cbm ed15 cover section - st. joseph's preparatory school metal matters - autumnn 09 - … ·...
TRANSCRIPT
Sheet MetalBe on your
mettle
with aluminium
page 15
ForgingMagnetic billet heater
setting benchmarks in
non-ferrous metal heating
page 10
FastenersRomanian
fastener
trade
page 7
SteelA slow recovery
in prices is still
possible
page 24
FinanceMandelson
mantra about
‘real’ engineering
page 28
ISSN 1759-5975
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A lthough the definition of a recession may be fiscalthe consequences are undoubtedly human.
We have just experienced the sixth quarter of negative growthconfirming this recession will be as deep as that experienced in1980's with a peak to peak drop of 6% in GDP. Begbies Traynor,the insolvencies practitioners, suggest the worst for insolvenciesis yet to come as 134,000 UK companies show material signs offinancial distress. Experience from previous recessions showsinsolvencies will peak two years after GDP has stopped falling.The Government initiative to allow firms to defer the payment of PAYE and VAT has been the most successful of their 'Real Help for Business'campaign. In terms of take up, 215,000 companies have taken advantage of this facility but now owing £3.79bn in tax liabilities! Some have evenmanaged to 'do deals' on their corporation tax. However if the market doesnot pick up this assistance could be only a temporary reprieve rather than a solution.
The second most successful of the Government of the initiatives has been the car scrappage scheme, the initial response meant the scheme had to be extended upwards from 300,000 to 400,000 new registrations.Although originally it was believed the scheme would not help CBMmembers but only subsidise overseas auto manufacturers, surprisingly the benefit has been seen across the sector with many CBM memberssupplying parts which are, eventually, assembled into many small carsproduced here and elsewhere in Europe. Sadly, however, the recession will accelerate the migration of OEMs to source more parts from low cost countries. Jaguar Land Rover has stated publicly that part of the futurestrategy involves increasing their percentage of parts from low cost countriesfrom a fifth to one third of their total requirement.
Some respite has been seen with the lowest energy prices for two years together with lower steel prices (compared with the record highs), and extraordinary weak pound giving, what our EU colleagues believe, UK exporters an ' unfair advantage' in Europe.
Nevertheless the recent announcement to expand the Airbus facility atChester at a cost 400m euros, will ensure the ongoing UK expertise in theinternational aerospace sector. This together with the new models due to bemanufactured at Honda, Mini and others mean the UK will still be producing1.6m cars a year, most of which will be exported bringing much neededrevenue to UK Plc.
One of the major obstacles to returning to growth will be the shortage ofcash and trade credit insurance; the difficulties in obtaining credit insuranceon customers in the automotive, construction, agriculture and commercialvehicles markets has created extreme financial distress for metalformingcompanies in the UK. Sadly the Government's trade insurance top upscheme launched early this year has had a dismal take up and should bemodified for 2010. If the recovery is to be 'export led' and companies are toextract the maximum benefit from the favourable exchange rates, tradecredit insurance schemes will need to be extended to cover exports to atleast the EU if not the rest of the world. Without this extension to the eligibilityBegbies Traynor prediction that insolvencies will continue to rise for the nexttwo years will become reality as more and more companies find they cannotfund the expansion the country desperately needs.
R E V I E W
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 1
CBM
S T A F F
Confederation of British MetalformingNational Metalforming Centre, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 6PY.Telephone: 0121 601 6350 Fax: 0121 601 6373
PRESIDENT lALAN SHAW
DIRECTOR GENERAL lJOHN HOUSEMAN
COMPANY SECRETARY lGERALDINE BOLTON
FORGING SECTOR SPECIALIST lDR KEN CAMPBELL
FASTENER SECTOR SPECIALIST lDR JOHN NEWNHAM
SHEET METAL SECTOR SPECIALIST lADRIAN NICKLIN
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR lDR ALAN ARTHUR
ACCOUNTS lCHRIS SMITH
ADMINISTRATOR lDEBBIE YORK
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER l
KIRSI LINTULA
DG’s review
DIRECTOR GENERAL’S
DG
’s r
evie
w
John HousemanCBM Director General
Recession as deep as the1980’s
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o mcontents2
Confederation of British MetalformingNational Metalforming Centre, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 6PY.Telephone: 0121 601 6350 Fax: 0121 601 6373Enquiries: Kirsi Lintula,
Marketing & Communications ManagerEmail: [email protected]: www.britishmetalforming.com
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While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of materialpublished in this magazine, neither CBM nor Group Information Services Ltdand its agents can accept any responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in advertising or editorial content.
The design and layout of this directory remains the property of GroupInformation Services Ltd, it must not be reproduced or transmitted to a third party without prior written consent. © November 2007.
C O N T E N T S
1 Director General’s review1 CBM staff
cbm membership3 What’s in it for you?
news4 EAMA urges Darling to take action
in economic downturn5 Cart before the horse
insurance6 Trade credit insurance
fasteners7 Romanian fastener trade8 Unintended consequences?9 Company profile: RCF Bolt & Nut Ltd
forging10 Magnetic billet heater setting
benchmarks in non-ferrous metal heating
sheet metal15 Be on your mettle with aluminium16 ICOSPA Presidents Council meeting 18 Medium frequency welding of metal components20 Laser cutting technology
4
steel24 A slow recovery in prices is
still possible
business strategy25 How to speed up the merger
integration process
business support27 Age discrimination
finance28 Madelson mantra about ‘real’
engineering strikes a chord with parents and teachers
30 The 100 day plan - a key to success
health & safety31 Control of Legionnaires’ disease 32 Working at height33 REACH update
environment34 Environment managers - are they worth it?35 Greening the grime
cbm events36 CBM Events
cbm directory37 Full and Associate membership
address listings
10
15
28
35
THE CBM’s MISSIONTo be the principal representative of, and service provider
to, manufacturing companies in the UK metalformingindustries as they strive to improve their performance.
ME
MB
ER
SH
IP
cont
ents
Benefits of membership – what’s in it for you Rebates on your Climate Change Levy (CCL)Free employment law helplineFree technical helplineFree publicationsFree H&S helplineMonthly market reportsDiscounted hearing and noise assessmentsDiscounted training packagesDiscounted insurance premiumsBriefings & seminarsRegular meetingsHealth & safety officer servicePrivate healthcare scheme
MembershipMembership is available to companies who
manufacture products in the UK, by metalformingprocesses, particularly those who are engaged in hotand cold forging, and the shaping, cutting andforming of sheet metal.
Associate membership is available to companiesand institutions allied to the manufacture ofmetalformed products.
To be part of the wider picture and be masters of your own identity…
CONTACT CBM NOW!
cbm membershipw w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 3
cbm
mem
bers
hip
welcome to our M E M B E R SN E W
●AKS Precision BallEurope Ltdwww.aksball.com
●Bird Stevens & Co Ltdwww.birdstevens.co.uk
●Calsonic Kanseiwww.ckeurope.com
●Corus Automotivewww.corusgroup.com
●RCF Bolt + Nut Ltdwww.rcfbolt.co.uk
●Takao EuropeManufacturing Ltdwww.takao.co.uk
●Wrekin Sheetmetalwww.wrekinsheetmetal.co.uk
●3M Healthcarewww.3M.com/uk
What’s in it for you?Membership of the CBM includes a wide and growing range offree and discounted services, designed to save you moneyand help your business operate more efficiently.
REBATES on your Climate Change Levy:More than 100 member companies received rebatesaveraging £20,000 a piece during 2005, and didn't evenhave the time-consuming burden of administration.
CBM staff will process your application, and the moneyyou save will pay your annual subscription several timesover.
FREE Employment Law Helpline:In today's litigious climate, access to professional help isvital from the outset.
Members have unlimited access to a genuine 24/7 servicedesigned to help managers achieve their aims, whilstminimising risks.
Follow-up consultations are available to employmenttribunal level, and member companies are automaticallyindemnified against possible employee claims.
FREE Technical Helpline:From hot-forging to sheet metal processing, we can solve your problems, either via the staff at our NationalMetalforming Centre, or through their wide network ofcontacts across our industry.
FREE Publications:Not everyone can attend our seminars and meetings, sowe circulate newsletters and magazines highlightingimportant issues and celebrating members' achievements.
FREE Health & Safety Helpline:Whether you need an instant response, or advice about long-term issues, this service will provide cost-effectiveanswers whenever you need them.
MONTHLY Market Reports:Our new Industrial Market Report provides valuableinformation on potential sales opportunities and has beenparticularly well received.
DISCOUNTED Hearing and Noise Assessments:Our partner organisations who offer occupationalhealthcare will save you money whether you use theCBM's mobile hearing assessment vehicle, or attend anassociate member's clinic.
DISCOUNTED Training Packages:Regular courses on such issues as lean management and Six Sigma are provided for management and shop-floor employees, either at your premises or at the NMC.All are heavily subsidised, some are free.
DISCOUNTED Insurance Premiums:The ever-rising cost of insurance can now jeopardise thesurvival of your business. Our specialist providers though will save you money without reducing essential cover.
BRIEFINGS and Seminars:Our staff and outside experts keep members abreast ofsuch vital topics as steel prices, the latest H&S legislationand upcoming employment law changes.
REGULAR Meetings:Workshops and sector group meetings allow you to meetdelegates from other companies and associate memberswho supply products and services to the industry.
HEALTH and Safety Officer ServiceThe availability of a health and safety professional to carryout risk assessments and ensure the company iscompliant with the latest legislation is an important addition to the CBM services to members.
PRIVATE Healthcare SchemeLike any industry, your business is reliant on youremployees and if they become ill, you need them back as quickly as possible. Some of the CBM PrivateHealthcare Scheme benefits are: premiums up to 20% less than comparable First Assist schemes, a ‘full refund’policy meaning there are no financial limits for hospitaltreatment, specialist treatment and diagnostic tests, and an optional Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 access to telephone legal advice and counselling.
MEMBERSHIPMembership is available to companies who manufactureproducts in the UK, by Metalforming processes, partic-ularly those who are engaged in hot and cold forging, andthe shaping, cutting and forming of sheet metal.
Associate membership is available to companies andinstitutions allied to the manufacture of metalformedproducts.
To be part of the wider picture and be masters of your own identity… contact CBM NOW!
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o mnews4
Lobbying is always a vital element of our activities,whether in the UK, at Brussels or further afield, andparticularly when trading conditions are the toughest wehave witnessed for decades.
We have used our membership of the Engineering andMachinery Alliance (EAMA) to contribute to its pre-Budgetsubmission, sent to Chancellor Alistair Darling, members of hisTreasury team and senior MPs.
The document was necessarily long and detailed, but I haveprecised the key elements below.
To put our thoughts into context, EAMA chairman MartinWalder pointed out that the alliance's ten organisationsrepresented 1,400 firms, mainly SMEs, with annual sales of roughly £7 billion split between capital goods andcomponents.
We reminded the Chancellor that, according to the Office forNational Statistics, mechanical engineering is one of only twomanufacturing sectors which regularly contribute positively tothe UK's trade balance, and by more than £3 billion in 2008.
We urged Mr Darling to take specific action, in three keyareas:
■ Help firms maintain liquidity and cash flow, so they cantrade through the volatility that is certain to come, holdcorporation tax level for at least two years and reintroduceempty property relief for industrial buildings.
■ Kick-start investment, especially to increase higher value-adding productive capabilities, so firms can come out ofthe recession competitively stronger, increase the AnnualInvestment Allowance to £250,000, and introduce anincentive for automation, along the lines of the incentivesfor energy-saving plant.
■ Encourage exporters in practical ways; be bolder andmore professional in the subsidised use of the UKrepresentative network in foreign markets, and amend theTrade Credit Insurance Top-Up Scheme, and theEnterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, so they genuinelydo support all types of exporters.
Feedback from CBM members was included, in tablesshowing the recession's impact on the companies withinEAMA's ten trade associations.
“Matters are delicately balanced. If governmentwithdraws its underpinning measures too early, thenconfidence, and the small gains made, will quickly slip intoreverse. The next two quarters will be crucial, as trading upputs pressure on cash-flow.”
We recalled a recent Gallup survey, showing that UK bankscontinued to be less supportive of business than theircounterparts in France, Germany and Italy, and pointed outthat all EAMA's members needed to find new customers,which required access to finance.
It was also highlighted to the Chancellor the paradox thatwhilst banks were quickly re-establishing themselves - andtheir bonus schemes - they were refusing finance to ordinarybusinesses, whose employees had helped provide the moneywhich underpinned the banks.
“It may all make sound economic sense, but does not soundlike natural justice. Instead, it sounds remarkably like the re-emergence of the two-speed economy which bedevilledmanufacturers earlier in the decade, when success wasjudged as creating returns in the short-term, rather thancreating goods over the longer, “ he added.
“Premature action by government, in withdrawing effectivepackages before the economic pick-up is deeply rooted, willmake it even more difficult to achieve wider rebalancing in theeconomy.”
new
s
For further information please contact
John Houseman, Director General, at the
CBM offices on 0121 601 6350 or email
EAMA urgesDarling to take action in economicdownturnBy John HousemanCBM Director General
pricingw w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 5
Cart Before the Horse
Someone gets a sniff of a new piece of business andsomething strange happens -senior managers start
to think backwards.
'We have this interesting enquiry…
it looks like a big chunk of business'
'What's the price?'
'Don't know but I think it is going to
need to be competitive'
'Well what's it going to cost
to make?'
'I'll get someone to work out a cost'
There…did you spot it? No?
The question that needs to be asked is not what is thecost?, but can we make a margin at the price the customeris prepared to pay?
Your cost has got nothing to do with what the customer isprepared to pay (unless he is disguising himself as a cleanerand sneaking into your accounts department to peek at yoursystem). The purpose of calculating a cost is to see if thebusiness is worth taking at the price.
The next time a salesperson comes in with an opportunity(did I hear you say 'chance would be a fine thing'?), don'tallow your accounts department to work out a cost until thesalesperson has given you a justified target price. When theylook puzzled and hurt, this is what you tell them to do:
Find out who the current supplier is (if indeed there isone- perhaps it is a new product).
Find out if they have been experiencing supply or qualityissues (the buyer won't tell you this).
Find out which of their products the part is for, howmuch they sell this product for and how much of theirbusiness depends upon it.
Ask for their target price - they may not tell you but youare dumb not to ask.
Fly some kites..speculate with the buyer about what theprice might work out to be. Speculate at the top end ofthe range and watch his reaction.
Go down onto the production line and see if you cansave them time or labour by presenting the product in a slightly different way.
When your salesperson comes back with all thisinformation…then and only then…get a costing done to seeif you make any money.
This weird and contrary way of going about things is calledValue Pricing. In other words, what is the product worth toyour customer not how much is it going to cost you.
