Category Archives: Manufacturing

Manufacturing

DW Windsor raises the bar with futureproofed flagship luminaire

British manufacturer upgrades range of functional street lighting solutions, offering increased performance and improved efficiency for greater savings

HODDESDON, UK, 13th May 2022 – Leading exterior lighting solutions provider DW Windsor has announced significant performance enhancements for its flagship functional luminaire, Kirium Pro. Designed to support Local Authorities as they work to lower energy consumption and cut carbon emissions, the upgrades are set to also offer significant savings to taxpayers.

Featuring DW Windsor’s latest generation LED technology, Kirium Pro has been re-engineered to deliver increased performance of over 51,900lm, and market-leading efficiency, up to 192lm/W, resulting in lower whole-life costs and savings of around £50 per light point over ten years.

Kirium Pro is DW Windsor’s most comprehensive range of LED street lighting luminaires. Available in five distinct sizes with 23 standard Diamond+ optical distributions for ultimate flexibility and precise control, Kirium Pro delivers tailored performance and accurate light levels across various applications, from footpaths and cycleways to residential roads and traffic junctions. In addition, a unified design aesthetic ensures a consistent appearance across lighting schemes.

With increased connectivity options, Kirium Pro also benefits from a choice of NEMA and Zhaga sockets in top and bottom locations, providing greater flexibility and helping to futureproof the ENEC approved luminaire. Furthermore, toolless access via quick-release latches offers simplified installation, while a hinged lid and automatic electrical disconnection provide added safety during maintenance.

Alan Grant, Design & Development Director at DW Windsor, commented: “Kirium Pro is our most forward-thinking, futureproofed luminaire to date. The recent upgrades highlight our commitment to helping Local Authorities reach their net zero targets while delivering savings that will benefit the public purse.”

Initially launched in 2016, Kirium Pro has been installed at scale across the UK and beyond, with luminaires illuminating sections of the M1 motorway and the Square Mile in the City of London.

To find out more or contact the DW Windsor team to discuss a project, visit dwwindsor.com.

Manufacturing, News

Technology can be a saviour for the manufacturing industry

Written by Kunal Sawhney, CEO, Kalkine

Manufacturing has been a critical part of the UK economy since the beginning, playing its role efficiently and making the nation a leader globally. In 2021, the sector accounted for 9.7% of the total UK economic output. The pandemic deeply bruised almost every industry segment, and its deep-rooted impact was also visible in the manufacturing sector.

The latest survey result of UK S&P Global-CIPS manufacturing purchasing managers has indicated that the manufacturing activity in the country has started picking up pace, albeit at a slower rate. The manufacturing purchasing managers’ index was at 55.8 points in April, higher than the level of 55.2 registered in March, its five-month low.

Inflation plaguing the growth

The survey result has highlighted the inflation worries, which continued to build pressure on the sector, with 85% of respondents reporting an increase in purchase prices and the input costs surging to the second-strongest rate in the survey history. For the last some, time there has been a continuous rise in chemicals, energy, metals, packaging, timber, and electronics along with foodstuffs, putting pressure on the input costs. Some respite was seen with ease in global supply chain constraints, but at the same time, other material prices continued rising. The rise in prices is acting as a drag on business costs amid skewed demand.

It has also highlighted the different headwinds the sector continues to face. The demand scenario in the domestic market has worsened, while the export orders weakened at the start of the second quarter. Supplier lead times continue to lengthen. The rising prices of raw materials have hit the producers, and it can reflect in the cost growth in the next quarter. A separate analysis has reported that 6 out of 10 businesses are all set to hike prices in the coming 12 months, which would further hinder household spending and bolster the cost-of-living crisis.

Technology can act as the saviour

Manufacturing has gone through revolutionary changes, and now it is an ever more automated and technology-driven industry. Throughout the industry, the application of advanced technologies and systems is being used, and now it is being said that it could see a fourth industrial revolution driven by data that is helping them increase productivity, simplification of production, and making the businesses become more creative.

The country’s manufacturers have entered a new era with the help of technology. There is growing interest in investment in manufacturing technologies. It is not a hidden fact that manufacturing has always had an appetite for technology. Now, all the game-changing advantages of modern technology like big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced robotics are being used to gain a competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry.

The way ahead

The manufacturing sector at the time of recovery has been hit by the lockdowns in China and the Russia-Ukraine war when Brexit was already taking its toll; these global developments have derailed the growth momentum of the sector. A report has stated that over 130,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost during the pandemic, which could cost the sector almost £850 million.

