Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced materials and components, has a range of world-renowned composite and polymer materials, including Ferobide, Feroform, Feroglide, Ferosafe and Railko.
Ferobide is a highly effective solution for reducing operating costs in the agricultural, mining and construction sectors.
This tungsten carbide composite is one of the most wear-resistant materials in the world, it is already trusted globally as a reliable solution for minimising equipment downtime. By preventing wear part damage, Ferobide is able to deliver lasting results which minimise equipment downtime and therefore aid in decreasing operating costs.
Ferobide in Farming
Farmers who utilise Ferobide can experience dramatic savings by extending the life of their equipment, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs.
For instance, implementing Ferobide has allowed some farms to extend the service life of cultivator wings and legs by several seasons, cutting down metal wear expenses by up to two-thirds. This not only minimises downtime but also boosts overall operational efficiency and profitability.
When used on soil-engaging equipment parts, Ferobide enhances durability against abrasive soil conditions, which can significantly decrease the frequency of part replacements.
A case study involving sugar cane mills showed that equipment outfitted with Ferobide experienced less wear compared to traditional hard-facing materials, leading to longer operational periods between maintenance shutdowns.
Ferobide in Construction and Mining
In the mining and construction industries, Ferobide has proven effective in increasing the lifespan of equipment parts exposed to extreme wear and tear.
In mining operations, Ferobide is used on drilling equipment to enhance durability against the harsh, abrasive conditions found underground. This results in fewer drill bit replacements and reduced downtime.
In construction, Ferobide can be applied to loader buckets and other machinery that frequently contacts abrasive materials like gravel and crushed rock. This application significantly extends the service life of these high-wear parts, leading to lower maintenance costs and less frequent equipment replacements.
The Benefits of Ferobide
When used correctly and welded onto suitable surfaces, Ferobide has numerous benefits, which include:
Significant savings on wearing metal costs
Increased wear part lifetime
Reduction in machinery downtime for maintenance
Increased operational efficiency due to a reduction in downtime
T.B Davies, a leading access equipment supplier, has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility in Cardiff. The expansion will boost the company’s production capabilities and reinforce its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
T.B Davies manufactures and distributes a wide range of access products for working at height, including steps, ladders, towers, and podiums for professional, trade and domestic users. Its customers include Screwfix, Toolstation and Amazon.
T.B Davies employs 27 people at its Lewis Road site in Splott and achieved a turnover of £7.8 million in 2023, up from £7.1 million in 2021. The company’s newly expanded facility, now spanning a 3.5-acre site, includes 31,000 square feet of offices and warehousing space with the potential to add 14,000 square feet as demand grows. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge, fully automatic machinery to produce high-volume aluminium extension ladders and assemble combination steps from Little Giant Ladder Systems, for which it holds the exclusive UK licence.
The expansion was made possible through a strategic investment of £500,000 and financial restructuring assistance from NatWest. It has been further backed by £100,000 in support and expertise from the Welsh Government’s innovation team.
The expansion has already created six new jobs, with more expected as production scales up. The upgrade to their production facilities forms part of T.B. Davies’ commitment to enhance its sustainability practices. The company, recognising the need to improve its engineering capabilities while reducing environmental impacts, recently embarked on a transformative journey in sustainability. Taking part in the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme Carbon Emission Reduction Pilot in 2022 led to the development of an award-winning detailed carbon reduction plan.
Since then, T.B Davies has made strides in minimising its environmental footprint by sourcing materials locally, using solar energy, minimising plastic packaging, and introducing hybrid vehicles. The new facility will produce the new Taskmaster Extension Ladder, made from 100% recyclable materials and aluminium sourced from Hydro Aluminium in Wrexham. T.B Davies aims to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
To celebrate this expansion and the legacy of chairman Patrick Gray, marking his 55th year with the company, T.B Davies will host a summer barbecue for employees, local schools, charities, and key partners.
David Gray, Managing Director of T.B Davies, said:
“My father joined my great-grandfather’s company 55 years ago to help sell aluminium ladders, a revolutionary product at the time. His hard work has helped us become an industry leader in building sustainable ladders, securing the company for future generations through responsible practices.