By Cliff Burgin Burgin Associates
Cliff Burgin runs workshops on pricing strategy and tactics for The Academy for Chief Executives.
pric
ing
www.burginassociates.com
Trade CreditInsurance
R K Harrison Financial Risks are proud to be working in partnership with the Confederation ofBritish Metalforming and utilising our position as
one of the largest independent specialist credit insurance brokers in the UK to the benefit of CBM members.
With offices in Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds and London wehave the local position combined with national precision toprovide workable solutions in these unprecedented economictimes.
At a time when members need professional advice,information and protection to enable them to grow and trade effectively with confidence, credit insurance and the RKHFinancial Risks team is an effective and valued financial riskmanagement tool, which is needed now more than ever.
If a member is experiencing problems with their existinginsurer, we will see if we can assist. If members are new tocredit insurance we shall guide them through the process fromthe initial information gathering through to the provision oftraining for their staff and complying with the policy; we are here to help.
Recent research by the Economist Intelligence Unit foundthat the majority of the business leaders polled felt that theywere ill prepared to deal with the biggest economic risksarising from the current financial crisis.
One of the largest fears was the insolvency of customersand cancelled orders.
The study, commissioned by Lord Levene, Chairman of Lloyds also found that companies felt poorly prepared to handle these risks to their businesses. Lord Levene alsocommented that business leaders must not be over confident in how prepared they think they may be.
There were 4,941 company failures in England and Wales inthe first quarter of 2009. This was an increase of 7.1% on theprevious quarter and an increase of 56.0% on the same perioda year ago.
In the twelve months ending March 2009, approximately 1 in 130 active companies went into liquidation, compared tothe previous quarter when approximately 1 in every 150 ofactive companies went into liquidation.
Credit insurance provides cover that protects againstcustomers bad debts arising from their insolvency. Taking into account the findings of the Economist Intelligence Unit
research, now more than ever, businesses should be looking to protect their cash flow and livelihoods against theinsolvency or non-payment of their customers. By consultingconfidentially with RKH Financial Risks, we can work with CBMmembers to identify potential areas of exposure, mitigate riskand advise on insurance policy and credit control compliance.
These current conditions only emphasise the importance of using RKH Financial Risks as your specialist credit insurancebroker to advise, assist, locate and negotiate the best deal,and to provide day to day support to maximise value.
We already have the experience and background withvarious UK metal businesses to help CBM members. As well as being members of NASS & MMTA we also havededicated Credit Analysts, themselves from a metals industrybackground, who understand and know your business.
Working with our colleagues in the general insurance arena(R K Harrison Insurance Services), we look forward to talkingto CBM members, listening to their concerns, needs andrequirements and helping them and the metalforming industrymoving forward.
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o minsurance6
insu
ranc
e
For further information please contact:
Richard MillerBusiness Development BrokerTel: 020 7456 7957 - Mob: 07792 941407Email: [email protected]
R K Harrison Financial Risks52 Leadenhall StreetLondonEC3A 2BJ
R K Harrison Financial Risks Limited (RKHFR) is an appointed representative of R K Harrison Group Limited,
which is authorised and regulated by the FinancialServices Authority in respect of general insurancebusiness.
RKHFR is registered in England No. 6927187.Registered Office: One Whittington Avenue, London EC3V 1LE.
Calls may be monitored and recorded for qualityassurance purposes.
fastenersw w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 7
Tonnage 2005 2006 2007 2008 1st half 09
EU 44% 48% 49% 52% 62%
China 42% 38% 42% 36% 22%
Value,
EU 73% 75% 77% 74% 78%
China 12% 11% 13% 13% 7%
Volume in tonnes 2005 2006 2007 2008 09 1st half
National production** 9,926 4,726 6,474 4,452 N/A
Total imports 30,213 37,304 66,631 64,523 11,605
EU imports 13,421 17,944 32,834 33,414 7,139
PRC imports 12,603 14,014 27,936 23,511 2,510
Exports 7,268 7,295 10,226 8,979 2,320
Domestic market demand 32,871 34,735 62,880 59,996 9,285
T he Eurostat data base can be accessed byanyone, and can give a useful insight into thetrade of any European country. Classified data on
imports and exports is assembled for each nation, and provided the classification divisions are valid, the information may show the areas of opportunity forpotential exporters. Using this data, a profile of thefastener trade in Romania has been compiled.
Romania has a population of about 23 million, and this ranksit 7th among the 27 European nations, behind Germany,France, UK, Italy, Spain and Poland. About one third ofRomania’s GDP is in the industrial sector, and Romania hashad strong domestic activity in construction and agriculture,but also has significant production in the automobile andmachine tools sectors. In the automotive sector, Romania hashad an annual production of about a half a million cars inrecent years, and some global marques are present in thecountry. The machine tool industry has been reported to havehad double digit growth each year since 2002.
Import and export data was retrieved from Eurostat using the ‘CN7318’ classification, which covers most fastener types made from steel, including stainless. National productiondata was extracted using corresponding ‘prodcom’ codes.However, national production data is not accurate, as it iscommon for data to be suppressed where it is consideredsensitive. The result of this can be an incomplete view of thelocal manufacturing base.
The table below shows fastener trade from 2005 to thepresent, in tonnage of shipped product. Similar data has been extracted for Euros, but because currency exchange ratemovements can cause some distortions, volume in tonnesgives a better indication of trends.
Unfortunately, the production data is underestimated,because data is suppressed (classified ‘confidential’) in abouttwo thirds of the fastener categories, also giving anunderestimate of market demand. Even so, some interestinginformation can be obtained from the data.
The domestic demand in 2007 and 2008 was around €180million, and the market size was about one quarter the size ofthe Spanish market. Between 2005 and 2008 there was about100% growth in market demand and also in imports.
In 2005, the quantity of imports into Romania showedalmost equal tonnage between EU and China, but since thenthe EU proportion has increased while the Chinese proportiondecreased. In terms of value, there is a huge difference, whichnot only reflects lower costs from China, but also a differentmix of product types.
Proportion of imports
The major class of imports in 2008 was defined by the 7318category ‘1590’, ‘steel bolts with heads, not covered by otherdefinitions’, and most of these are supplied from within the EU.This class includes higher value, ‘engineered’ fasteners. Thesecond class of imports was ‘1499’, steel self tapping screwsand the third was ‘1290’ wood screws, both of which aremostly supplied from China, as is the case throughout Europe.
Following this Eurostat evaluation, CBM requested UKTI toobtain further background information on the Romanianengineering and fastener markets, and has received a reportfrom the British Embassy in Bucharest, which includes someinformation on local manufacturers and distributors. The reportis available to CBM members.
** incomplete data, the majority of categories suppressed.
For further information please contact Dr John Newnham, CBM Fastener Specialist,
at the CBM on 0121 601 6350 or email [email protected].
ROMANIAN FASTENER TRADE
Proportion of imports
fast
ener
sFastener trade from 2005 to present
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In January this year the European Commissionimposed stringent anti dumping duties on imports ofsteel fasteners from China. The repercussions of this
decision continue to be felt throughout a world fastenerindustry ravaged by the downturn.
The global economic recession means that the implicationsof duties of up to 85% applied to imports of most fastenersfrom the People's Republic of China are yet to be felt fully. Asthe case neared its final stages fastener importers built theirinventory in anticipation of the tariffs. For many, inventorycommitments peaked exactly as the market hit the wall. As aresult significant order volumes on any fastener factory are onlynow beginning to be considered. European factories havehardly seen the benefit but other markets worldwide are feelingthe attention of an order starved China.
Between the anti dumping regulation and world economicconditions the export tap turned off for Chinese factories. Theylooked firstly to the hyper competitive domestic market tosurvive and then sought new customers in other worldmarkets, notably the US and Russia. Factories in Europe areyet to see the benefits of the anti dumping measures.
Ripples have been fanned into growing waves of concern bythe imperative to protect vulnerable domestic manufacturingacross the world. At the end of September Nucor Fastenerspetitioned US external trade authorities alleging both subsidyon and dumping of fasteners from China, and also dumpingfrom Taiwan. The results of that case may be known in six orseven months, although previous cases have stretchedbeyond this deadline.
More immediate is the probability that Russia will applystringent tariffs on imported fasteners - signs are suchmeasures will not be limited to China or even Asian sourcesbut could also apply to fasteners from Europe. Elsewhere,Turkey has stiffened duty levels on imported fasteners -although a trade accord means this does not directly affect EU
suppliers. Both China and South Africa are currentlyconducting 'sunset' reviews of existing measures againstChina and Taiwan, with every probability they will be extended.Argentina, has stiffened procedural hurdles on fastener importsand Columbia applied anti dumping tariffs against screws andnuts from China.
China itself, following the EU decision, announced aninvestigation on the import of EU fastener products - the finaldecision is due in December this year. Meanwhile, it has takenthe unprecedented step of filing a complaint with the WorldTrade Organisation alleging the EU failed to comply withinternational trade rules. Within the EU the multinational WürthGroup has also mounted a legal challenge in the EuropeanCourt.
In August, the European Commission announced it wouldinvestigate alleged subsidy and dumping of stainless steelfasteners from India and Malaysia. Cause and effect comesinto play again. The EU applied anti dumping duties ranging upto 24% on stainless steel fasteners imported from China,Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines in November2005. India had previously had only limited cold forgedproduction of stainless steel fasteners and in 2004 exports tothe EU were little more than 1000 tonnes. By 2008 that figurehad increased to over 14,500 tonnes. A similar steep growthcurve could be seen for Malaysian imports.
Already, albeit constrained by the economic climate, similarmigration can be seen in relation to this year's tariffs on steelfasteners. Of greater concern has been growing indications ofcircumvention, ranging from knowingly wrong coded importsfrom China to unknowing purchase of Chinese producedfasteners from factories, real or virtual, elsewhere in Asia.
In a recent presentation to CBM members I suggested that Newton's Third Law of Motion applied. In truth, therepercussions are rather more than equal and opposite. Thereis no question that UK fastener manufacturers have overrecent decades been largely priced out of the market for standard 'commodity' fasteners - initially by competitorswithin Europe, then by Japan, Taiwan and finally China.Whether or not trade protection can really hold back the tide ofimports from the low cost economy of the time is far too big adebate to begin to explore here. Clearly, though, when themarket is distorted, however legitimately and apparentlynecessarily, the repercussions reverberate throughout theworld - and, some at least, bring home unexpected andmaybe not entirely welcome, consequences.
The barriers to world fastener trade are going up - aninevitable consequence of which is that the longer term cost offasteners will head the same way.
Phil Matten, Editor of Fastener + Fixing Magazine.www.fastenerfair.com
UnintendedConsequences?
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 9fasteners
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RCF Bolt & Nut LtdCBM’s Newest Fastener Sector Member
www.rcfboltnut.co.ukC BM is pleased to welcome RCF Bolt & Nut Co(Tipton) Ltd into the fastener sector as a fullmember. RCF is a family owned company, formed
in 1977, that manufactures and distributes steel bolts and nutsin its 30,000 ft2 site in Park Lane East, Tipton, West midlands.
The manufactured products are all hot forged fasteners; in mild steel and grade 8.8 and 10.9 alloy steels in the diameter range 12 to 64mm, and following the introduction oftwo new induction heaters stainless steel can now be forged indiameters from 12 to 36mm. The product types include bolts withhexagon, square, countersunk and cup heads, socket head capscrews, coach screws, tee bolts, eye bolts, hook bolts, nuts, locknuts and more, with a wide range of finishes. Further details of product range can be found on the website atwww.rcfboltnut.co.uk. Product quality is important to theoperation, and the site is accredited to ISO 9001.
Significant investments have been made in the factory overrecent years, to increase production capacity and make energyefficiencies. Ray Cooper, Managing Director, has also beenfollowing market trends since anti-dumping tariffs were imposedby the EU against standard fasteners imported from China. He isready to commission additional resources if there is growth indemand for UK manufactured standard parts.
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o mforging10
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A new process for non-ferrous metal billet heatingseems to be on the verge of making its way inindustry. The first magnetic billet heater was put
into commercial operation at the German aluminiumextrusion works Weseralu in July 2008 (Figure 1). Othershave been sold to Sapa Group, the world's largestproducer of aluminium profiles and to the copperextrusion industry, for which one machine capable ofheating billets weighing up to 1,000 kilograms ispresently completed. What is behind the new technologythat seems quick in gaining acceptance and may evenqualify for interest free Carbon Trust investment loansdue to its energy efficiency?
Higher Process Speed and Improved Controllability
Magnetic heating is a technically simple and energy efficientsingle block heating process suited for a wide range ofmaterials. It is characterized by short heating times and a
homogeneous distribution of heat within the billet whileeffectively preventing damage from surface overheating. Themethod provides for precise temperature tapers and gradientsin heated billets and hence facilitates isothermal extrusion.With these properties, a magnetic heater can readily match thebillet delivery requirements of an extrusion press. As anoutlook, this method may also be applied to forging lines.
AC Induction Heating Leaves Room for Improvement
A conventional induction furnace heats electricallyconductive materials by exposing them to a variable magneticfield. The field is generated by an AC powered coil surroundingthe billet (Figure 2 right) and induces eddy currents which heatup the metal due to its electrical resistivity. With this heatingmethod electric losses occur in both the billet and the inductorcoil. When low resistivity non-ferrous materials are heated, halfof the power input is typically lost in the coil. This limits theenergy efficiency of the process to a maximum of 50-60%.1
▲ Fig. 1: Magnetic billet heater operating at German profilemaker Weseralu
Magnetic Billet Heater Setting Benchmarksin Non-Ferrous Metal Heating
By Dr. Jürgen Kellers and Dr. Carsten Buehrer, Zenergy Power GmbH
Continued on page 11...
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Direct Current Magnetic Heating:Simple Technology
The heater shown in Figures 2 (left) and 3 is equipped with a magnetic coil that is made of superconductivematerial and powered by directcurrent. Superconductors can carryelectric currents without loss whencooled to low temperatures. Due tothe uninhibited flow of electricity asuperconductive coil delivers a sufficientlystrong magnetic field for billet heating witha power input of merely 10 W.
The magnetic heater operates like amagnetic brake: Eddy currents areinduced in the billet by rotation in thesteady magnetic f ield of the DC-powered coil. The eddy currentsoppose the rotation and create astrong braking torque which isovercome by efficient electric motors.The energy consumed by the motors is directlyconverted into heat within the rotating billet. With atotal energy efficiency of over 80%, a magnetic heaterreduces the power consumption of heating aluminiumbil lets to an average 150 kWh/t. Off-the-shelfrefrigeration technology keeps the superconductingmagnet at its operating temperature. Two electricmotors on either side of the heating chamber (Figure 3)provide the rotational energy and can slide in and out toaccommodate different bi l let lengths. A hydraulicsystem locks the billets to the drive systems.