However, the growth in manufacturing output and order books underlines the demand outlook of the sector. The government will have to support the manufacturers so that the downward trend in optimism can be restricted at the earliest possible. Some measures had been announced recently by Chancellor Sunak in his Spring Statement, but to combat rising cost pressures, businesses may need specific support before the Autumn Budget.

Manufacturing, Midlands News, News

New management team injects diversification into Barkley Plastics’ expansion plans

A leading plastic injection moulding and toolmaking specialist has appointed a new senior management team to help it target diversification and international opportunities.

Matt Harwood has become Managing Director of Barkley Plastics, taking over from his father Mark who has become Chairman of the Birmingham-based business.

The former logistics and business development manager will be joined at the helm by Operations Director Steve Smith and the duo are already setting their sights on maximising an £120,000 investment in automation and increasing its involvement in medical, construction and white goods.

This will reinforce the firm’s traditional expertise in automotive, where it continues to produce tools and injection moulded parts for customers including Aston Martin, BMW Mini, JLR, Nissan and Toyota.

“2022 is a massive year for the business as we look to bounce back from the pandemic and the supply chain issues affecting the automotive sector,” explained Matt.

“My Dad has been with the business since the late 70s and MD for the past 14 years, so we all felt the time was right for him to move upstairs and let a new management team build on the excellent platform he has built.”

He continued: “There’s a lot of challenges to contend with, but also a lot of opportunities as we look to take our toolmaking capabilities and injection moulding expertise into new markets, not to mention building on the success of our own interlocking floor product ‘PlasFloor’ by bringing a new home and garden range to market.

“Investment is a big thing for us at the moment. We must explore ways we can be more productive and efficient to help us offset rising energy prices and ensure we deliver competitive products to our global customer base.”

Barkley Plastics, which is a founding member of the Manufacturing Assembly Network, has one of the largest toolmaking facilities in the UK, producing high precision tools capable of delivering 50 million mouldings for distribution domestically and throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Employing 100 people at its Highgate factory, it can support its expanding client base with initial design and product development, right through to manufacture and assembly, with over 40 modern moulding presses – ranging from 5 to 650 tonne – able to produce the most intricate of components.

The latest investment, which has been supported by WMG and the Made Smarter Programme, has seen the firm purchase six-axis collaborative robots that can work alongside an operator.

This will help improve efficiency and allows the company to utilise staff elsewhere on the production line.

Steve Smith, Operations Director, went on to add: “The focus is undoubtedly on strengthening our automotive partnerships, whilst at the same time using our two-shot moulding, injection moulding and toolmaking expertise to win complementary work in new markets.

“We’ve already had some significant success with this approach, with fire safety products exported to Eastern Europe and a new tooling project to help develop EV/Battery technology for agricultural and off-road vehicles. There’s even a project we’re doing to supply products for underwater boat lighting.”

He concluded: “I think that highlights our engineering knowledge and the vast range of manufacturing capability we can offer. That’s something we’ve got to leverage going forward.”

Barkley Plastics is a member of the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), a group of seven sub-contract manufacturers and a specialist engineering design agency.

Employing more than 1700 people across 12 different factories, MAN can offer every engineering discipline imaginable, including aluminium casting, automation and control systems, forging, plastic injection moulding, precision machining, high-volume pressing, tube manipulation and welded assemblies.

In addition to Barkley Plastics, its membership includes Alucast, Brandauer, Grove Design, James Lister & Sons, Kimbermills International, PP Control & Automation and Muller Holdings.

Manufacturing, News

Ministry of Furniture applies circular economy to new WLGA offices

Ministry of Furniture, has collaborated with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind (MTIB) to deliver a revolutionary new office space that leverages the principles of the circular economy in all aspects of the design and fit out.

The WLGA, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), The National Lottery Community Fund, and Data Cymru have relocated their Cardiff sites to the fourth and fifth floors of One Canal Parade on Dumballs Road, Cardiff.

All four organisations had a vision to create a space that reflects the diversity of their sectors – something Ministry of Furniture has embraced and integrated throughout the entire project.

The brief was to create a flexible workspace which fully supported blended working and encouraged colleagues to work together when in the office. Ministry’s design team specified products that were both sustainable and collaborative.

The new space used a local supply chain wherever possible for this job, leveraging the principles of the circular economy. Much of the furniture has been re-manufactured at Ministry’s factory in South Wales and carpet was supplied by Greenstream Flooring, a social enterprise with a mission to maximise community benefit from the reuse of flooring in the UK.

