production world
Bott exploits new Salvagnini
LEADING workplace and storage equipment manufacturer Bott has
invested £700k in a new plant to improve the efficiency and accuracy
of its sheet metal processing and quality of its end products. The
Salvagnini P4-2516 is used to process Bott’s wide range of workshop
and in-vehicle equipment.
An off-line terminal and universal tool set reduce setup times for
individual programmes and this, combined with integration to Bott’s
CAD system, allows the company to minimise lead times for its
bespoke products and prototypes. The plant is part of a lean
manufacturing programme and will help reduce downtime and
improve delivery performance. Other benefits include improved
reaction time to customer demand, reduction in levels of WIP, more
efficient working practices, and reduction of non value adding
activities.
Andrew Poole, Bott’s Engineering Manager, says: ‘This new plant
represents a step-change in the early stages of the production process. That, in turn, improves the efficiency of our entire manufacturing process,
enhancing the quality and service experienced by our customers. Approximately 60% of our products include sheet metal formed by this machine,
so it is a fundamental part of our operations.’
With ISO9001 registered manufacturing facilities, dedicated logistics and a comprehensive network of regional dealers, Bott’s new plant follows
investment earlier this year in a more energy efficient paint line and is a reflection of the company’s drive to combine quality and craftsmanship
with modern technology. The P4 is used to fabricate punched sheet metal into a range of high density drawer cabinets, versatile storage cupboards,
workbenches, wall panel storage and tool display systems to aid efficiency in the working environment.
While the P4 machine’s core use is bending sheet steel, the feeding system allows non-ferrous and highly perforated metals to be accurately and
rapidly loaded and can accommodate punched sheet blanks up to 2500 by 1500mm, allowing the production of Bott’s largest 2000mm tall cupboard
units. Bott’s standard product range is constructed of 1.5mm mild steel, but the plant can bend mild steel up to 2.5mm thick for bespoke units and
has been used for 1.2mm thick stainless steel for bespoke heat resistant worktops. www.bott-group.com www.salvagnini.co.uk
Wenzel
appointment
benefits customers
AS part of the worldwide investment and
expansion programme for the Metrology
Group, Wenzel UK has appointed Martin
Hawkins, formerly of Hexagon Metrology, as
the new UK & Ireland Sales Manager.
Comments Managing Director Andy
Woodward: ‘This senior appointment will
allow us to expand and fully develop our
business within the UK; Martin’s breadth of
knowledge and high customer service values
along with drive and enthusiasm will bring a
great deal of benefit to our customers and
overall business.’
Says Hawkins: ‘I want to broaden the
customers’ experience of Wenzel Group
products here in the UK. I firmly believe that
my customer service background and
delivering what the customer actually needs is
critical to our customers. We have plans to
increase our UK market share and this
appointment is the first in the UK, in building a
team to deliver those plans’.
www.wenzel-cmm.com
Bowers invests in
Haas machines
BOWERS Metrology Systems,
supplier of bespoke gauging
solutions, has installed a Haas TM-3
milling machine and a Haas TL-1
lathe at its Bradford site. An
expanding order book prompted
these purchases as part of a
programme of capital investments.
BMS Manager Chris Sallabank
explains: ‘Having looked at the
various toolroom alternatives, we
decided that the new Haas machines
exactly matched our criteria on
speed, accuracy and value for
money. Previous company
investments in a CAD system and
other high quality machine tools,
together with our latest purchases,
will enable us to keep 99% of our
work in-house and speed-up our
output.’ Bowers Metrology Systems
can undertake in-house design and
manufacture of a wide range of
projects from simple 6-inch
fixtures, to fully automated
computer driven, in-line measuring
systems. www.bowers.co.uk
www.haascnc.com
08 MWP january 2008
Accommodation + flights
for Wire/Tube/Metav
PRESSPLAN Travel is offering a large selection of centrally
located accommodation for Wire, Tube & Metav, all being
staged at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Complex between
Monday 31 March and Friday 4 April. This is the first time
the shows have been concurrent so good accommodation
in and around Düsseldorf will be at a premium; hotels are
already experiencing difficulties coping with the high
levels of demand.
Pressplan’s choice ranges from 2-Star to 4-Star to suit
all needs and budgets; all of the hotels offered are
situated in the centre of Düsseldorf for easy and
convenient access to the exhibition grounds. This
accommodation can be used together with low cost
scheduled airfares to provide a choice of individually
based arrangements which offer convenience and
flexibility and excellent value for money. Simply choose
your accommodation from Pressplan’s list of hotels,
nominate your preferred airport for departure and dates
of travel and Pressplan will provide a personalised
quotation based on the lowest fares available at the time
of booking. As a fully bonded IATA and ATOL licenced
agency, Pressplan can also assist with ferry and rail travel
in addition to offering flights from all major UK Airports.
However, early booking is strongly recommended to
achieve the best rates. Contact Suzanne, Georgia or Claire
on 0845 644 1381 (all calls charged at local rates) or email
tours@pressplantravel.com www.pressplantravel.com
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