Low Frequencies Make Billet Heating More Effective
AC induction heaters induce eddy currents mostlyclose to the surface of billets as their magnetic fieldalters with the power grid frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
A magnetic heater operates at lower frequencies andgenerates a stronger magnetic field. Both factors leadto a deeper penetration of heating energy. Billets arerotated within the magnetic field at speeds between240 rpm and 750 rpm corresponding to frequencies of4-12.5 Hz. Figure 4 shows the difference in penetrationdepth: At 60 Hz the power input is higher at the surfaceof the billet but falls to less than 20% just 15 mm belowthe surface. At 4 Hz the power input is more uniformand penetrates about 50 mm before falling to 20%.
1. Runde, M. and N. Magnusson, “Induction heating of aluminum billets usingsuperconducting coil,” Physica C, Vol. 372-267, 2002, pp. 1339-1341.
▲ Fig. 2: Comparison of energy flows between magnetic billet heating (left)and conventional induction heating (right)
▲ Fig. 3: Main components of the magnetic heater for non-ferrous metal
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Temperature Tapers to ChoiceMagnetic heating can readily provide precisely controllable
and adjustable temperature tapers within the billets. Thisfacilitates isothermal forming in order to achieve ahomogeneous microstructure of processed material andcorresponding quality gains. The magnet of the heater can bemechanically tilted to take an angular position towards thebillet. In commercial operation, temperature tapers are alteredby simply dialling in the tilting angle of the magnet. This allowsfor a flexible batch-processing of varying billet sizes and alloysas well as excellent temperature reproducibility.
Low Temperature Variance and Wide Material Range
The magnetic heating process can be used for aluminium,copper, and brass but also for magnesium, titanium, inconel,and a great number of special alloys. Tests with powdermetallurgy billets showed that spray or plasma compactedmaterials can be heated quickly due to the homogeneousdistribution of energy. No crack formation or spalling wasobserved as a consequence of thermal stress. Magnetic billetheating is hence applicable for a wider range of materials thanAC induction heating. In fast serial heating block-to-blockvariability was found to be less than 3 °C.
▲ Fig. 4: Comparison of deposited heat per volume as a function of distance from billet centre between 60 Hz and 4 Hz magnetic induction frequencies for aluminium
▲ Fig. 5: Comparison of temperature along the length and at the centre and surface of an aluminium billet after magnetic heating (note the negligible temperature gradient)
Continued on page 13...
...Continued from page 11
Low frequency heating proceeds faster and does not involve a risk of locally melting the material. As shown in an experimentusing thermocouples and tap holes in an aluminium billet, there is a very small temperature variation from one end to the other andfrom surface to centreline (Figure 5). Subsequent forging or extrusion can commence without delay as the billets do not needsoaking time after leaving the heater.
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Low Maintenance Requirement
Unlike conventional induction furnaces, the magnetic heater
requires no down time for adjustments to accommodate
different alloys and billet dimensions. The superconductor
magnet itself operates virtually wear-free. Vibrations, which are
common in AC powered coils, do not occur in a DC magnet,
and stress effects on the wire insulation are negligible, since a
superconductor coil consumes only 10 W of power. The
operative lifecycle of the superconductor magnet is estimated
to be in excess of 20 years and no replacement should be
expected during the lifecycle of the heater.
Considerable Economic Advantage
The first magnetic heater has by now seen over one year of
operation at the aluminium extrusion operation of Weseralu at
Minden, Germany. With its two 360 kW electric drives it has a
capacity of 2.2 tons per hour when heating aluminium. 6”x 27”
aluminium billets take 75 seconds to heat and the
homogeneous heat distribution permitted lowering the target
temperature of the process by 30°C. Optimized billet
temperature and extrusion speed result in a 25% increase of
productivity that is directly attributable to the deployment of
the magnetic billet heater. The cost of heating aluminium billets
has been reduced by 50% compared with a conventional
induction heater. These factors account for a payback period
of less than two years. In two shift operation, the machine
saves 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum. Not least
this figure may be of interest to non-ferrous metal forming
businesses in Britain where the Carbon Trust presently offers
interest free and unsecured loans of up to £400.000 to small
and medium sizes enterprises which invest in energy efficient
equipment. It will consider projects that achieve energy
savings in excess of 1.50 t (CO2) per £1,000 of loan. For this
funding magnetic heating certainly qualifies.
References1
Runde, M. and N. Magnusson, “Induction heating ofaluminum billets using superconducting coil,” Physica C, Vol. 372-267, 2002, pp. 1339-1341.
Editors Note: The authors can be reached at the followingemail addresses: [email protected] [email protected]
...Continued from page 12
MACH is the UK's premier manufacturing technologiesevent and is the unrivalled destination for thosewishing to see the latest machinery, associated
equipment and services for the engineering basedmanufacturing industry.
Members of the CBM will be able to join up to 500 otherindustry exhibitors who will converge on Halls 4 and 5 of the NECin Birmingham between 7-11 June 2010. On show is everythingassociated with manufacturing technologies from metalcuttingand metalforming machines, engineering lasers, metrology,tooling and workholding through to robotics, subcontractors,welding, rapid manufacturing, CAD/CAM and grinding.
Those wishing to exhibit in the CBM Pavilion can takeadvantage of a special package rate of £2673+VAT whichincludes:
• 3x3m stand
• Lighting
• Power socket
• Carpet
• 1 printed display panel featuring your chosen graphics
• Shell Scheme
• Fascia board
• Stand Cleaning
• Coffee Table
• 3 chairs
• Lockable storage unit
• Display cabinets
If you can join us you will benefit from a significantlyreduced stand rate together with exclusive use of anenclosed serviced cafe/lounge provided by CBM formeetings with current and potential customers.
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CBM to have Pavillion at top UK manufacturing technologies event - MACH 2010
For further information about MACH 2010 please visitwww.mach2010.com or should you wish to book
a stand please contact Roger Kaye on 020 7298 6402 or email [email protected].
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M ember companies are increasingly usingdifferent materials, often to reduce theweight of components or machined parts,
and I am regularly asked how to deal with aluminium.
It was first produced in the 1850s of course, but tomany people it is still a new material, which creates issues and challenges they have not previously faced.
In general terms, anyone forming aluminium for the firsttime must hold detailed discussions with their materialsupplier, who will have much technical expertise. I wouldalso suggest the use of forming simulation techniquesbefore die design.
However, I thought it would be useful to consider severalgeneral issues, which companies new to aluminium mightfind of assistance.
Drawing aluminium panels is often significantly differentfrom, and more difficult than, drawing steel panels.
Aluminium's distinctive properties mean that manyissues which pose no problems with steels have to beconsidered; including care of blank and shape, reliefholes, material movement during forming, press selection,and lubrication for production.
Care of Blank and ShapeMany aluminium-formed parts depend on a
developed blank shape, as opposed to a rectangular orsquare blank.
If the panel is an even-drawn depth, the blank shouldfollow the draw shape with the allowed blank excess inplace, for the binder to control its movement, andincluding a draw bead, if required.
Slivers often come from cut aluminium, so all cut-shapeblanks should be cleaned before drawing or forming, andthey will also need lubrication for the drawing operation.Ideally, a wash lube system should be part of theproduction process.
Relief HolesSometimes you will have to cut a hole, in a developed
position in the scrap, during the drawing operation toallow material flow, and reduce the possibility of splitting.
Material Movement during FormingAny movement may damage the surface quality of the
finished part. Aluminium is soft, and when stretched overthe punch face during the forming process, it will easilyscratch and pick up will occur, if there is porosity on thepunch surface.
To reduce such effects, the forming die-face should be made from cast steel, rather than cast iron, meaningthat the material is porous-free. Cast steel can also beheat-treated to a much harder surface, to cope withaluminium's abrasive oxide surface.
Press SelectionChoosing the right press for drawing aluminium panels is
critical, because the forming process needs to be veryprecise, to enable fine-tuning from batch to batch of material.
Hydraulic presses have a significant benefit overmechanical presses, allowing better control of speed andpressure in critical forming positions. The process mustbe controllable, repeatable and adjustable. It is alsobeneficial to use accurate pressure gas springs built intothe tool, rather than die-cushion pins.
Lubrication for Aluminium ProductionLubrication is a major factor in the production of
aluminium products, because as I have mentioned, it is both soft and very abrasive.
An enormous variety of lubricants is on the market, andyou must consider not only forming the panel, but also thefollow-on operations, such as welding and painting.Always contact your lubricant provider for expert advice.
Be on your mettle with aluminium
By Adrian NicklinCBM Sheet Metal Specialist
Picture courtesy: Jaguar Land Rover
For further information please contact Adrian Nicklin
at the CBM on 0121 601 6350 or [email protected].
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ICOSPA is the forum for the exchange of information
on the commercial and technical situation, and
development, of the Sheet Metal Working industries
of the world. Its central objective is the promotion of
Sheet Metal parts as basic components in industrial and
consumer products, and is the sponsor organisation of
Sheet Metal Presswork Congresses held every 3 years.
Dear Colleagues,I was honoured to represent the Confederation of British
Metalforming (CBM) at the recent Presidents Council meetingof ICOSPA in Boston along with John Davies representingISME. The meeting is held annually and involves delegatesfrom the Metalforming Trade Associations of the six permanentmember nations: UK, USA, France, Germany, The Netherlandsand Japan. This year guest delegates were also present fromMexico and Canada.
The first part of the agenda concentrated mainly on reportsfrom each nation on the economic conditions prevailing, theresults of which were remarkable in their close similarity. Therapid decline into recession in October last year was almostidentical both in its timing and its severity (typically 40% to 45% declines were reported). However, all countries are nowreporting some signs of a return to growth, generally slightlystronger in the Far East than in Europe and North America.Concern was expressed from the French and Germandelegations about the damage done to the financial reserves of many SME companies during the recession, and the extent to which this may impact on their ability to respond
positively to any significant upturn, especially as Banks arecurrently less than helpful to the engineering sector. Thissentiment was widespread. Our guest from Mexico reportedthat his member companies were now strongly recovering component production which had been “lost” to China overthe past 5 years or so. All countries reported members having problems with credit insurance.
Steel prices were discussed briefly, and we agreed to try tofind a means of helping members to understand the dynamicsbehind the current price uncertainty. It was generally agreedthat, as steel consumers, we are not well enough informed tobe able to react with confidence when we suspect thatsuppliers are trying to “talk up the price”.
Preliminary information was given on the plans for the 2011 Congress to be held jointly between the German (IBU)and Dutch (NEVAT) trade associations. The events will bebased around the city of Aachen in Germany, convenientlysituated near to the Dutch and Belgian borders, and theplanned dates are 18th to 21st September. I would stronglyrecommend members to note these dates and make plans tovisit the Congress if at all possible. The outline programme ofConference and Company Visit activities looks compelling andI have no doubt that the accompanying social activities will beorganised to a very high standard.
Alan Shaw CBM PRESIDENT
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I was honoured to
represent the Confederation of
British Metalforming (CBM) at
the recent Presidents Council
meeting of ICOSPA
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Presidents Council Meeting 3-5 October 2009 Boston MA
▲ Mass State Boston
Following suggestions made by CBM and ISME at the lastCouncil meeting in Grand Rapids last year, it was agreed thatICOSPA should try to establish a system of Internships aimedat helping with the development of Managers and Engineers in member companies. It was agreed that we should canvassmembers in each of our countries to find the level of supportsuch an initiative might find. The duration and activities forthese Internships could be flexible according to the individualneed, and it was felt that host companies could derive asmuch benefit as the Interns themselves. If you are interested inthis proposed programme, either as a host, or provider of anIntern (or of course both) please contact Kirsi Lintula for anapplication form [[email protected]].
Our hosts, the Precision Metal Forming Association (PMA) ofthe United States, gave a presentation outlining their newprogramme of “Webinars” which will take place over thecoming months, covering a wide range of subjects from DieProtection to Emerging Innovation in Press Technology.Membership of PMA is open to companies outside of the USA,at a very reasonable cost, and my own experience is that theirtraining and development initiatives, such as these Webinars,are excellent value for money. Although active participationfrom the UK is difficult because of the time difference, PMApublish video recordings of the events for convenient viewing.
Finally John Davies gave an excellent report on the activitiesof ISME: Imagineering, the Green Challenge, and various SkillsChallenges, which are very close to his heart.
These innovative and essentially practical programmes aremainly run by unpaid volunteers and are making a real impacton the young people they manage to reach, and I would urgeall members to lend their support wherever and whenever theopportunity arises.
Alan ShawCBM President
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Fenway park stadium Boston ▲
...Continued from page 16
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Introduction
With the introduction of carbon foot printing, a measure fordetermining the quantity of greenhouse gases released as aresult of an activity, it has become important to minimiseenergy consumption for any given process including spot &projection welding. To this aim, medium frequency welding(MFDC) is becoming more prevalent in the welding arena.
MFDC vs. AC Welding
MFDC utilizes the integrated gate bipolar transistor (IGBTs)for switching the power (see fig 1). These are switched on andoff at a rate of 400-2000 times per second, resulting in a DCtype output (see fig 2). Whereas AC controls utilize SCRs forswitching. These are switched on by the control and remainconducting until the line voltage crosses the zero point duringthe base frequency line cycle. This results in a sine wave formoutput (see fig 2).
Benefits of MFDC Welding
1. Significant energy savings: because the output is DCshorter weld times are required.
2. Improved and consistent power factor: MFDC results in a unity power factor, thus reducing cost penaltiesintroduced by the power generating companies.
3. Automatic load distribution: MFDC uses 3 phases andcurrent is also drawn from the capacitors that are used inthe system, as well as from the mains thus reducing peakline currents.
4. Welding tolerance: because the capacitor bank smoothesout the line spikes and troughs during welding, the effectof electrical line disturbances are minimised
5. Optimum response: due to the responsiveness of MFDC,it is possible to create full phase firing during the naturalrise time to minimise that period of time
6. Precise weld control: because the current is switched at arate of 200-4000 times per second, MFDC only needs afraction of a second (1/20th nominal) for applying over orunder current adjustments
7. Process friendly: MFDC eliminates the intercool statebetween cycles, thus permitting shorter weld times
8. Flexibility: MFDC systems are very stable between 20-95%of the maximum rating, whereas AC system are unstableand inefficient when used outside the 70-90% range
Resultant Savings
These results show a case study comparing MFDC weldingwith conventional AC welding. These results illustrate the levelsof tangible savings that can be achieved. In addition to these,there are intangible savings such as:
• Reduced tip wear resulting in up to 30% increasedelectrode life
• Minimised surface marking
• Reduced weld splash
▲ Fig 1 MFDC Circuit Schematic
▲ Fig 2 Wave forms of AC and MFDC welding
Medium frequency weldingof metal components
0
0
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30 60 90 120 150
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AC
WEL
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REN
TM
FDC
WEL
D C
UR
REN
T
RMS CURRENT = 39.9kA ; PEAK CURRENT = +/- 67.4kA
RMS CURRENT = 39.5kA ; PEAK CURRENT = +/- 42.7kA
WELD TIME (MILLI-SECOND)
400-2000 Hz
CONTROL SYSTEM
CAPACITOR
3 Phase Fullware Rectification
3 -PHASE POWER SUPPLY
IGBTS IGBTS
+ BUS- BUS
WELDING TRANSFORMER
1
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Electricity Cost per KW Hour £0.08 £0.08 £0.08Secondry Current 15000 15000 15000
Turns Ratio 74 50 15Welding Cycles 12 12 12
Power Factor 99% 85% 95%Primary Voltage 480 480 480
Welds per part by control 25 25 25Parts per hour 62 62 62Hours per day 16 16 16
Days per week 6 6 6Weeks per year 50 50 50
Cost per weld £0.000428 £0.000544 £0.002027
Parts per year by control 297,600 297,600 297,600Welds per year by control 7,440,000 7,440,000 7,440,000
Electricity cost for weld per year £3,185 £4,047 £15,078
Continued on page 19...