Chris Llewelyn, Chief Executive at Welsh Local Government Association, said:

“We are really pleased with the completed project at One Canal Parade. The team at Ministry of Furniture helped us realise our vision. It is important to us as an organisation that we support local suppliers with social aims. Ministry’s remanufacturing capabilities enabled us to minimise waste from redundant furniture. Our staff love the lockers and desking made from our old desks and they look great.”

Graham Hirst, Managing Director, Ministry of Furniture, said:

“This has been a great opportunity for Ministry and MTIB to demonstrate the social and sustainability benefits that can be achieved when public sector organisations practice responsible procurement. We are grateful to WLGA, WCVA and the National Lottery Community Fund for working with us.”

The contract was awarded under Lot 3 of the NPS (National Procurement Service) furniture framework. When opting for Lot 3, purchase orders will be placed with Ministry of Furniture, which will, in turn, provide project management, estimating, interior design, bid management, light manufacturing and installation services.

Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind (MTIB) is a charity and company limited by guarantee, whose mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity for sustained employment.

Manufacturing, News, Packaging, Sustainability

Viscose Closures focuses on sustainability with new branding launch

Swansea-based packaging solutions company Viscose Closures is celebrating the launch of its new branding and website to reflect the company’s robust growth and investment plans. Now incorporating its green mission, the new logo focuses heavily on its sustainable yet secure solutions to support responsible producers and contribute to a green recovery following the pandemic.

The website, which has a strong focus on sustainability, launched on 15 February, and offers an improved, more personalised user experience. The site caters for all customers from the smaller artisan producers to large, multinational corporations. The website has full e-commerce functionality allowing customers to follow dedicated pathways for their sector and company specific product needs.

Viscose has been manufacturing in the UK for over 125 years, including 70 years in Swansea, producing tamper evident packaging solutions which are exported to 44 countries.

Having already developed a long and trusted reputation for excellence in quality, customer service and reliability, Viscose is becoming increasingly well known for its commitment to sustainability in packaging and reducing the carbon footprint of its manufactured product ranges, supplying environmentally friendly solutions using biodegradable, compostable and recyclable materials where possible.

With a robust five year road map for growth in place, Viscose is quickly emerging as a market leader for sustainable tamper evidence solutions and already has a strong reputation in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, health and vitamin and industrial gas sectors. Viscose is also developing in new markets such as cosmetics, beauty, medical testing and home fragrance.

Vince Minchella, CEO of Viscose Closures, said: “We are excited to announce the launch of our new website as a key component of the company rebranding. As a critical part of the supply chain in many sectors, our teams have listened to our valued customers to further improve the services we provide and ensure that our online presence is as accessible as possible, future-proofing our business in the process.

“Businesses are increasingly proactive regarding their environmental impact and we have seen increasing demand for eco-friendly production and materials in recent years. By placing sustainability at the heart of our brand, we hope to be at the forefront of responsible producers’ minds for secure and environmentally safe tamper evidence solutions.”

For more information, and to explore the new website, visit www.viscoseclosures.com.

Manufacturing, News, North of England

Clade factory expansion increases production capacity for green heat pumps

Leading industrial engineering firm, Clade, is preparing to unveil it’s newly expanded factory in Morley, Leeds, this week, which will increase production of natural refrigerant heat pumps, as well as bring new job opportunities to the local area.

With over 30 years of experience of working for blue chip customers, Clade has been leading the energy transformation in heating and cooling using cutting edge natural refrigerants. In order to further support the UK’s transition to a greener economy, the 29,000 sq foot factory will be dedicated to the production of Clade’s range of industry-leading domestic, commercial and industrial CO2 heat pumps. 

Situated on the outskirts of Leeds, the new facility is due to open on 11 February. It will create 30 new jobs over the next 12 months, and over 300 jobs in the next four years, enabling Clade to increase heat pump production by 400%. Growing their in-house R&D, construction and UK manufacturing services will not only bring additional benefits to Clade’s entire supply chain, but also underpins the UK government’s plan to decarbonise heating in the UK by making low-carbon heating systems more affordable and accessible over the coming decade. 

Clade’s ongoing commitment to having a positive environmental impact across its operations is reflected in the factory’s design. These include solar PV to help generate clean energy, the installation of electric vehicle charging points, LED lighting and waste reduction strategies. Alongside this, the company maintains its operation-wide policy for offsetting carbon generation through tree planting, with over 1000 trees planted, removing CO2 from the atmosphere and creating space for wildlife. 