“Expanding our manufacturing facility in Cardiff is part of our commitment to innovation and sustainability. By increasing our production capabilities and continuing to implement cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, we are proudly setting new standards in the industry.
“This will support our growth and significantly enhance our ability to serve our customers more effectively, further embedding our roots into the local economy and its future.”
Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council, said:
“I am delighted to see T.B Davies expanding its manufacturing facility in Splott. This significant investment reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability while bringing valuable job opportunities to our local community.
“T.B Davies’ dedication to fostering a skilled workforce and enhancing the local economy is commendable. I look forward to seeing this expansion’s positive impact on Splott and the wider city.”
—
Caption L-R: Mat Gray and David Gray (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Director and Managing Director, T.B Davies), Huw Thomas (Leader of Cardiff Council) and Francis Camilleri (Business Development Director, T.B Davies).
Investing in equipment and machinery to start or expand an industry usually involves considerable capital management. Therefore, when purchasing machinery, you must be careful to prevent your investment from becoming a cost. Regardless of the type of industry you work in, you have two options to consider: you can buy new or used equipment. In both cases, you will get ups and downs. However, the difference in the investment between them is considerable.
If you decide to buy used equipment, You might want to prepare beforehand to avoid wasting your money. That way, you can save yourself a lot of headaches, time, and money.
Start by reviewing the conditions of the equipment you want to buy, guarantees, and estimated lifespan. Keep in mind that, to the extent possible, it is best to see it working. However, a meticulous system of inspections can also work. That way, you will see the exact status of the machine. A trustworthy company will always support you through a sales representative with experience. They will provide appropriate guidance through the process and buy what you need.
Check reviews about the type of machinery you are considering purchasing. You can find valuable information about the useful life and maintenance costs. Also, about the possibilities of obtaining spare parts and their possible obsolescence.
Consider aspects such as payment and transportation facilities offered by the supplier. Some provide financing and manage agreements with transportation companies that they trust. With their help, you can ensure your equipment travels in adequate and safe conditions. In addition, they usually have preferential prices for referred clients.
The experience and track record of the supplier are vital in this case. In addition, it must have a good reputation and manage competitive prices, guaranteeing after-sales service.
Where is it best to purchase used machinery appropriate for your business?
You can enjoy numerous advantages of buying used machinery besides the financial benefits. Thus, you need to consider different things to make the most convenient decision for your business. And the first consideration that you must comply with is inherent to the supplier. You want someone you can trust. Aim for a supplier with experience in the business and an established reputation in the sector. This is essential, as it guarantees that you are putting your capital to good use.
And precisely, these are some characteristics for whichCyclica stands out. We are talking about the most reliable portal on the market regarding the acquisition of machinery, industrial equipment, and reconditioned spare parts. There you will find what you need for your industry, at the best price and of excellent quality. They have an inventory that is constantly being renewed. It includes more than 600 pieces of equipment from recognized brands and a complete stock of spare parts of more than 10,000 units.
Thanks to its innovative way of conceiving the business of buying and selling used machinery, at Cyclica we all win. Because they not only focus on the commercial aspect, they are also oriented towards caring for the environment. By supporting the sustainable development of the industry, by extending the useful life of any equipment, they reduce waste that is difficult to degrade. In addition, they reduce processes associated with high energy consumption and minimize the use of raw materials and polluting inputs.
The reasons why purchasing used machinery is a good alternative
There are several reasons why purchasing used machinery for your business is a good option. That is, as long as you follow the tips mentioned previously, especially going to a reliable supplier.
Less investment
In this case, the best benefit is usually the lower capital requirement. Nowadays, you can get perfectly refurbished equipment with a long life. The best part is that you can grab some offers from recognized brands that have received proper maintenance and have spare parts available. This will help you save a lot of money. That equipment will cost a fraction of what it would cost to buy it new. This way, you can redirect the remaining capital to cover other requirements in your business.