MFDC AC Integrated AC Hanging
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Applications
MFDC is suitable for all the welding applications that AC istraditionally used. However as shown in figs 3 and 4, MFDChas greater tolerance levels to parameter settings as illustratedby the larger welding lobes when welding uncoated andcoated steels. It should also be noted that the MFDC weldinglobes are to the left of the AC welding lobes, hencedemonstrating that MFDC uses lower current for a givenwelding time.
MFDC is particularly suited to aluminium welding, becausewelding is usually performed with short welding times. For agiven welding time more heat is produced with MFDC weldingthan conventional AC.
Conclusions
Therefore, by using MFDC welding the following benefits will beachieved:
1. Unity power factor2. Reduced weld times3. Even mains distribution4. Improved weld quality5. Greater flexibility6. More precise weld control7. Increased electrode life
Also MFDC welding can be used for all the applicationsgenerally performed by AC welding. In some cases, particularlyaluminium welding, MFDC is better suited.
All these factors result in reduced energy consumption andcosts, and a lower carbon footprint.
▲ Table showing relationship between cycles and ms. It should be noted that in the UK when using cycles to measure weld time the base is 50 cycles per second or 1 cycle = 20ms
For more information please contact Paul Monckton
at Bauromat (UK) Ltd on 01684 575 757 or email: [email protected].
5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5
4
6
8
10
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WEL
D T
IME
(CY
CLE
S @
60
Hz)
WELDING CURRENT (KA)
MFDCAC
Welding Lobe for 0.037” Uncoated Steel
5 7 9 11 13
4
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WEL
D T
IME
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Welding Lobe for 0.037” Galvanised Steel
WELDING CURRENT (KA)
MFDCAC
...Continued from page 18
▲ Fig 3 Welding Lobes for Uncoated Steel
▲ Fig 4 Welding Lobes for Coated Steels
Weld Time Cycles (base 60 cycles) Weld Times ms4 676 1008 13310 16712 20014 23316 26718 300
T he laser beam is a universal tool for cutting,welding, surface treatment and coating. Itoperates silently and without wear and tear. Laser
cutting produces burr-free edges with narrow kerfs andminimal heat-effected zones. Its advantages includeminimal heat input, low distortion and high feed rates.
For these and other reasons, laser cutting continues toincrease in popularity as a sheet metal fabrication method.With the development in speed, cutting quality, andmanufacturing economy in laser cutting, and with the dramaticincrease in versatility of turret punch presses today'smanufacturer has better possibilities than ever to choose justthe optimum manufacturing solution for his specificapplication.
In the upper market segment, both ultra-fast flying opticslaser cutting machines and punch-laser combinations havebeen gaining ground. Due to integration of several work stagesin the punching unit, the manufacturing of sophisticatedcomponents becomes possible at a lower cost /componentratio. On the other hand, the share of ultra fast laser cuttingsystems, featuring linear drive technology, is increasing due tofabricators' demand for faster part processing time combinedwith enhanced accuracy and reduced setup times.
How We Ended Up Where We Are
When attempting to forecast the future of any technology, itis important to reflect on the advancements of the past. Today,many manufacturers are looking closer at lasers to meet lowrun, high part number needs because of a disappearing needfor higher volumes of the same part numbers.
The basics of laser cutting have not changed for the past 20years. There is an energy source (the laser) that removesmaterial by thermally vaporizing it. The mechanism to do this iscontrolled by five major elements: power, feed rate, focus,assist gas pressure, and type of assist gas. Feed rate controlseither the material or the laser movement at a speed that willallow the laser to consistently vaporize the material. Focusplaces intensity of thelaser beam either on the surface, above,or into the material to achieve the desired cutting condition.The type of assist gas and pressure will remove the moltenmaterial and achieve the desired edge quality.
As in purchasing a new desktop computer, it is important tounderstand how the features of the present technology will lastinto the future. Anticipating what the best features of a lasercutting system is important, but more vital is the evaluation ofwhich features will become “obsolete” and costly in the yearsto come. This is the real challenge!
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by Johannes Ulrich, Manager Laser Division,
Finn-Power Group, Kauhava, Finland
A Growing Force inSheet Metal Fabrication
LASER CUTTING TECHNOLOGY
▲ Standard process time 150.6 sec. Combination high-speed and DpMplus technology reduce processtime to 110.6 sec. 40 sec shorter process time = 26 % increased productivity.
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Recent Developments
High technology machine tools are also the competitiveedge that most manufacturers are looking for. Lower set uptimes have been a natural benefit of laser cutting systems, ashave been high part quality and accuracy. Fast cycle times onlasers have always been related to geometry. Large radiusparts cut on a laser have always outperformed othermanufacturing methods (i.e. turret punch presses).
However, with the latest in new linear drive technologies, thiscycle time margin on traditional sheet metal systems isnarrowing. In fact, a completely new type of laser design needsto be provided to accept the speed of acceleration that thenew drive technology offers. This new speed of processingcombined with the existing trend of the laser industry towardsautomation make the future of this manufacturing technologyexceptionally bright. Newly developed technologies, simplynamed by Finn-Power as DpM (Dynamic process Mode) andDpMplus (Dynamic process for cutting arrays holes and otherpatterns) provide dynamic control of speed and dynamic.
Control of axis movement has improved over the earlysystems, especially over stationary beam style lasers. Yet,due to lower manufacturing costs, most machine toolmanufacturers still embrace either ball screw or rack andpinion drives. The natural evolution of this motion technology istowards linear drives because of their superiority.
Focus point is automatically changed through a cuttingdatabase or technology table. Assist gas change and pressureare system controlled as well. In fact, most of the internalfunctions of laser cutting have been automated. The NCcutting database has taken over almost all of the operationalcommands, leaving only simple functions like nozzle or focuslens alignment or change to the operator.
Higher laser powers have advanced the technology as well.Thicker capacities of metals can now be processed, but thereal advantage of higher power (3,000W and above) has beenthe increased feed rates on thin metals. By using an inert gas,cutting speeds of metal are almost three times fasterthan earlier wattage systems. However, inefforts better to maximize speed of cuttingmore and more attention has beenpaid to nozzle design and beamcollimation.
Punch-Laser Combination Machines
The development of laser cutting systems in recent yearsand the benefits associated with laser fabrication haveincreased interest in the use of laser cutting in many sectors ofindustry. Laser technology in combination with punch pressmachines have been used in the industry since 1980´s.
Product designers are able to consider the opportunities ofpunch presses with the “four-in-one “solutions, i.e. usingforming, tapping, punching and laser cutting in one system tohave different manufacturing methods available within onefabricating cell. However, various sheet metal components canbe made using different machines, but also with one commonmanufacturing tool - laser cutting.
Manufacturing Benefits of Punch-Laser Combination Machines
In recent years, machine tool builders have managed toeconomically integrate different manufacturing methods in a system through punch-laser combination systems. Fast axialflow CO2 lasers up to 3,000 Watt laser power play thedominant role as an additional tool in the turret punch press.The heart of the machine is the robust O-frame of weldedconstruction. The rigid construction of machine frame and thecoordinate table permit the use of high axis speed andacceleration.
The punching operation can be generated either with ahydraulic system, with the possibility of more than 1,000 hitsper minute on 1mm axis movement, or by a servo motor driven mechanism. Its principle is made possible by acombination of electrical servo technology and mechanicalpower transmission.
The extremely low energy consumption of a servo electricpunching mechanism in combination with newly developedenergy saving concepts of modern lasers make the system anastonishing money saver as well a trendsetter in terms ofenvironmental friendly manufacturing.
Further enhancements also include linear drive motortechnology allowing the punch -laser combination to becomenot only as fast as the 3-axis high speed laser systems butmaking the new combination machine the most universal
sheet metal fabrication center in the market, capable ofpunching, forming, contouring, marking, and
tapping in one single set up withoutreleasing the sheet metal from the
work holder.
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More Integrated Work Stages -More Automation
Besides punching, nibbling, forming, marking, even bending and tapping operations are possible. For outside part contouring and special inner contours, in order to avoidnibbling marks, sharp edges or buying special tools the laseris used to increase part quality in one operation with noadditional material handling.
Additional increases of productivity for punch laser systemsare modular extensions in the overall system, like loading /unloading, part sorting or stacking.
The laser cut parts will be guided outside the working areavia trap doors and conveyor systems. From this point or evenstraight from the cutting position a sorting and stacking robottransfers the part to its programmed sorting address.
High-Speed Laser Cutting Systems
Flat bed laser cutting systems have been establishedtechnology in the sheet metal industry for more than a decade.The flexibility of the laser cutting process in producingcomponents with various contours, with varying thickness and materials, has led to the worldwide use of these systems.
High speed laser cutting has been accepted by sheet metalmanufacturing shops throughout the years as several studiesof institutes have shown the possibility of cutting materialssuch as 1mm aluminum at 60m/min or even faster.
Many sheet metal applications have been solved with punchpresses due to manufacturing costs for the component.
With the integration of linear drive technology, new and rigidmachines had to be developed to achieve positioning speedup to 300m/min and acceleration of more than 20 m/s2. Inaddition to this, the laser cutting speed could be set up to
25m/min for 1 mm mild steel without a negative influence topath accuracy. In aluminum even 50m/min cutting speed is astandard parameter in the system cutting data base.
The high-speed laser cutting system can be designed alsofor flexibility. With the use of, for example, 5,000 Watt laserpower mild steel can be cut up to 25mm.
Higher cutting speed for thin material and the repositioningspeed from one cutting point to the next contour have led tohigher productivity in comparison with conventional flat bedlaser cutting systems.
The laser cutting process is a very complex one, which iswhy a more sophisticated and user-friendly operator interfacefor the CNC control was developed for the system. Allnecessary parameters are available, and functions from thesystem can be activated via a Windows® based touch screenoperator panel.
The process time for a complete sheet, due to reasonsmentioned, has been drastically reduced. Also more and morematerial handling devices like loading and unloading from thesheet are installed in high-speed laser cutting systems.
A further step towards more sophisticated material andcomponent handling is Finn-Power's laser cutting center LC6.This highest level of automation for laser cut componentshelps the customer integrate laser operation and part handlingfor fabricating high-quality components within one system.
The LC6 Laser Centre utilizes a fixed laser beam system,combining the unique C series turret punch press driveconcept with the latest generation of CO2 lasers up to 4,000Watt. The concept of moving the sheet over brush tablesensures good material support, high surface quality andprocess reliability due to no flipping parts compared with othersolutions for the sheet support when the part is cut free. Thuscomponent sorting and stacking become flexible and safe.
shee
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w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m22 sheet metal
▲ Fig. Speed comparison: punching vs. high speed and normal laser cutting
Continued on page 23...
...Continued from page 21
Outlook
In addition to the development of the system, newapplication training methods, like Finn-Power's Laser Wizardneed to be introduced to the market to help the systemoperator understand the laser process.
More and more intelligent customer support systems needto be installed together with the systems. Online controlsystems can help the user, e.g. in using new material types orthey can be used to adjust the laser cutting process for variousapplications.
Faster process time of the CNC control as well theperformance of the drive system require additional processcontrol systems to achieve higher throughput in a productionenvironment.
System automation, like part sorting or stacking, is a furtherstep in increasing the productivity of the overall manufacturingsystem.
Laser Automation
The biggest trend towards laser cutting over the last 10years has been one towards automation. This trend promisesto continue. The reasons are varied, and this trend promises tocontinue.
Some companies have justified the purchase of laserautomation under the guise of reduction of labor; however this is just one element. The consistency of operation of anautomated cell, especially with a laser at the heart of it, offerscomplete flexibility to the manufacturer. Reaction time to thecustomer's demands is minimal. If the part can be drawn, thenit can be processed and put into a production schedule. Thereis no costly tooling inventory to manage, nor need pallets bechased down to be prepared for processing. More and morecompanies are implementing lean manufacturing strategies tominimize wasted movement and overproduction of parts andthus reducing inventories. An automated laser cell is theperfect tool to achieve these goals.
The Right Direction
The advancements of the last 20 years in laser processinghave been considerable. Whereas the basic elements of laser cutting have not changed, there have been continuousimprovements in each part of the processing window.Developments in laser power control and technology tableshave reduced cycle time and set up. The new developments inlinear drive technology are causing manufacturers to rethinkthe basic design of laser cutting equipment.
Laser automation and the new advancements in laserprocessing promise to bring the production cost-per-partlower than ever before, with less set up and higher throughput.Furthermore, customers can utilize advantages from thenewest developments in 2D and 3D laser cutting systems withadditional axis movements for example integrated into thecutting head.
New applications, unthinkable so far, are possible with thisconcept. In the “fight laser vs. cutting dies” the break-even israised up, opening new horizons such as mass production ofthe whole vehicle and not only of hot stamped reinforcements.
The future of any technology, however, depends on how thattechnology best serves its end user, the customer. With thisthought in mind, the future of the laser technology is moving inthe right direction.
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 23sheet metal
▲ Fig. Automated Finn-Power LC6 Laser Cutting Centre
shee
t m
etalAuthor
Johannes Ulrich is Manager of the Laser Division of Finn-PowerOY, Kauhava, Finland. Finn-Power is a member of the Prima Industrie Group.
e-mail : [email protected]
tel.: +358 64 2821 11
...Continued from page 22
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o msteel24
Sentiment is continuing to weaken in the northEuropean strip market, with spot coil pricesexpected to fall further in Q4: restocking to
current demand levels is mostly over, buying volumes are low, and credit remains restricted. Moreoveraccording to a recent poll, market expectations for thecoming three months have retreated toDecember 2008 levels. Spot HRC prices inlate October were €400-430/t.
The uncertain market is also being
influenced by more fundamental
factors. Production is rising –
in September, global crude
production was at 2008 levels,
though European production
was 20-25% below. Chinese
output for the month was 7% up,
and whilst most of this was
consumed domestically, many in
the industry remain worried that its
exports, particularly of hot rolled coil
will rise in due course. Certainly offers
into Europe are at quite low levels, but
buyers continue to be concerned about the long
lead times.