The factory has been totally self-funded by Clade as part of its investment and growth strategy, but it has received invaluable assistance from the Leeds Economic Development Programme in regards to recruitment and skills support and connections to local manufacturing support infrastructure.

Tim Rook, Chief Markets Officer at Clade, says: “We are delighted to be expanding our manufacturing operations in Leeds with this new facility dedicated to the production of natural refrigerant heat pumps. Alongside the benefits to UK manufacturing and infrastructure, we are looking forward to building on our green heating expertise, not only in developing a pool of new talent with the creation of 30o roles over the next four years, but also in growing the entire supply chain around our factory. 

“Decarbonising heat is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions in the race to Net Zero and natural refrigerant heat pumps are the future of green heating. This expansion puts us at the forefront of innovation, supporting the UKs ambition to become a global leader in green heating technologies.”

For more information visit www.clade-es.com

Manufacturing, News

Industry 4.0 & beyond on show at the Manufacturing Innovation Forum

Manufacturers and technology leaders will show how data and digital solutions are transforming manufacturing at the Manufacturing Innovation Forum from 10:00-12:00hrs CET on March 17th

BRACKNELL, UK. 8th February 2022 – Manufacturers such as Lamborghini and technology leaders including Panasonic, Deloitte, Librestream, Zetes and Logiscend will be showing how Industry 4.0 data and digital solutions can transform production at the online Manufacturing Innovation Forum, from 10:00 to 12:00hrs CET on March 17th

“Harnessing the power of data and digital solutions to drive lean and profitable manufacturing operations has never been more important,” said Luca Legnani, European Field Marketing Manager for Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business Division Europe. “This online forum brings together the customers and technology experts that are already implementing Industry 4.0 solutions to share their learnings with other manufacturing leaders and managers in a not to be missed event.”

Speakers will be discussing how technologies can help transform productivity in every area of manufacturing from goods receipts through production and into the supply chain. The line-up includes:

  • A tour of Deloitte’s state-of-the-art Smart Factory of the Future to see an overview of all the possibilities for manufacturers.
  • Lamborghini talking about their smart factory journey.
  • Zetes showing how to achieve real-time visibility and full inventory control from goods receipt to shipment in the connected warehouse.
  • Librestream demonstrating how to use Augmented Reality-enabled remote collaboration technology to increase efficiencies.
  • Panasonic Connect Europe showing how its range of solutions, from smart mobility for quality control to smart factory solutions and smart container management, can deliver immediate returns for manufacturers today.

For more information and to register for this free, online event, visit: https://hopin.com/events/manufacturing-forum

Appointments, Manufacturing

Ministry of Furniture invests in new talent with swathe of hires

Ministry of Furniture, the company which emerged from Remploy Furniture, has made a further investment in its workforce, creating seven new positions, six of them new hires, as it enjoys further growth on the back of its enhancement of its offering during the pandemic.

The new appointments, which span design, production and operations, have been made by the firm on the back of an expansion and diversification of its services, a move prompted initially by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Terry Mortimer has joined as a technical designer and estimator. He has more than 20 years’ experience in bespoke design. Qualified in Revit, Autocad, and 3D Studio Max, he has a technical background with the ability to carry out surveys, produce detailed technical plans and product drawings.

He will work alongside Whitney Harris who has joined as an interior designer. Whitney is a graduate interior designer with Revit and 3D visualisation experience who joins from Do Digital.

David Bond joins as a production operator through the Government’s Kickstart programme. David, a blacksmith in his spare time, previously worked as an observation assistant at Hawkeswood Ecology. He will also benefit from a rigorous training programme at the company in line with the company’s social aims. Ministry has also recruited Adrian Badcock as a production operator.

Jake Webb joins the sales team as a fitted furniture sales specialist. Jake, who will be responsible for developing vector sales across the education sector, brings a depth of experience in the construction sector where he has worked as a sales estimator. He can use CAD and Revit and has Graphic Design qualifications.

Samantha Garnett joins as purchasing manager. Samantha is an experienced procurement and product manager with an extensive background working across a range of sectors in both the retail and automotive industries. Reporting to the operations director, Samantha will manage strategic procurement activities across multiple category spends negotiating the best deals and managing the suppliers.

Finally, Kay Wood has been promoted to project coordinator. She has a wealth of customer service experience having worked for Remploy for 22 years and Ministry for five years in sales and customer service roles. She will be responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered to the highest standard.