Machinery with immediate availability
This is another of the great advantages of purchasing used machinery. You will not have to wait for the distributor to order the machine you need. This equipment is now available and in perfect condition to start operating. In addition, the previous owner has already carried out quality control. A responsible supplier will certify its proper functioning.
A wide variety of options in brands and equipment
Thanks to technology, it is currently possible to quickly access information on a specific computer. This includes prices and technical characteristics, among other aspects. This way, you can easily carry out a complete market study. Well, a responsible supplier will always have all the information you require about the equipment they offer. This will ensure that you are transparent and trustworthy in your dealings.
Thus, you will have multiple options regarding brands and types of machinery. You will find a whole catalog of options, but always remember to go to a trusted supplier. There, they will give you the advice you need. That way, you can pick the equipment that best suits your requirements and budget.
Preparing for the transition
The dizzying spiral of technology quickly makes any equipment obsolete. Therefore, a good plan is to prepare for upcoming transitions to other technologies. Thus, investing in new equipment can be a loss of capital. You want to be ready to face laws that change to limit the operation of modern machinery. Replacing used machinery does not have the same impact as new machinery.
As you can see, buying used machinery has many benefits, as long as you do it with a reliable supplier.
Manufacturing is having a far greater impact on the UK economy than first thought according to a major new report released today.
‘The True Impact of UK Manufacturing’, which will be unveiled at MACH 2024 in Birmingham later, shows industry is worth £518billion and supports 7.3million UK jobs directly and across the supply chains/communities it operates in.
This represents nearly a quarter of total GDP (23%) and far bigger than the direct contribution of 8.2% that is usually quoted by economists.
Carried out by Oxford Economics and the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), the in-depth report also shows that ‘making things’ accounts for 34.5% of all UK goods and services exports, whilst the median wage is £31,300 – 11% higher than the national median wage.
The findings are even more impressive when you consider the sector has had to navigate a myriad of challenges outside its control in recent years, including changing relations with the European Union, the Covid-19 pandemic, unprecedented increases in energy costs and global supply chain fragility and international conflicts.
MTA’s Chief Executive Officer, James Selka is now urging the sector to build on this report by exploring ways in which it can address the skills shortage and develop successful programmes, such as the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centres, to increase wealth creation by commercialising more of the great ideas and innovations born in the UK.
“This is a fantastic insight into the true impact of manufacturing in the UK and reinforces what many of us already know – that industry is a far greater contributor to GDP and jobs than listed in national accounts,” commented James.
“Our report has been designed to take a ‘deeper dive’ and looks at the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of manufacturing, which is a far more comprehensive overview of what we make, the complex nature of our supply chains and the economic benefit gained from the spending of wages by those employed in our sector.”
He continued: “The results illustrate that manufacturing accounts for £518bn of GDP and supports 7.3m jobs, most of which enjoy higher than average wages.
“We are also a part of the economy that invests heavily in new technologies, with nearly half (47%) of total R&D investment made by manufacturers. You only have to visit MACH this week to see this first-hand, with more than 500 companies showcasing the latest in automation and robotics, additive manufacturing, latest software, advanced CNC machining and measurement and inspection solutions.”The MTA is now calling on a well-integrated commitment from the whole nation to help industry realise its potential, ranging from business leaders and academics to policymakers so crucial in developing a cross-party industrial strategy.
The recent Advanced Manufacturing Plan – accompanied by support worth £4.5bn – has been welcomed as a step in the right direction and an important vehicle in helping to cultivate the new technologies and industries being born, such as electrification, lightweighting, less carbon intensive materials and renewable energy.
Introducing new measures that increase exports should also be a priority and there is an unprecedented opportunity to deliver critical sovereign capabilities from public health to defending our realm.
MACH 2024
The True Impact of UK Manufacturing report will be officially launched at MACH 2024 by MTA President Tony Bowkett.
Set over five days at the NEC (15-19th April) in Birmingham, the event is the biggest in the UK’s industrial calendar and attracts over 30,000 people from the manufacturing community and more than 500 companies.