Regarding a possible anti-dumping or anti-subsidycomplaint, Eurofer, the European producers’ association, says
it is continuing to monitor the level of HRC imports from China,and will act if necessary.
European producers had been looking to raise base
prices to €450/t in the final months of the year, and in
September, such a move seemed possible. However despite
some improvements in end-use off-take, the short term
outlook has grown increasingly fragile. This has
discouraged buyers from placing orders
until they feel the market has reached
bottom. Nevertheless the producers
are looking to maintain prices,
though they accept there are lower
prices around: the latter are also
due to heightened competition,
and an even softer southern
European market.
Regarding early 2010, northern
Europe is likely to remain a
buyer’s market, though the
producers are anticipating a 12%
rise in consumption, with much of this
occurring in the first half. The backdrop is
expected to remain high availability, and
insufficient demand, with the producers perhaps
under pressure to close some facilities. If imports ultimately
continue at a low level, and raw material costs rise, as
expected, then Q1 spot prices may also increase somewhat.
A slow recovery in prices is still possible
By Roger Manser, Managing Editor
www.steelbb.com
spot coil prices
expected to fall
further in
Q4
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w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 25business strategy
S everal factors have been revealed as key to
successfully integrating an acquired business,
according to a new report by Accenture, the
management consultancy.
These 'catalysts' allow executives to ensure that synergiesare captured and customers are retained while completingnew business integration with speed and efficiency.
Although mergers have become synonymous with bigbusiness in recent years, the current economic downturn has made it more difficult for senior executives to successfullyintegrate acquired businesses. Many are focused on runningtheir existing businesses and have little opportunity to integrate new companies to the best of their capabilities. As such, the business case for the merger may be damaged.
Speed often affects the success of an integration, with a slow process often leading to a lack of synergies beingcaptured, resulting in less impressive revenue stream increases.
However, too much haste can disillusion customers andemployees leading to a failure to meet projections and adrop in revenues.
So how can the right balance be achieved?
From its research, Accenture has identified factors that itcalls 'catalysts' to merger integrations.
Although the research is largely focused on major deals, italso holds valuable lessons for dealmakers in the small tomedium-sized M&A market.
Accenture's catalysts should come into play during the deal-making process and for a period of 12 to 24 monthsfollowing the announcement of the deal, when most mergerintegration activity occurs.
Different catalysts are key to different phases of the deal-making and integration process, with some catalystsaffecting accountability and decision making during the dealclosure process. While others are important, duringintegration delivery phase, and affect the allocation ofresources to activities of high value.
Catalyst 1 - Fast decision making together with effective governance
The management consultancy says that the effectivenesswith which activities are led, coordinated, prioritised andimplemented is extremely important.
Who's responsible?Establishing a central project management team can be a
hugely useful addition to an integration programme, and isparticularly worth considering in the case of cross-border deals.
To maintain accountability for achieving synergies from anintegration, one person should be appointed to each set ofsynergies and should, ideally, be responsible for successfullyachieving these.
Communication
In addition to all management being on board, all messages,designs and implementation plans for the integration need tobe effectively communicated to stakeholders. Internalcommunications staff and, in the case of a larger business, anexternal PR company may need to be appointed.
As well as all stakeholders being fully informed as to theintegration plan, their views also need to be conveyed andlooked after by integration boards or committees to protect thebalance of decision-making.
Catalyst 2 - A well-defined target operating model
Before the integration process starts, it's important to havea clearly-defined idea of what the new company will look like.This is key to successful integration.
Ensuring good solicitors are on hand to help with decision-making and implementation of the target model, in terms of thefirm's legal structure, can also prove invaluable at this stage.
One of the most effective ways of developing an operatingmodel is to hold workshops taking contributions from differentdivisional heads. These workshops should be carried out by a small central team who can hold responsibility for ensuring aspeedy and comprehensive solution.
Continued on page 26...
How to speed up the merger integration process
Phase 1: Catalysts for use in the deal closure period
Operating model decisions need to be made regardingenterprise functions, target markets and customers,distribution, IT and operations locations and productmanufacturing.
Catalyst 3 - Creation of the “keep list” and migrationapproach
It is imperative that a 'keep list,' detailing the aspects of thenew firm that will help generate cost synergies, is establishedquickly.
Duplication of brands, products and IT systems can provedamaging when trying to integrate a newly acquired businesswhile maximising revenue upturn. Therefore, streamlining andthe introduction of efficient systems is key here.
The following steps can help managers to devise a working'keep list'.■ Consider growth, customer experience and profitability to
put together a target range of brands and products for thenew, combined business.
■ Decide whether the approach to migration will be basedaround market, customers or product.
■ If there are gaps between the services or products beingoffered by the merged firms, decide whether these need tobe closed.
■ The creation of the keep list can be made a much easierprocess through the appointment of a 'task force' of advisorswith various specialisms such as IT, products and business.
Catalyst 4 -Targeting and implementing achievable quick wins
This catalyst is all about achieving performanceimprovements in the first few months of business after deal.Although many business owners hope implementing brandnew management, processes and systems will helpgenerate 'wins', this is not always the case. In fact, makingsuch major changes can delay the integration process.
Instead the following business areas should be consideredin terms of their potential to produce quick synergies.
■ Property - Consolidating offices can quickly deliver cost savings
■ Procurement - Target suppliers for discounts, using the size of the new entity to negotiate discounts
■ Pricing - Revise pricing to attract new customers and hangon to existing ones. Free trials for new products can provelucrative in the long run
■ Sales - Promote cross-selling opportunities
Planning quick performance improvements in some of theabove areas, companies often achieve higher cost synergiesthan projected. This frees up cash to spend on closing gaps inother business areas like IT.
Catalyst 5 - Alignment of skills with integration activitiesThe integration of the new company is only likely to succeed
if the right people are assigned to the right activities, equippedwith realistic goals and targets. It is a mistake to assume that
fundamental changes can be undertaken solely by operationsand IT project managers.
Managers are wise not to assume that because someone isan expert in integration in one country, that they will be able totransfer their skills abroad or to a cross-border merger. Indeed,finding skilled staff in the external market to fill gaps can benefitthe integration process.
Catalyst 6 - Effective management of country andregional differences
Particularly valuable to the integration process is thecontinual investment in the management and understanding ofcultural, language, social and regional differences.
Central business variables that differ between culturesinclude how performance is rewarded, how risk is perceivedand general management style. These differences need to beidentified and managed early on in the integration process inorder to avoid small issues snowballing among the newlyjoined workforce.
Workshops and 'away-days' are an effective way to managecultural, language and regional differences among theworkforce. Such workshops can help to establish a cohesiveteam and a set of actionable plans.
Taking on a number of bi-cultural integration experts cangreatly aid the process of joining one workforce with anotherwhen integrating firms from different regions or countries.
Catalyst 7 - Engaging and training of employees to deal with newly acquired customers
According to Accenture, customers often report that theservice they receive from companies during a merger transitionis poor and that staff can lack training and product knowledge.
In order to prevent this from happening, staff need to beprepared for dealing with the customers of the newly acquiredbusiness. Another challenge is winning over the hearts andminds of the new staff, in order to instill a sense of loyalty andenthusiasm among them.
Accenture says it has never heard reports from employeesthat they receive too much communication. Therefore, theconsultancy recommends that all lines of communication,between the people leading the integration and the new staff,should be kept very much open from the early stages.
Honesty is indeed the best policy when communicatingintegration information with the staff of an acquired firm. This helpsto build trust, which is a vital element in preventing staff frombecoming disillusioned or frustrated with their new employer.
A lack of consistency in the messages being transferred tocustomers can also creep in at this stage. To prevent this,integration leaders need to ensure that staff are aware of thetargeted messages they need to convey to customers, bothexisting and new, to help create cohesion.
In conclusion, when integrating small and medium sizedcompanies, as with larger integrations, speed and the retentionof customers is of the essence.
Most relevant to the integration of SMEs is Catalyst 4. Achievingquick wins should be the focus of any small integration plan andsuccess at this stage should establish a great foundation on whichto base the future of the new, larger company.
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m26 business strategy
...Continued from page 25
Phase 2: Catalysts for use during the core integration period
busi
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© Business Sale Report (www.business-sale.com)
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 27business support
E mployers can still use the retirement age of
65 after the recent judgement in the case
commonly referred to as Heyday. Heyday was
an organisation originally connected with Age Concern,
now known as Age UK.
The case concerned the judicial review of the Employment
Equality (Age) Regulations 2006. Age UK argued that the
Regulations were in breach of the European Framework
Directive, prohibiting age discrimination in employment.
Following the decision by the European Court of Justice in
March this year that it was possible to have the retirement
age of 65, if it can be objectively and reasonably justified, the
High Court held that the Regulations were lawful, and there
was a legitimate social policy aim for the designated
retirement age of 65, when it was set in 2006.
However, the Court said that if the retirement age of 65 had
been selected today, it would not have been proportionate,
as it creates a greater
discriminatory effect
than is necessary on a
class of people, who
both are able to and
want to continue in
their employment. The
Government will review
the retirement age in 2010.
For the present, employers can retire their employees at
the age of 65, by following the statutory “duty to consider”
procedure. At least 6 months before the employee's 65th
birthday, the employee must be informed in writing of the
intended date of retirement and the right to request to
continue working. If the employee does wish to continue
working, employers need to have a meeting with the
employee to consider the request. Employers, who have
employees coming up to retirement, should take legal advice
to make sure that this procedure is closely followed, to avoid
the risk of an unfair dismissal claim.
AGE DISCRIMINATION
the re t i rement age o f 65 remains in p lace for now…
For further information please visit Croner’s website: www.croner.co.uk
CBM members can get this information free.
For the present, employers can retire their employees at the
age of 65, by following the statutory “duty to consider” procedure.
busi
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sup
port
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o mfinance28
MANDELSONMANTRA ABOUT 'REAL'
ENGINEERNG
STRIKES A CHORD
WITH PARENTS
AND TEACHERS
T here has been precious little positive news
among the economic turmoil which has beset
us all for the last 18 months, but it seems that
a new mindset has evolved about the merits of a career
in engineering.
It has been desperately difficult - particularly during the last decade - to persuade youngsters to consider work in the manufacturing sector; not least because so manyseemed dazzled by the massive salaries available in the world of finance.
In January, when Business Secretary Lord Mandelsondeclared that we needed less financial engineering, and more'real engineering', to rebalance, and then grow our economy,some saw his comment as no more than another slick sound-bite.
However, new research by the Engineering & TechnologyBoard (ETB) indicates very clearly that parents, teachers, careeradvisors and college lecturers have indeed swiftly revised their view of engineering, following the sub-prime crisis and the subsequent recession, which were driven by widespread failings in the City.
Last year, the ETB launched its annual Brand Monitor toassess perceptions about our engineering and manufacturingsectors, across the age range from seven-year-olds to retirees.
In 2008, only 66% of adults said they would recommendengineering as a career to their children, friends or family, butjust a year later, the figure has soared to an impressive 85%.
When asked what was the most important factor affectingcareer choice, pay has also dropped from first place in 2008to third, with job security and enjoyment rising to joint first.
Other optimistic findings are that a higher proportion of thepublic now views engineering as a well respected profession
(78%), which makes a good contribution to society (86%) andwill have a positive impact on our future (91%).
It's impossible to prove, without further research, that these changes have been driven by new perceptions about careers in financial services and the City, but they are unlikely to have occurred at random.
The ETB research also indicates that the publicity given to such transformational 'design and build' projects as theOlympic Village, and the government's determination to speedup major public sector construction schemes has had an immediate impact on public thinking.
The number of people highlighting the design element ofengineering has doubled to 16% in the last year, and is nowseen as one of the most appealing, and exciting, elements of the profession.
The percentage of those adults associating engineers with 'building things' has risen almost as sharply; from 20% in2008 to 38%.
Unfortunately, such positive messages have so far failed to reach the classroom, or penetrate the nation's lecturehalls, with less than one-in-eight of 11-16 year olds claiming to have some knowledge of what engineers do.
Even more worrying, almost half of all 7-11 year olds quizzed for the research thought it would be 'boring' to be an engineer.
At first glance, I admit I found those findings ratherdispiriting, as they suggested that the hackneyed mediaimages about manufacturing - typically showing someonepushing a metal rod into a machine, or standing alongside a furnace with sparks flying - were still colouring howyoungsters saw our profession.
However, I felt more positive on seeing that art and designwas the favourite subject for 7-11 year olds, with design andtechnology in third place.
by John Houseman CBM Director General
Continued on page 29...
fina
nce
Clearly, we must all attempt to harness and retain this enthusiasm throughout their academic careers, and to constantly emphasise the links between such subjects and engineering.
At the same time, we must also get across the message thatindustry offers many well-paid and stimulating career options;not just in middle and senior management positions, but fortechnicians, especially those who programme and operate ourCNC-controlled machines.
There is often a perception that engineering is a graduate-only profession, so we do need to make it clear - especially tocareers advisors - that there are many good apprenticeshipopportunities for youngsters with four or five GCSEs.
We must also not forget the importance of promotingindustry's environmental agenda, and the increasing scope for'green' engineering projects; to youngsters, parents and teachers alike.
An earlier ETB report, Engineering UK 2008, demonstratedthat a genuinely green agenda does help attract new entrantsto the profession.
Equally, I feel it is vital that member firms seek to presentthemselves as strong all-round employers, prepared to investin their new recruits and their existing staff.
The latest research asked youngsters to rank the mostimportant factors in career choice, and 'being valued' toppedthe list, with enjoyment second and pay third.
The ETB also advocates greater involvement of parents inpromotional events linked to engineering, and the creation ofactivities and promotional materials for parents and children,explaining what careers in engineering can offer.
We at the CBM can only endorse their suggestions, and willdo all we can to drive such programmes forward.
In the depths of recession, it may seem that recruiting the next generation of engineers is not the most importantagenda item, but all we have to fine-tune our skills base and to be ready for the upturn.
For further information please email:[email protected].
financew w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 29
...Continued from page 28
National Metalforming Centre2nd December 2009 - 9.00am until lunchtime
Marketing to Sales to Profit
This seminar offers strategies to increase your profitsemploying some proven techniques. The presenters willdeliver 'fact-based' effective ideas to support businesschange and growth.
Planning to thrive rather than survive requiresimplementation of clear thinking and coordinatedapplication of better business skills. The techniquesenable you to spend more time working ON yourBusiness rather than working IN your business - a vital skill in a growing business.
The seminar is delivered by a UK leading businesscoaching organisation with an impressive track record.You will gain some real value to take back into yourworkplaces with measurable return on investment.
Here'swhat to expect...
