black finish,” says operations director Rob Hurrell. “A property that has been missing in electroplating since the introduction of trivalent passivate systems. Our investment allows us to viably compete for this product, providing both our superior ductile, sacrificial coating and the aesthetics required on visual product.” Furthermore, a new nickel strike


facility delivers high volume work on hydraulic adapters where the plating is required for corrosion resistance on stainless steel.


high-pressure WH35 for food and beverage customers and the Hydrovane air solution for industrial air applications.


“The event offered former


employees the chance to see how our products have developed while customers, the press and local dignitaries learned more about how we continue to manufacture innovative products for sale here in the UK and overseas,” concludes regional director Colin Mander. www.gardnerdenver.com


LETTER TO THE EDITOR


After reading a recent white paper from DENSO Robotics concerning the costs of owning a small assembly robot I got to thinking about all the little things that affect cost. When choosing a robot it’s


important to consider the guidelines DENSO outlines in its paper but to also carefully look at the parts that make it tick. After all, the whole is only as good as the sum of its parts. Beyond the initial cost of


purchasing a small assembly robot the costs of its maintenance and the energy it consumes can run on and on – especially if internal parts such as gears are sub-par. A machine using unsuitable gears can incur increased energy bills, increase the level of maintenance required, reduce accuracy creating increased waste, drive up production costs and decrease lifespan. Reducing these costs and making robotics a more gainful investment is one of the key benefits of our ColbaltLine series of gears. I would advise anyone who is


planning to buy a robot to request specific information from robotics manufacturers. This not only helps ensure they get an accurate machine capable of performing to their needs, it gives a more precise view of where long term costs may be incurred.


Graham Mackrell Managing director Harmonic Drive www.harmonicdrive.de/en


“We are a service provider, adding


value to our customer’s products,” concludes Hurrell. “We increase that value by forming partnerships where we can work together to innovate both the final product and the process for mutual success. “Our investment signifies our continued commitment to evolve with our customer base, overcoming challenges and ensuring we remain the go-to specialist in our field.” www.surfacetechnology.co.uk


/ FACTORYEQUIPMENT


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