More than £200m of business is expected to be completed during the week as some of the country’s most innovative firms unveil new technologies and machines designed to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
MACH, which has a huge focus on sustainable manufacturing and carbon reduction through its six Knowledge Hubs, is also a big attraction for young people looking for a career in industry, with 3,500 students (aged between 12 and 18) set to attend the show.
Headline sponsors Lloyds Bank welcomed the findings of the latest report. David Atkinson, UK Head of Manufacturing SME and Mid Corporates, commented: “As this report highlights, manufacturing is an integral part of the UK economy, through GDP contribution, job creation, and as a source of high wages.
“When you consider the sector’s extended reach through its supply chains and beyond, you can really start to see the scale of its contribution.
“Manufacturers have demonstrated agility and resilience in the past few years of uncertainty, and we are responding by continuing to invest in partnerships in the sector that ensure it has the skills, tools and support needed to compete on a global scale.”
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, concluded: “Manufacturing has always been a strategically important sector for UK economy and, none more so than now, given the immense societal, political and economic challenges that we face.
“Just as the first industrial revolution provided a step change, the accelerating pace of technological change of the fourth industrial revolution gives us a generational opportunity to do the same now. This valuable report highlights to those in power now and in the future, how manufacturing is greater than the sum of its parts.”
An advanced manufacturing firm that supports the leisure industry with ride-on electric vehicles is set for record growth after a strong start to the year.
Aqualand Industries has seen orders leap 50% to 122 vehicles in the first quarter of 2024. It puts the firm on track to hit a turnover of £1m this year, and it plans to expand its team with six new engineers over the coming months.
The company recently announced the launch of a national servicing offering to help leisure destinations maintain their vehicles through the busy summer period.
Commenting on the growth, Carl Byford, general manager of Aqualand Industries, said: “We have continued to diversify our offer to support our customers in the UK and overseas. With an expanded range and a new sales team in Scandinavia, we are ideally positioned for growth and pleased to partner with some of the biggest names in the holiday park sector.
“Leisure destination operators are looking for environmentally friendly ways to enhance the visitor experience, and our electric trucks and pedal carts are proving popular thanks to the low level of investment and time required to launch them at theme parks, zoos and holiday parks across Europe.”
Aqualand Industries partners with leisure destinations to help them drive additional revenue. The company offers leasing, full purchase or a mixture of both to provide operators with the flexibility they need to introduce the range of products.
The Holmfirth-based company designs and manufactures the six-wheeled Crazi-bugz, Adventure-Trukz and the newly launched all-family activity, the Adventurer. The Company has grown a loyal customer base across Europe for its eco-friendly products.
Beacon Foods is so pleased with new equipment installed at the company’s manufacturing plant that it has ordered more of the same to meet growing customer demand for its product range.
The Brecon-based company, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ingredients and ready-to-eat products, has recently installed a new D C Norris 1,000 litre S2C Static jet cook kettle, DCN pump fill station and 1,000 litre DCN tumble chill. The kettle is equipped with load cells, braising bar and a steam vapour recovery system.
The equipment is used to produce high quality dips, sauces, compotes, relishes, chutneys and preserves.
After being loaded by a tote bin hoist into the vessel, ingredients are heated and cooked at fast speeds, atomising steam to extract the maximum energy. The product is then hot filled into Capkold bags and chilled to below 4 degrees Celsius in a DCN tumble chill.
Beacon Food, which has a longstanding business relationship with D C Norris, has been that impressed by the new equipment that the company has ordered two more kettles – 1,000 and 2,000 litres – a 1,000 litre tumble chill and two 1,000 litre vacuum coolers.
“Whilst reducing costs and production times, the system is easy to use and operator friendly, produces high quality products and enhances taste, texture and appearance,” said Beacon Foods process manager Robert Sweet. “It also gives our products the added advantage of increased chilled shelf life.”
Beacon Foods offers UK produced, bespoke recipes of ready to eat IQF (individual quick frozen) char grilled and roasted vegetables.