■ 21⁄2 hours of knowledge, marketingconcepts, sales promotions and profit buildingstrategies…
■ Learn the 6 Steps to Better Business (to increase your profits by 61%) that successful businesses use…
■ Stop wasting cash on ads that don't work & design ads that pull in business consistently…
■ Attract, retain & motivate a winning team and increaseproductivity & commitment…
£££: £25+VAT (£28.75 inc VAT) for members of CBM, IIM, CRSA, FERA, CMF, ALFED, BSSA / Nonmembers £100 + VAT (£115 inc VAT)
For further information please contact Dr Alan Arthur at CBM on 0121 601 6350 or email [email protected]. To register please visit:www.britishmetalforming.com/events.aspx fi
nanc
e
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o mfinance30
fina
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In challenging times it is even more important to ensureany new business performs following an acquisition or management buy out. The key to all this is the
implementation of the 100 day plan post completion.
100 days to transform your target?
The 100 day plan is a much vaunted phrase commonlyreferred to by business leaders, politicians and, increasingly,those in the mergers & acquisition community. The features ofa 100 day plan can be somewhat nebulous to those notexperienced in their implementation in a transactional context,yet it should be, and is simple.
The plan should capture all the initiatives and actions of amanagement team in the first 100 days following either acorporate acquisition or private equity backed ManagementBuy Out ('MBO'). The 100 day plan should focus the mind ofthe management team, foster accountability to the owners(whether they are new or existing) and ensure that the windowof opportunity to add value immediately post acquisition is notlost. All grand sounding, however, what does a typical 100 dayplan look like and what are the key factors to ensure it is notjust a box ticking exercise?
Segmentation of the 100 day plan
It is possible to separate a 100 day plan into threeelements, each having differing levels of priority and focusduring the initial 100 days post completion, namely;
• Immediate actions to protect value. These are typicallythose identified pre-deal and are often transactionorientated, for instance amending VAT registrations,employee communications, press releases, short termcash flow forecasting to name a few;
• Addressing 'house-keeping' issues and 'quick wins'identified during financial, commercial and legal duediligence; and
• Discrete projects to be completed within 100 days thatclearly add value and implement the Business Planagreed at completion.
Inherently, the scale, number of actions, initiatives and focusof resources in each area often depends on a range of factors,
for example whether it is a trade deal versus MBO , corporateversus private vendor etc.
Some best practice when 100 day planning
Each 100 day plan is different, yet there are a number ofpoints to consider which can ensure the momentum of thedeal is carried forward post acquisition generating maximumvalue for the acquirer or management team.
• Start planning early before the deal completes, prioritise initiatives and be realistic about what the management team can achieve in addition to their 'day job'. The volume and exhausting nature of doing adeal means the 100 day plan is often sidelined by manymanagement teams
• Sponsorship of the 100 day plan by the seniormanagement team is crucial. Delegation of projectownership to a junior project manager means it is likely to lack the visibility, sense of urgency or importanceit requires.
• Regular reporting of progress to the Board and any third party investors is fundamental to ensuring thatmanagement are accountable for the actions andpriorities immediately post acquisition.
• As a manager it is important to extract as muchinformation and input from your advisers as possible(before they disappear on holiday when the deal is done!) The advantages of their perspective is twofold -firstly, they will be close to the detail of the due diligencereports and the issues these have raised. Secondly, andperhaps more importantly, they will have a different senseof perspective on the key deal issues to be addressedpost deal.
Adhere to these principals, use common sense, and start planning pre-deal with your senior management team.This means your target should be well positioned to achieve itsBusiness Plan in its first year.
By Jeremy Harrison, Catalyst Corporate Finance
www.catalystcf.co.uk
THE 100 DAY PLAN- a key to success
health & safetyw w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 31
What is Legionnaires' Disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia and is one of a group of similar diseases collectively known aslegionellosis. The other forms, e.g. Pontiac Fever andLochgoilhead Fever, have similar symptoms but are not asserious as Legionnaires' disease, which can be fatal.
Legionnaires' disease occurs more frequently in men thanwomen. It usually affects middle-aged or elderly people, and itmore commonly affects smokers or people with other chestproblems.
How do people get it?
The agent that causes Legionnaires' disease is a bacteriumcalled Legionella pneumophilia. People catch Legionnaires'disease by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in theair, which contain the bacteria.
Certain conditions increase the risk from legionella:
■ a suitable temperature for growth, 20 to 45oC;
■ a source of nutrients for the organism, e.g. sludge,scale, rust, algae, and other organic matter; and
■ a way of creating and spreading breathable droplets, e.g. the aerosol created by a cooling tower or spa pool.
However, remember that the majority of people exposed to legionella do not become ill, and Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person. The symptoms ofLegionnaires' disease are similar to those of flu.
Where does it come from?
Legionella bacteria are widespread in nature, mainly living innatural water systems, e.g. rivers and ponds. However, theconditions are rarely right for people to catch the disease fromthese sources.
Outbreaks of the illness in the UK have occurred fromexposure to legionella growing in purpose-built systems where the water is maintained at a temperature high enough to encourage growth, e.g. cooling towers, evaporativecondensers, hot water systems used in all sorts of premises(work and domestic) and more recently in an aqueous tunnelwasher.
Barrow-in-Furness Outbreak
In August 2002, seven members of the public died and 180people suffered ill health as a result of an outbreak of legionellaat a council-owned arts and leisure facility in the town centreof Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
The case highlighted the importance of taking adequateprecautions to protect people from Legionnaires' disease.There were several lapses in the duty of care by BarrowBorough Council as the employer, and by officers working for the council. The council was fined a total of £125,000 inrespect of breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
What measures are there to control legionella?
To prevent exposure to the legionella bacteria, you as adutyholder must comply with legislation that requires you tomanage, maintain and treat water systems in your premisesproperly. This will include, but not be limited to:
■ Identify water systems and assess the risk
■ Prepare a written scheme, including the following details:a schematic diagram; responsible persons; the safe andcorrect operation of your system; control measures to beused; the type and frequency of checks that your controlscheme is working
■ Ensure the release of water spray is properly controlled
■ Avoid water temperatures and conditions that favour the growth of legionella and other micro-organisms
■ Ensure water cannot stagnate anywhere in the system
■ Avoid materials that encourage the growth of legionella
■ Keep the system and the water in it clean
■ Treat water to either kill legionella or limit their ability to grow
Remember, legionella can grow in any workplace if theconditions are right. If you are responsible for any of the watersystems described in HSE's Approved Code of Practice(ACoP) and Guidance "Legionnaires' disease: The control oflegionella bacteria in water systems" (L8) you will need to:assess the risk of employees and others in the workplacecontracting Legionnaires' disease; check your managementarrangements and your control measures regularly; overseethe work that contractors do on your behalf.
There is no room for assumptions that systems are working asthey should, and no room for ignoring personal roles andresponsibilities at any level of management.
References
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/index.htm
Copies of HSE's Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) andGuidance "Legionnaires' disease: The control of legionellabacteria in water systems" (L8) can be purchased ordownloaded for free fromhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l8.htm
Copies of HSE's free leaflet “Legionnaires' Disease - A guide for employers” can be downloaded fromhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/iacl27.pdf
Specific guidance on the risk of Legionella in aqueous tunnel washers
http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/sectors/manuf/03-09-06.htm
Control of Legionnaires'Disease
▲ Fig Typical cooling tower installation heal
th &
safe
ty
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m32 health & safety
In this article, Rob Wright explores the health and safety implications for businesses carrying out work at height, and summarizes the main requirements of
the legislation.
The extent of the problem
The latest national statistics for the UK indicate that falls from height caused 46 deaths and about 3350 majorinjuries at work. It is the major workplace killer, and one of thebiggest causes of major injuries at work. The problem is notconfined to the construction industry, as many manufacturingoperations involve work at height.
Work at Height Legislation
In response to these statistics, Parliament has brought outspecific legislation aimed at reducing the amount of workplacedeaths and major injuries. This legislation is the Work at HeightRegulations (WAHR) 2005.
What is Work at Height?
Work at height is defined as:
■ work in any place, including at, above or below ground level,
■ obtaining access to any place,
where if precautionary measures were not taken, could causea person to fall a distance likely to cause personal injury.
In the metalforming sector, it can quite often include:
◆ using a ladder or stepladder to access stock or to carryout inspection and maintenance tasks;
◆ using a fork lift cage attachment to access height;
◆ working on a flat roof, scaffold or from a mobile elevatedwork platform;
◆ working on the back of a lorry loading or unloadinggoods, e.g. craning steel coil;
◆ working in areas where someone could fall from anedge, through an opening or a fragile surface e.g. on anasbestos roof; and
◆ working at ground level close to an opening in a floor, a loading bay or an excavation.
Every employer must make sure the following work at heightessentials are in place:
■ All work at height to be properly planned & supervised,
■ Proper planning includes planning for emergency events,
■ Work to be carried out in a safe manner to prevent falls,
■ Weather conditions must not jeopardise the safety ofworkers, and
■ Any person involved in the organising, planning orsupervision of work at height activities must becompetent to do so, or be working under thesupervision of a competent person.
Assessing the Risks
Work at height should not be carried out where it canreasonably be avoided e.g. where it can be done at groundlevel. Where it cannot reasonably be avoided, every employermust assess the risk from working at height, and take steps to prevent falls.
The assessment should consider:
■ The location, including overhead or undergroundservices.
■ The work activity, duration & equipment used.
■ The working environment, including weather conditionsand lighting.
■ Condition and stability of existing work surfaces.
■ Physical capabilities of workers e.g. pregnancy or vertigo sufferers.
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WORKINGAT HEIGHT
Continued on page 33...
By Rob Wright, CBM’s H&S Advisor
15 new chemicals have been added to the European Chemicals AgencyREACH website as possible
Substances of Very High Concern. These havebeen proposed by member state committees,and are issued as a 'Proposal List'. Interestedparties have a limited time to comment on thevalidity of including these substances, and ifthere is general agreement, they will go onto a 'Candidate List'. The substances in theCandidate List may eventually be adopted bythe European Commission for inclusion inAnnex XIV, the list of chemicals requiringauthorisation for use.
The SVHC substances are:
● Anthracene oil, five variants of this chemical
● Acrylamide
● Aluminosilicate and zirconia aluminosilicate fibres
● Coal tar pitch, high temperature
● 2, 4 dinitrotoluene
● Diisobutyl phthalate
● Lead chromate
● Lead chromate molybdate sulphate red
● Lead sulfochromate yellow
● Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate
The full list and their uses and applications canbe found on the ECHA website, but there is noobvious impact to the metalforming industry of anyof these being restricted.
Meanwhile, there is substantial activity by the
companies producing chemical substances in
volumes greater than 1000 tonnes, and hazardous
substances. Full registration of these materials is
due by November 2010, and over 500 registration
dossiers have already been received by ECHA.
Substantial work is involved in this process, but
again, it would be expected that metalforming
companies have no obligations in this area.
health & safetyw w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 33
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Risk Control Hierarchy
Once risks have been assessed, there is an obligation to reduce the likelihood and severity of harm by using thefollowing preferred set of control measures:
Avoid work at height where possible (in reality, this will not always be possible).
Prevent falls by using work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where work at height cannot be avoided.
Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall by useof suitable equipment or other measures e.g.training, instruction, information, training and inspection
of work equipment.
Fall Prevention Methods■ Guardrails, toe boards■ Edge Protection■ Fixed or mobile scaffolds■ Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
(Niftylift, Genie lift, scissor lift, “cherry picker”)
Ladders have no means of fall prevention, unless they are fitted with hoops or a platform. This makes them high riskaccess equipment. Ladders are not banned, but they shouldonly be used for short duration, inspection work, or where siteconditions make other access equipment impossible, or not reasonably practicable. Established safe workingprocedures must be followed where ladders are used e.g.three points of contact, one-in-four angle, stable base etc.
Fall Arrest Measures
These include:
◆ Safety Nets
◆ Airbags
◆ Personal Fall Protection systems e.g. safety harness
Other Requirements
■ Avoid risks from fragile surfaces
■ Prevent falling objects
■ Warn about danger areas
■ Inspect work equipment
■ Employees must:
✔ Follow instructions and training
✔ Inform employer about any defects in equipment
For further information please contact Rob Wright at WG Risk Management Services - email:
...Continued from page 32
For further information please contact Dr John Newnham at CBM on 0121 601 6350 oremail [email protected].
REACHU P D AT E S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 9
W ith the Government's target driven
environmental aims and objectives set out in
last year's Climate Change Bill, it would be
safe to say that most businesses are responding
by working towards
waste minimisation,
recycling and thinking in
a smart, well-informed
way about how they are
affecting the world we
live in.
However, for others
without the in-house
knowledge, resource
or budget to employ
someone in a full
time capacity to
tackle environmental
management issues, there
is answer: outsource the
role to a consultancy. For
those with a head-in-the-sand-and-hope-it-goes-away
attitude beware, because local authorities and the
Environment Agency are on the case!
Although environmental managers have a wide remit, their
job is essentially to review a business operation through
audits and assessments, identify and resolve problems,
ensure compliance with legislation, establish areas of
improvement, identify cost savings and act as agents of
change. Empowerment of the workforce at all levels as well as
recognising their contribution is crucial for any change
management to succeed.
The services provided by Joel Priest, principal consultant
and outsourced environmental manager at E4environment
might vary from ad hoc support a few hours a day to a number
of days per week, depending on the needs identified.
Currently working with an aluminium recycling plant on the
company's new permit compliance and environmental
management system
(EMS), Priest, who holds a
Masters in environmental
impact assessment, has
over ten years' experi-
ence in environmental
management advisory
and regulatory roles.
He specialises in
the implementation and
auditing of EMS to ISO
14001 and BS8555
standards and has
expertise in legislation,
producer responsibility,
pollution prevention and
control and waste
management licensing
schemes.
He is also the lead consultant in delivering environmental
support services to the Non Ferrous Alliance, an umbrella
organisation, which consists of the trade associations
representing the UK aluminium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc
industries.
Environmental managers: are they worth it? Consider
this...no contract, part time or full time as required, no
recruitment costs and an experienced professional if not on
site then always at the end of a phone. E4environment think so
and so do their clients.
it would be safe to say that most businesses are responding by working
towards waste minimisation,recycling and thinking in a smart, well-informed way
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o menvironment34
Environmentmanagers - are they worth it?
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www.e4environment.co.uk
“
”
E nvironmental legislation determines metalformingcompanies must comply with all the necessaryregulations; however this minimum requirement
can be built on and used as an excellent marketingopportunity to demonstrate how green you are. A changein the perception of our industry is long overdue andadvertising the green improvements many members havealready achieved should be applauded. To accelerate this drive to ‘green the industry’ a CBM initiative to assistmembers gain recognition for their effort has beenlaunched.
For those companies that wish to demonstrate their green credentials CBM have teamed up with environmentalspecialists, E4Environment, to launch the Green Achieverscheme. (www.greenachiever.co.uk). Four levels of accreditationare available:
• Registration; environmental health check to ensure you are aware of all the necessary appropriate legislation.