Ministry is enjoying a period of sustained growth, partly on the back of changes it made in the business prompted by COVID-19. Now, it is eyeing growth and diversification in line with its values and aims as a company in 2021 – and is investing in the people, systems and skills to allow it to leverage that. This also includes anticipated growth in the commercial, construction and education sectors over the next 12 months.

Having realigned the company’s working practices and offering in the past 12 months, it now offers clients a seamless journey over the timeline of a big project – from concept to completion. In Wales, as a framework supplier for The National Procurement Service (NPS) for Wales, it can offer its suite of services to all public sector bodies.

Graham Hirst, Managing Director, Ministry of Furniture, said:

“We are delighted to see five new faces join the company as we consolidate some of the changes we made through the pandemic and realign our values to ensure we are always offering the best possible customer service. The appointments will help to strengthen and improve departments throughout the business as we gear up for 2022.”

Appointments, Automotive, Automotive Tech, Business, Business News, Electronics, Europe, European News, Industry News, Industry Press Releases, Manufacturing, News, UK

Codasip appoints Functional Safety VP

Dave Higham’s expertise in ISO 26262 and security drives Codasip’s custom processor opportunities

Munich, Germany – 2 February 2022 – Codasip, the leading supplier of customizable processor IP, has appointed Dave Higham as the company’s Vice President of Functional Safety. His in-depth expertise in standards for functional safety and security will accelerate the application of Codasip’s RISC-V processor IP and Studio custom processor designer tools in the automotive and industrial sectors.

Higham will directly support customers looking to develop groundbreaking innovations using Codasip’s tools and development platform, particularly within areas such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. His expertise in the development of key industry specification ISO 26262 is of paramount importance, but his role is broader than that, reflecting how functional safety and security (such as ISO 21434) are key in many areas of technology.

Karel Masarík, Codasip’s Founder & President commented, “With his decades of experience at Delphi, one of the automotive industry’s Tier One technology suppliers, plus years of experience in multiple global semiconductor vendors, Dave brings to Codasip an unparalleled understanding of FuSa. I have no doubts that he will help Codasip customers maximize the opportunities of innovating in these markets, and to guide them intelligently through the safety requirements.”

Dave Higham, added, “Automotive is an obvious growth market for Codasip’s processor IP and Studio tools. But functional safety and security go hand in hand in many market areas too, where our customers expect these to be covered in any design conversation. Codasip has a unique ability to support customization and there are a number of architectural features we can enable to ensure safety and security are better by design, from the tools and methodology as well as in our standard products.”

Construction, Manufacturing

AB Glass unveils leadership succession plan

AB Glass, the Swansea based award-winning architectural aluminium specialist, has unveiled a leadership succession plan that will see its founder and managing director Alan Brayley take a step back and become chairman – in the company’s 30th year in business.

 

Nigel Harvey, the company’s operations director, will take the reins as the new managing director of the company, which employs some 40 local people, supports a further 25 sub-contractors and has a turnover of approximately £6 million.

 

Harvey has a plethora of experience within the sector. He joined AB Glass in 2005 and spearheaded the implementation of Lean Manufacturing into the business while also improving project management and customer care. In his new role, Harvey will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the entire company.

 

Brayley, who founded the business 30 years ago, has assumed the role of chairman. He will focus on holding the board responsible for its overall performance while also ensuring its unique ethos and culture created over many years is retained and enhanced in its future.

 

The change in leadership follows a successful year for the business during which it continued to operate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and made several key investments. These included making a six-figure investment in increasing its production capacity by 35% by developing a new 3000 sq ft storage unit, while investing in talent including new designers.

 

Additionally, AB Glass demonstrated committed support to veteran charities and organisations again this year, including through sponsorship of the Welsh Veterans Awards, Royal Welsh Regiment and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

 

Alan Brayley, chairman of AB Glass, said:

 

“I’d like to give my congratulations to Nigel on his appointment, which is fully deserved. Nigel has been an immensely valuable asset to this company for over 15 years, and I have full faith that he will continue to drive AB Glass forward.

 

“This allows me to take something of a step back and spend more time working on the business than in the business, while supporting Nigel in every way I can. I am immensely proud of what

we have achieved in the past three decades and I believe now is the right time to hand the reins to someone else who I am convinced can take the business to the next level.”

 

Managing director Nigel Harvey added:

 

“I am extremely eager and thrilled about the new role. I am grateful for the opportunity ahead and hope to continue the great work Alan has achieved during his time as managing director. It’s a particularly exciting time for the company due to the volume of orders we have seen, and the future looks very bright for us.”