The company’s ingredients go into literally thousands of products, including sandwiches, ready meals, pizzas, soups, drinks and desserts. Customers include food manufacturers, food service, coffee shops, fast food chains and the travel and hospitality industries.
Picture caption:
The D C Norris 1,000 litre S2C Static jet cook kettle.
The company has been innovating in UV technology since the 1920s and pledges ongoing commitment to customer-focused innovation
Nuvonic, a global UV technology solutions provider, commemorates its 100th year of unwavering commitment to excellence. Formerly known as Hanovia, the company has been a stalwart in UV science since its inception in the 1920s, and its century-long journey is a testament to innovation and adaptability.
Founded in Slough, Berkshire, U.K., in 1924, Hanovia started manufacturing UV lamps for medical applications. Since then, the company has consistently been at the forefront of UV science. Over the years, Hanovia evolved into one of the world’s leading UV lamps and systems manufacturers, contributing to industries such as food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, brewing, electronics, and aquaculture.
Over the decades, Nuvonic has undergone a transformative journey marked by strategic milestones and industry leadership. In 1981, Nuvonic became part of Halma plc, laying the foundation for future growth. The subsequent years witnessed important developments, such as Berson’s integration into the Halma family in 1986 and Berson’s groundbreaking introduction of the InLine model of UV systems in 1995. In 2017, Hanovia, Berson, and Aquionics united under a single management team, fortifying their position in the UV technology landscape. The year 2021 saw Orca joining Halma, further strengthening the collective expertise. In 2022, these four entities converged under the innovative banner of Nuvonic, reflecting a unified commitment to excellence.
“Reaching our hundredth year is proof that Nuvonic has stayed strong, adapted, and kept delivering for our customers,” said Alex Langston, Managing Director of Nuvonic. “Our legacy, strong brand, and trust show we’ve been consistent. Thriving for a century means we’re always innovating and changing with the times. As industry leaders, we’ve shared our progress worldwide, weathered changes, and made a positive impact on our team, customers, and the business world.”
“As Nuvonic approaches its centennial milestone in 2024, we remain dedicated to being a reliable, seasoned, and customer-centric partner. With a century of expertise at the forefront of UV science, we understand what it takes to meet customer needs across diverse industries and we will continue to explore breakthroughs in UV technology to improve people’s health and safety,” added Alex.
Nuvonic’s Timeline Highlights
1924 The British Hanovia Quartz Lamp Co Ltd is founded in Slough, holding various patents and manufacturing rights across the British Empire.
1925 The company starts manufacturing UV lamps for medical and other applications.
1927 Hanovia extends its operations overseas, appointing distributors in Australia, India, and New Zealand.
1928 UV ‘artificial sunlight’ receives significant press coverage and front page news due to the work Hanovia was doing for medical applications.
1931 Hanovia starts publishing The Quartz Lamp, a quarterly journal reproducing the best articles in the field of actinotherapy.
1934 The company acquires land in Slough and begins building its own office and factory premises, which are opened in 1935.
1935 The company is renamed Hanovia Limited.
1936–1939 These years see the development of an entirely new range of therapeutic lamps and a series of laboratory models based on a new UV ‘arc tube.’
1939 The company introduces ‘low pressure’ mercury discharge tubes for bactericidal irradiation.
1939–1945 Hanovia manages to retain its unique team of specialists and continues operation as an ‘Essential Establishment.’
1942 The company designs ‘high pressure’ UV arc tubes for use in high speed photo printing.
1949 By now, food, beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturers across Europe are using Hanovia’s UV technology for bacterial disinfection.
1950 The ‘Biscayne’ domestic sunlamp is launched.
1955 The company introduces a portable fluorescent UV lamp for actinotherapy.
1960 A domestic room heater is launched.
1981 Hanovia is acquired by Halma plc, a FTSE 250 company with subsidiaries around the world, focusing on hazard detection, life protection, personal and public health improvement and environmental protection.