• Self assessment: check against and identify green activitiesyou are carrying out now and wish to commit to in the nexttwelve months.
• Silver: on site audit to check legal compliance develop anaction plan to cover objectives e.g. steps to develop a fullEnvironmental Management System (EMS).
• Gold level: ...commitment to continual improvement
• Regular environmental consultations will be available afterthe quarterly Health, Safety and Environmental groupmeetings.
For those companies who want or need to commit a full ISO14001 certification we have an alternative option which couldbe called ‘ISO 14001 in a box’.
For this the CBM have teamed up with Coventry CityCouncil to offer a ten step approach to achieving ISO 14001accreditation. Companies need to commit 11 full days trainingand £4k. You do not need to based in the West Midlands. Theintensive route to the certification would take 22 weeks and aminimum of six companies are required. It is intended to holdthe sessions at the National Metalforming Centre and for themto start in the New Year.
I am convinced that the ISO 14001 accreditation willbecome essential currency for quoting for local or centralGovernment contracts and for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Companies interested in either of these two initiatives shouldregister in the first instance with Kirsi Lintula.
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environmentw w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m 35
Tel: 0121 601 6350 E: [email protected]
DIARY DATE
CBM Health, Safety &Environment Meeting
19 January 2009 at 10.30am
National Metalforming Centre
E V E N T
L O C A T I O N
D A T E
w w w. b r i t i s h m e t a l f o r m i n g . c o m
cbm
eve
nts
cbm events36
JanuarySteel today, Steel tomorrowA half day workshop examining the cost, availability, andnew specifications for steel. The workshop will includeanalysis of the steel market and challenges facing thesteel recycling process.
January/FebruaryProtecting your businessCBM has circulated a menu allowing CBM members topick from a list of key insurance and credit topics, plus anoption for the Bank of England to deliver an economicreview. We have offered a number of dates, from whichwe will pick the most popular.
FebruaryThe mystery of wheel bolt failureThis event reports on the recently concluded study ofwheel bolt failure. The outcome of this study highlightstechnical design issues and recommendations forcontainment measures. This is a critical issue for all boltmanufacturers and suppliers.
MarchCost efficient solutions for managing utilities & wasteThis workshop provides proven strategies andtechnologies to reduce utility bills, and reduce wasteproducts. The presentations offer clear instruction onattaining significant financial and environmental rewards.
2010 CBM events
For further information please visit: www.britishmetalforming.com
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A.M.C. UK Fasteners Ltd : 01536 271 920Units 3 & 4, Darwin Road, : 01536 271 929Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 5XZ www.amcukfasteners.co.uk
Alcoa Fastening Systems : 01952 290011Unit C Stafford Park 7, : 01952 290459Telford, Shropshire TF3 3BQ www.alcoa.com
Avdel UK Ltd : 01925 811 243Hardwick Grange, Woolston, : 01925 856 491Warrington, Cheshire WA1 4RF www.acument.com
Barton Cold-Form (UK) Ltd : 01905 772 021Pointon Way, Stonebridge Cross Business Park, : 01905 777 041Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 0LP www.coldform.it
BAS Components Ltd : 01646 623 569Ferry Lane, Pembroke, : 01646 687 251Pembrokeshire SA71 4RE www.bas-components.co.uk
Caparo Atlas Fastenings Ltd : 0121 224 2000P O Box No 6, Heath Road, : 0121 224 2001Darlaston, West Midlands WS10 8UL www.atlasfastenings.com
Clevedon Fasteners : 0121 378 061911 Reddicap Trading Estate, Sutton Coldfield, : 0121 378 3186West Midlands B75 7DG www.clevedon-fasteners.co.uk
Clyde Fasteners Ltd : 01355 225 451Hawbank Road, College Milton, : 01355 263 191East Kilbride, Lanarkshire G74 5ET www.clydefasteners.com
Cooper & Turner Ltd : 01142 560 057Sheffield Road, : 01142 445 529Sheffield, Yorkshire S9 1RS www.cooperandturner.com
Deepak Fasteners (Shannon) Ltd : 00 353 6171 6550Shannon Industrial Estate, : 00 353 6171 6584Shannon, County Clare, Ireland www.unbrako.com
Gesipa Blind Riveting Systems Ltd : 01535 212 200Dalton Lane, Keighley, : 01535 212 232West Yorkshire BD21 4JU www.gesipa.com
Griff Chains Ltd : 01384 569 415Quarry Road, Dudley Wood, : 01384 410 580Dudley, West Midlands DY2 0ED www.griffchains.co.uk
Henrob Ltd : 01244 837 220Second Avenue, Zone 2, : 01244 837 222Deeside Ind. Park, Flintshire CH5 2NX www.henrob.com
Linread Northbridge : 01527 525 719Crossgate Road, Park Farm, : 01527 526 881Redditch, Worcestershire B98 7TD www.mckechnieaerospace.com
Lonestar PRD Group Ltd : 01902 867 000Kennicott House, Well Lane, : 01902 605 759Wednesfield, West Midlands WV11 1XR www.prdholdings.com
PRD Fasteners Ltd : 01902 639 160Unit 10/15, Monmer Close, : 01902 639 153Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 1JR www.prdfasteners.co.uk
RCF Bolt + Nut Ltd : 0121 522 2353Park Lane East, : 0121 522 2304Tipton, West Midlands DY4 8RF www.rcfboltnut.co.uk
Smith Bullough : 01942 520 250Unit 2A, Swan Lane, Hindley Green, : 01942 520 251Wigan, Lancashire WN2 4HD www.smithbullough.com
SPS Technologies (T.J. Brooks Div.) : 0116 274 4980191 Barkby Road, : 0116 274 0243Leicester, Leicestershire LE4 9HX www.spstech.com
Tucker Fasteners Ltd : 0121 356 4811177 Walsall Road, Perry Barr, : 0121 356 1598Birmingham, West Midlands B42 1BP www.emhart.com
Vaughan Jones Socket Screws Ltd : 01937 843 298Unit 352, Thorp Arch Trading Estate, : 01937 843 501Wetherby, Yorkshire LS23 7FT www.vaughanjones.co.uk
Fasteners
Forging
Abbey Stainless Steels Co Ltd : 0114 231 2271Beeley Wood Works, Beeley Wood Lane, : 0114 2318812Sheffield, Yorkshire S6 1ND www.theabbeygroupuk.com
AKS Precision Ball Europe Ltd : 0191 587 0000Davy Drive, North West Industrial Estate, : 0191 587 2027Peterlee, Co Durham SR8 2PP www.aksball.com
Bedford Steels : 01246 299 100Effingham Road, : 01246 290 354Sheffield, Yorkshire S4 7YS www.bedfordsteels.co.uk
Bharat Forge Scottish Stampings Ltd : 01292 267 971Neptune Works, East Park Road, : 01292 613 408Ayr, Scotland KA8 9HR www.bharatforge.com
Bifrangi UK Ltd : 01522 585 800P O Box 22, Tower Works, : 01522 529 116Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 5DT
Brockhouse Group Ltd : 0121 556 1241Howard Street, Hill Top, : 0121 502 3076West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 0SN www.brockhouse.co.uk
Cascade (UK) Ltd : 0161 438 40203 Kelbrook Road, Openshaw, : 0161 438 4058Manchester, Greater Manchester M11 2DD www.cascorp.com
Cerro EMS Ltd : 01922 476 641Goscote Lane, : 01922 475 225Walsall, West Midlands WS3 1PF www.cerro-ems.com
Chapmans Agricultural Ltd : 0114 285 6000Club Mill Road, : 0114 285 6001Sheffield, Yorkshire S6 2FH www.chapmans-uk.com
Chesterfield Special Cylinders Ltd : 0114 242 7500Meadowhall Road, : 0114 242 7501Sheffield, Yorkshire S9 1BT www.chesterfieldcylinders.com
Clydesdale Forge Company : 01384 252 587Marriott Road, Netherton, : 01384 231 005Dudley, West Midlands DY2 0LA www.clydesdale-forge.co.uk
Cramlington Precision Forge Ltd : 01670 716 811Unit 8, Atley Way, Nelson Industrial Estate, : 01670 737 814Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 1WA www.cpfl-tvs.com
Doncasters Blaenavon Ltd : 01495 790 345Forge Side, Blaenavon, Pontypool,Gwent, Wales NP4 9XG www.doncasters.com
Doncasters Precision Forgings Ltd : 0114 285 8100P O Box No 66, Penistone Road, : 0114 233 4860Sheffield, Yorkshire S6 2FR www.doncasters.com
Firth Rixson - River Don : 0114 219 3694Milford Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire S9 2LD www.firthrixson.com
Firth Rixson Forgings Ltd : 0114 219 3694Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2JB www.firthrixson.com
Firth Rixson Forgings Ltd : 0114 219 3740Meadowhall Road, Wincobank, : 0114 219 1515Sheffield, Yorkshire S9 1HD www.firthrixson.com
Firth Rixson Ltd : 0114 219 3000Firth House, P O Box 644, : 0114 219 1111Meadowhall Road, Sheffield, Yorkshire S9 1JD www.firthrixson.com
George Dyke Ltd : 01902 366 36529 Doctor’s Piece, : 01902 637 238Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 1QB www.george-dyke.co.uk
GKN Driveline Birmingham Ltd : 0121 377 7000- Hamstead Plant : 0121 358 4033Old Walsall Road, Great Barr,Birmingham, West Midlands B42 1DZ www.gkndriveline.com
Helipebs Ltd : 01452 423 201Sisson Road, : 01452 307 665Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL2 0RE www.helipebs.co.uk
Henry Williams Ltd : 01325 462 722Dodsworth Street, : 01325 381 744Darlington, Co. Durham DL1 2NJ www.hwilliams.co.uk
Hillfoot Steel : 0114 233 1133Herries Road, : 0114 285 2802Sheffield, Yorkshire S6 1HP www.hillfoot.com
Hull Forgings Ltd : 01482 323 08911 Hedon Road, : 01482 324 735Hull, Yorkshire HU9 1LL www.wp-forging.co.uk
Independent Forgings & Alloys Ltd : 0114 234 3000Victoria Forge, Livesey Street, : 0114 234 0261Sheffield, Yorkshire S6 2BL www.forgedinsheffield.com
Integriti : 0191 263 868639 Manor Road, Brampton Bierlow, : 0191 262 6428Rotherham, Yorkshire S63 6BJ www.integriti.co.uk
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a d d r e s s l i s t i n g f u l l m e m b e r s
Sheet Metal
3M Healthcare : 01200 421 140Upbrooks, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 1NX www.3M.com/uk
AGA Consumer Products Ltd : 01926 457 400T/A Rangemaster : 01926 457 658Clarence Street, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 2AD www.rangemaster.co.uk
Aisin Europe Manufacturing (UK) Ltd : 0121 421 56881 Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park, : 0121 421 5633Birmingham, West Midlands B32 3BZ www.aisin.com
Baylis Automotive (Smethwick) : 0121 500 4200Unit 10-13 Spring Road, : 0121 500 6158Smethwick, West Midlands B66 1PF www.baylisautomotiveuk.co.uk
Berck Ltd : 0121 553 2726Titan Works, Pleasant Street, : 0121 553 1087West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 7DP www.bercklimited.co.uk
Bird Stevens & Co Ltd : 01384 567 381Sun Street, Quarry Bank, : 01384 637 357Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 2JE www.birdstevens.co.uk
Calsonic Kansei : 0191 418 6370Bental Business Park, Glover Road, District 11, : 0191 417 0184Washington, Tyne & Wear NE37 3JD www.ckeurope.com
Carlton Laser Services Ltd : 0116 233 9990470 Thurmaston Boulevard, Troon Industrial Estate, : 0116 233 9992Leicester, Leicestershire LE4 9LN www.carltonlaser.co.uk
Cirteq Ltd : 01535 633 333Hayfield, Colne Road, Glusburn, : 01535 632 966Keighley, West Yorkshire BD20 8QP www.cirteq.com
Cooper B-Line : 01278 783 371Warlow, Highbridge, : 01278 789 037Somerset TA9 4AQ www.cooperbline.co.uk
Cooper Crouse-Hinds (UK) Ltd : 01795 889 146Dorset Road, Sheerness, : 01795 889 127Kent ME12 1LP www.enclosures-crouse-hinds.uk.com
Cooper Lighting and Safety : 01302 321 541Wheatley Hall Road, : 01302 303 220Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN2 4NB www.cooperindustries.com
Corus Automotive : 01902 698 635The Steel Park, Steel Parkway, Wednesfield, : 01902 638 910Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV11 3SR www.corusgroup.com
Covpress Holdings : 024 7669 1000Burnsall Road, Canley, : 024 7667 8425Coventry, Warwickshire CV5 6RT www.covpress.com
Doncasters Bramah : 0114 251 2102Holbrook Works, Station Road, Halfway, : 0114 2474105Sheffield, Yorkshire S20 3GB www.doncasters.com
DPE Automotive Ltd : 01325 300 777Gurney Way, Newton Aycliffe, : 01325 301 951Co Durham DL16 6UJ www.pc-automotive.co.ukDRB Engineering Ltd : 0121 359 456671-75 New Summer Street, : 0121 359 5410Birmingham, West Midlands B19 3TE www.drbengineering.comDurham Duplex : 0114 243 2313312/314 Petre Street, : 0114 244 4329Sheffield, Yorkshire S4 8LT www.durham-duplex.co.ukEu-Matic Div. of Multimatic Ltd : 024 7667 3333Herald Avenue, Coventry Business Park, : 024 7667 3222Coventry, Warwickshire CV5 6UB www.multimatic.comFellows : 01902 576 400Rical Group Division, Graiseley Row, : 01902 576 404Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV2 4HL
Kimber Drop Forgings Ltd : 01384 414 500Gawne Lane Works, Gawne Lane, : 01384 414 510Old Hill, Cradley Heath, West Midlands B64 5QZ
Koyo Bearings (Europe) Ltd : 01226 733 200P O Box 101, Elmihurst Lane, Dodworth, : 01226 204 029Barnsley, Yorkshire S75 3TA
Mettis Aerospace Ltd : 01527 406 400Windsor Road, : 01527 608 18Redditch, Worcestershire B97 6EF www.mettis-aerospace.com
Mills Forgings Ltd : 024 7622 4985Charterhouse Road, : 024 7652 5453Coventry, Warwickshire CV1 2BJ www.millsforgings.co.uk
MSI-Forging Division : 01302 366 961Carr Hill, Blaby, : 01302 340 663Doncaster, Yorkshire DN4 8DH www.msi-forge.com