1983 Aquionics begins operation as Hanovia’s North American sales, marketing and service arm.
1986 Berson becomes a Halma company and Aquionics incorporates the UV products from Berson.
1995 Berson invents the InLine model of UV systems, the first of its kind.
1998 Orca GmBH is founded in Cologne, Germany.
2014 Orca GmBH begins production of UVpro systems.
2017 Hanovia, Berson, and Aquionics combine to become a single operator under one management team.
2021 Orca becomes a Halma company.
2022 The four companies move under one innovative name: Nuvonic.
About Nuvonic:
Nuvonic is a global UV technology solutions provider and part of the Halma Group. With a mission to support nature’s purity with science by protecting people and processes from harmful contamination while continuously innovating and improving, Nuvonic offers the most comprehensive range of UV-based solutions for water, surface, and air disinfection backed by a century of combined experience and expertise. Nuvonic’s four combined UV innovators offer chemical-free full-facility disinfection through the innovative application of UV technology, providing a unique value proposition for UV market professionals. For more information, visit www.nuvonicuv.com.
ACG Capsules Pithampur, India is ACG’s 1st lighthouse to join the community.
ACG, the world’s largest integrated supplier and service provider to the pharmaceutical industry, celebrated the inclusion of its capsule manufacturing facility in Pithampur, India, into the esteemed Global Lighthouse Network (GLN) by the World Economic Forum at the 54th Annual Davos Summit.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network has acknowledged the exemplary integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data analytics, by select factories globally. These facilities have been distinguished for their commitment to enhancing efficiency, fostering sustainable development, and simultaneously advancing their workforce’s skills and safeguarding the environment.
Upon receiving the award, Mr. Karan Singh, Managing Director, said: “I am delighted to receive this recognition on behalf of my team. For me the most unforgettable part of our journey wasn’t any technology or efficiency milestone, but the incredible team that made it all possible. Just ordinary people, united towards one goal, bringing about innovative collaborations to push boundaries of what is possible.”
He added: “One of the stand-out features of our application was the Gen-AI integration. Something that was done in the less than two weeks. In between all the debate on what Gen-AI can do to humans it is a beautiful reminder that ‘technology is brilliant, but humans drive the change’. Let’s remember that!”
ACG operates across 138 countries in six continents and has positioned itself as a leader in the pharmaceutical sector by focusing on high-quality capsule production, increasing responsiveness, improving production yields, and boosting workforce efficiency. The company produces billions of capsules annually and has implemented over 25 innovative applications of 4IR technologies, including the industrial internet of things (IIoT), machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), digital twins, extended reality, and generative AI.
Selwyn Noronha, CEO, ACG Capsules, added: “We are extremely proud of our first factory lighthouse. From its inception the facility has pioneered in its field, but this latest honour recognises the excellence in adopting AI at speed and scale.
“Our continued future-focused approach sets new benchmarks in quality and innovation, with the aim of ensuring maximum benefit for customers, regulators and the entire pharmaceutical ecosystem.”
Construction products manufacturer Palace Chemicals is marking its 45th anniversary with a brand and packaging refresh.
The Speke-based firm, one of the UK’s largest independent manufacturers of tile adhesives, grouts, building chemicals, wood treatments and decorating sundries, will be rolling-out its brand rejuvenation over the next few months, initially with its tiling products.
The move is a celebration that reflects the company’s innovative industry-leading position in the tiling, flooring and DIY markets that has been 45 years in the making and will also unify the growing family of Palace’s acquisition over the years, including brands such as Langlow, Houseplan and, most recently, Rock-Tite, Pro Gyp-Base & NX.
Palace, a standard-bearer for British manufacturing since its foundation in 1978, is also using its 45th year to cement its reputation as a trusted leader in sustainable manufacturing and remind the market of its continued drive to supply cutting-edge product advancements.
Steve Ball, Commercial Director for Palace Chemicals, said: “We not only have a broader product range than any of our UK competitors, but we lead the way in sustainable manufacturing, thus earning our status as a highly trusted supplier and pride ourselves on providing customer service that is second-to-none. This is what 45 years of trading has achieved – yet we refuse to rest on our laurels. This anniversary, combined with our refresh, is as much a celebration of where we are heading in the future as it is about our past.
“We’re most definitely in our prime, and we have no plans to take our foot off the gas in terms of bringing continual improvements to our products and production processes.”
Key to Palace’s success and reputation is its pursuit of ever more sustainable production methods.
Palace was the first company in the sector to be awarded BS5750 (later upgraded to ISO9001). In 2004, it became an ISO 14001 manufacturer for its Environmental Management System and was accredited by the BSI for its BS OHSAS 18001 Health & Safety Management System in 2014, which was then updated to ISO 45001 in 2018.
Further investment has led to zero waste to landfill produced during Palace Chemicals’ operating processes. Production is integrated with a closed-loop dust extraction and recycling system, which ensures all airborne dust emissions are contained and collected within a network of extraction ducting around all powder manufacturing and packing processes on site.
And Palace continues in its mission to remove plastics and non-recyclable packaging from its system where possible. All of its plastic-based packaging, for example, now contains a minimum of 30% recycled and recyclable plastics.
“Sustainable production is one of our most important achievements,” said Palace’s Technical Director Jim Percival, “And our current system represents a huge step forward compared with previously available technologies.
“It is a unique example of how investment in sustainable technology can have tangible and long-lasting benefits.”
Sustainability also follows through in Palace’s impressive record of staff retention. Many employees have loyally stayed with the company for several decades, reflecting not only Palace’s stature as an exemplary employer, but highlighting the value that customers place on long-term relationships.
The over-used expression ‘one stop shop’ is probably more appropriate for Palace than for virtually any other company in the adhesives industry.
Having started originally as a manufacturer of damp proofing and timber treatment products, the company now boasts some 250 different formulations, and the packaging makeover will be extended across the product portfolio in the coming months.
A company that makes lightweight aluminium components for the automotive industry was recognised at the Powys Business Awards for its innovation and use of technology.
CastAlum Limited, which has been based in Welshpool since 1999 and has 150 employees, won the Technology and Innovation Award, sponsored by CellPath, at the annual awards ceremony held at The Hafren, Newtown on Friday, October 20.
Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) with support from sponsors, the coveted annual awards, which began in 2009, are open to companies, organisations, social enterprises and charities.
Castalum is a high pressure aluminium die casting and machining centre that produces complex components for almost all makes of cars.
The company became the first in the UK to start making dies from printed forms instead of steel which improved productivity, quality and enhanced the ability to produce increasingly difficult components.
CastAlum has introduced a second printer in its new additive manufacturing suite now that printed inserts are included in every die it uses.
The progressive company also uses Microsoft SharePoint technology to train and develop employees. Using a database of work instructions as its base, CastAlum has developed a purpose-built app to track what training has been completed and what is still required for each employee.
“This is only the beginning of a journey to modernising training and every day we are thinking of new uses for the technology,” said Greg Howe, CastAlum’s training manager.
“We also invest heavily in our apprenticeship programme – many of our employees started as an apprentice. We find as people grow with the business, they gain experience that we just will not find elsewhere.”
Receiving the award, CastAlum’s managing director Karl Meredith: “This is a sign that the pioneering work we are doing at Cast Alum is worthy of recognition.
Also, I can’t emphasise enough how important apprenticeships are to teach skills which Rhys Jones, our additive manufacturing engineer and apprentice mentor, has proven.”
Powys Business Awards judges said: “CastAlum have succeeded in truly embedding innovation into their business. Innovative use of new and existing technologies has clearly been championed within the business and encouraged with resource allocation.”
“At CastAlum, technology adoption is endorsed by the leadership team and embraced as a tool to train the next generation of staff.”
The award runners up were P.M Training and Assessing Ltd, Crickhowell and Arcticfox Adaptive Ltd, Montgomery.
Picture caption:
CastAlum’s managing director Karl Meredith and additive manufacturing engineer and apprentice mentor Rhys Jones receive the Technology and Innovation Award from Tim Davies from CellPath, sponsor.
Business in the News – the latest UK Business news from NTSI