Padley & Venables Ltd : 01246 299 100Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, : 01246 290 354Nr Sheffield, Yorkshire S18 2XT www.padley-venables.com
Pandrol UK Ltd : 01909 476 101Gateford Road, : 01909 530 281Worksop, Nottinghamshire S81 7AX www.pandroluk.com
Premier Stampings Ltd : 01384 353 100Station Street, Cradley Heath, : 01384 353 101West Midlands B64 6AJ www.premierstampings.co.uk
Rollins Bulldog Tools : 01942 244 281Clarington Forge, Darlington Street East, : 01942 824 316Wigan, Lancashire WN1 3DD www.bulldogtools.co.uk
Schaeffler (UK) Ltd : 01554 747 748Bynea, Llanelli, : 01554 771 201Carmarthenshire S14 9TG www.schaeffler.co.uk
Shakespeare Forgings Ltd : 01384 632 420Macarthur Road, Cradley Heath, : 01384 632 429West Midlands B64 7RB
Smethwick Drop Forge Kidderminster : 01562 823 451P O Box 19, Kidderminster, : 01562 754 336Worcestershire DY11 7QE www.sdf-auto.co.uk
Solid Stampings Ltd : 01384 636 421Portersfield Road, Cradley Heath, : 01384 639 163West Midlands B64 7BL www.solidswivel.co.uk
Somers Forge Ltd : 0121 585 5959Haywood Forge, Prospect Road, : 0121 585 6699Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8DZ www.somersforge.com
South Wales Forgemasters : 029 2081 0341Garth Works, Taffs Well, : 029 2081 0108Cardiff, Wales CF15 7YF www.swforgemasters.co.uk
Special Forged Products : 0114 2560 914Birch Road, Sheffield, : 0114 2560 053Yorkshire S9 3XL www.specialforgedproducts.com
Spromak Ltd : 0151 480 059211g Wilson Road, Huyton Business Park, : 0151 480 0656Merseyside L36 6AN www.spromak.co.uk
Stokes Forgings Dudley Ltd : 01384 342 550P O Box 18, Cochrane Road, Holly Hall, : 01384 342 551Dudley, West Midlands DY2 0SE www.stokesforgings.com
Stokes Forgings Ltd : 01922 704 800Victor Works, Northcote Street, : 01922 704 804Walsall, West Midlands WS2 8BH www.stokesforgings.com
Symmetry Medical Inc : 0114 285 5881Beulah Road, Sheffield, : 0114 286 8843Yorkshire S6 2AN www.symmetrymedical.com
ThyssenKrupp Woodhead Ltd : 01132 441 202177 Kirkstall Road, : 01132 347 738Leeds, Yorkshire LS4 2AQ www.thyssenkrupp.com
Tinsley Bridge Ltd : 0114 2211 111Tinsley Park Spring Works, P O Box 89, : 0114 243 1331Sheffield, Yorkshire S9 2DZ www.tinsleybridge.co.uk
TSL Turton Ltd : 0114 270 1577Burton Road, Sheffield, : 0114 275 6947Yorkshire S3 8DA www.tslturton.com
Victoria Drop Forgings Co. Ltd : 01902 605 141Off Park Road, Wednesfield Road, : 01902 609 587Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 1AG www.victoriaforgings.co.uk
VTL Automotive Ltd : 01422 882 561Calderside Works, Luddendenfoot, : 01422 888 830Halifax, West Yorkshire HX2 6EL www.vtl-automotive.com
W. H. Tildesley Ltd : 01902 366 440Clifford Works, Bow Street, : 01902 366 216Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2AN www.whtildesley.com
Wyman Gordon Lincoln Ltd : 01522 525 492P O Box 590, Waterside North, : 01522 521 701Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 5XY www.wyman-gordon.com
Wyman Gordon Ltd :01506 446 200Houstoun Road, Livingston, :01506 446 300West Lothian, Scotland EH54 5BZ www.wyman-gordon.com
Yorkshire Fittings Ltd :0113 270 1104Haigh Park Road, Stourton, :0113 272 5299Leeds, Yorkshire LS10 1RT www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk
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Ford Component Manufacturing Ltd : 0191 428 6600Tyne Dock, South Shields, : 0191 428 6620Tyne & Wear NE33 5ST www.fordcomps.co.uk
Fowlers of Bristol (Engineers) Ltd : 0117 942 256325a Bath Buildings, Montpelier, : 0117 942 4770Bristol, Avon BS6 5PT www.fowlers-eng.com
Futaba-Tenneco UK Ltd : 01282 433 171Liverpool Road, Rose Grove, : 01282 446 545Burnley, Lancashire BB12 6HJ
G W Waite Ltd : 01229 582 046North Lonsdale Road, : 01229 583 893Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9DN www.gwwaite.co.uk
Genex UK Ltd : 01922 710 050Fryers Road, Leamore Business Park, : 01922 495 813Walsall, West Midlands WS2 7NA www.genexuk.co.uk
Glen Dimplex Home Appliances : 0870 444 9919Stoney Lane, Prescot, : 0870 458 9674Merseyside L35 2XW www.gdha.com
Grorud Group Ltd : 01207 590 471Castleside Industrial Estate, Castleside, : 01207 599 810Consett, County Durham DH8 8JA www.grorud.com
Grove Metal Sections Ltd : 01902 601 697Unit 7, Tractor Spares Ind Est, : 01902 603 279Strawberry Lane, Willenhall,Wolverhampton,Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV13 3RN www.grovems.com
Guala Closures UK : 0141 777 2000(GlobalCap Metal Closures Ltd), Kirkintilloch, : 0141 777 6251Old Mill Park Industrial Estate,Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland G66 1ST
H V Wooding Ltd : 01303 264 471Range Road, Hythe, : 01303 262 408Kent CT21 6HG www.hvwooding.co.uk
Hadley Industries Plc : 0121 555 1300PO Box 92, Downing Street, Smethwick, : 0121 555 1301Warley, West Midlands B66 2PA www.hadleygroup.co.uk
Havelock Europa Plc : 01383 823 636Westway, Hillend Industrial Park, : 01383 824 749Dalgety Bay, Fife KY11 9HE www.havelockeuropa.com
Kiyokuni Europe Ltd : 01952 292 920Hollyhead Road, Priorslee, : 01952 292 940Telford, Shropshire TF2 9TY www.kiyokuni.co.uk
Krupp Camford Pressings Ltd : 01554 772 233Llethri Road, Felinfoel, : 01554 777 425Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 8EU www.thyssenkrupp.com
Laser Process Ltd : 01543 495 000Upper Keys, Keys Park, : 01543 495 001Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 2GI www.laserprocess.co.uk
Leonardt Ltd : 01746 861 203Main Road, Highley, : 01746 862 296Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6NN www.leonardt.com
Metsec Plc : 0121 601 6000Broadwell Road, Oldbury, : 0121 601 6123Warley, West Midlands B69 4HE www.metsec.com
Miking Ltd : 0191 415 5919Bentall Business Park, Glover, : 0191 415 1300District 11 Washington,Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE37 3JD www.mi-king.co.uk
Milton Keynes Pressings Ltd : 01908 271 94043a Barton Road, Water Eaton Ind Estate, : 01908 625 570Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire MK2 3EF www.mkp.co.uk
Mitchell Grieves : 01530 510 565Rical Group Division, Wolsey Road, : 01530 510 458Coalville, Leicestershire LE6 3TS www.mitchell-grieve.co.uk
Multiforms : 01384 569 283Rical Group Division, Woods Lane, : 01384 633 712Cradley Heath, West Midlands B64 7AL www.ricalltd.com
Noble International Birmingham Ltd : 0121 558 8464Bridge Street North, : 0121 558 8312Smethwick, West Midlands B66 2BA www.nobleintl.com
Northern Automotive Systems Ltd : 01873 832 263Ty Mawr Road, Gilwern, : 01873 832 034Abergavenny, Wales NP7 0EB
Ogihara Europe Ltd : 01952 222 111Queensway, Horton Wood, : 01952 222 050Telford, Shropshire TF1 7LL www.ogihara.co.uk
Pianoforte Supplies Ltd : 01604 862 441Simplex Works, Roade, : 01604 862 427Northampton, Northants NN7 2LG www.psluk.co.uk
Portola Packaging Ltd : 01302 552 4003 Carriage Drive, White Rose Way, : 01302 365 541Doncaster, Yorkshire DN4 5NT www.portola-europe.com
Pressed Metal Products Ltd : 0121 555 6061Unit 5 Heath Street Ind Estate, Abberley Street, : 0121 555 6058Smethwick, West Midlands B66 2QL www.pressed-metal.com
Presspart Manufacturing Ltd : 01254 584 126Whitebirk Industrial Estate, : 01254 584 100Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 5RF www.presspart.com
Rittal-CSM Ltd : 01752 207 600Broadley Industrial Estate, Roborough, : 01752 207 625Plymouth, Devon PL6 7EZ www.rittal-csm.co.uk
Robert Bion + Co Ltd : 0118 959 270014 Portman Road, : 0118 959 2701Reading, Berkshire RG30 1LZ www.bion.co.uk
RSM Industries Ltd : 024 7636 2082School Lane, Exhall, : 024 7636 2434Coventry, West Midlands CV7 9NN www.rsmindustries.co.uk
Sankey Laminations Ltd : 01902 693 000T/A Kienle + Spiess : 01902 693 040Anchor Lane,Bilston, West Midlands WV14 9NE www.kienle-spiess.com
Sertec Ltd : 01675 463 361Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, : 01675 465 539West Midlands B46 1JU www.sertec.co.uk
SPS Aerostructures Ltd : 0115 988 0185Willow Drive, Sherwood Business Park, Annesley, : 0115 988 0001Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NE15 0DP www.spstech.com
Stadco Castle Bromwich : 0121 382 3120Vantage Way, Erdington, : 0121 377 3698Birmingham, West Midlands B24 9GZ www.stadco.co.uk
Stadco Powys : 01691 648 561Llanfyllin, Powys, : 01691 648 836Wales SY22 5DH www.stadco.co.uk
Stadco Shrewsbury : 01743 445 541Harlescott Lane, Shrewsbury, : 01743 452 529Shropshire SY1 3AS www.stadco.co.uk
Steel Service Centre Ltd : 01889 270 241Hangar 5, New Road, Hixon, : 01889 270 242Stafford, Staffordshire ST18 0PJ www.steelservicecentre.co.uk
Swann-Morton Ltd : 0114 234 4231Owlerton Green, : 0114 231 4966Sheffield, Yorkshire S6 2BJ www.swann-morton.com
Takao Europe Manufacturing Ltd : 01495 307 190Unit 17, Rassau Industrial Estate, Rassau, : Ebervale, Gwent NP23 5SD www.takao.co.uk
Taurus Engineering : 01903 761 188Rical Group Division, Commerce Way, : 01903 767 268Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8TA www.www.taurusengineering.co.uk
The Regent Engineering Co (Walsall) Ltd : 0121 526 6060Salisbury Street, Darlaston, : 0121 526 4789Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 8XB www.regenteng.com
Thyssenkrupp Tallent Ltd : 01325 313 232Aycliffe Industrial Park, Newton Aycliffe, : 01325 311 473County Durham DL5 6EP www.thyssenkrupp.com
TKA Body Stampings Ltd : 01543 466 664Wolverhampton Road, : 01543 466 665Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 1LY www.thyssenkrupp.com
TKA Bourn Plant : 01954 213 200Bourn Plant, Bourn Airfield, : 01954 213 369Bourn, Cambridgeshire CB3 7TQ www.thyssenkrupp.com
UYS Ltd :01865 334 860Garsington Road, Cowley, :08702 386 300Oxford, Oxon OX4 2BW www.uys.ltd.uk
UYT Ltd :024 7667 1400Renown Avenue, Coventry Business Park, :024 7667 1411Coventry, West Midlands CV5 6UF www.uyt.ltd.uk
Walsall Pressings Co Ltd :01922 721 152Wednesbury Road, Walsall, :01922 721 106West Midlands WS1 4JW www.walpres.co.uk
Whittan Storage :01952 682 251Link House, Halesfield, :01952 684 076Telford, Shropshire TF7 4LN www.whittan-storage.com
William King Ltd :0121 500 4121Union Road, West Bromwich, :0121 500 0421West Midlands B70 9DR www.williamking.co.uk
William Mitchell :0121 558 2694Rical Group Division, Tramway, Oldbury Road, :0121 558 4239Smethwick, West Midlands B66 1NY www.william-mitchell.co.uk
Wrekin Sheetmetal Ltd :01952 587 387Unit L, Tweedale Industrial Estate, Madeley, :01952 587 471Telford, Shropshire TF7 4JR www.wrekinsheetmetal.co.uk
X-met Fabrication & Finishing Ltd :01698 733 533Unit 106/107 Howden Avenue, New House :01698 734 617Industrial Estate, Motherwell, Lanarkshire ML1 5RX www.x-met.com
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Ajax Tocco International Ltd : 0121 322 80002 Dorset Road, Saltley Business Park, : 0121 322 8080Saltley, Birmingham, www.ajaxtocco.co.uk West Midlands B8 1BG ajaxtocco.com
Carrington Wire Ltd : 01422 372 372Carrington House, Lowfields Way,Lowfields Business ParkElland, West Yorkshire HX5 9DA www.carringtonwire.com
Corus Construction & Industrial : 01724 404 040Commercial Centre, P O Box 1, Brigg Road, : 01724 282 599Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire DN16 1BP www.corusconstruction.com
Dorken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co KG : 0121 745 895911 Arnold Grove, Shirley,Solihull, West Midlands B90 3JR www.doerken.de
Henkel Loctite Adhesives : 01629 824 17152 Cromford Road, Wirksworth, : 01629 822 578Derby, Derbyshire DE4 4FR www.henkel.com
IRIS Business Solutions (Chorus]) : 01274 851 577633 Halifax Road, Liversedge, : 01274 851 631West Yorkshire WF15 8HG www.iris.co.uk
Johnson Machine & Tool Co Ltd : 0121 568 8013Mercury Works, Westbourne Road, :0121 526 4984Darlaston, West Midlands WS10 8BJ www.johnson-group.co.uk
National Machinery UK Ltd : 0121 585 98463rd Floor Trinity Point, New Road, : 0121 501 1936Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3HY www.nationalmachinery.eu
Ovako Ltd : 01384 213 940Unit 2, Yorks Park, Blowers Green Road, : 01384 243 662Dudley, West Midlands DY2 8UL www.ovako.com
The Bifurcated : 01296 314 300& Tubular Rivet Company : 01296 482 424A Division of Aylesbury Automation Ltd, Unit 2, Farmbrough Close, Stocklake Ind Park,Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 1DQ www.bifandtub.co.uk
Fasteners
Forging
Ajax Tocco International Ltd : 0121 322 80002 Dorset Road, Saltley Business Park, : 0121 322 8080Saltley,Birmingham, www.ajaxtocco.co.ukWest Midlands B8 1BG ajaxtocco.com
Bodycote Heat Treatments Ltd : 01625 505 300Springwood Court, Springwood Close, 01625 505 312Tytherington Business Park,Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 2XF www.bodycote.com
Corus Group : 01709 371 234P O Box No 50, Aldwarke Lane, : 01709 826 233Rotherham, Yorkshire S60 1DW www.corusgroup.com
DavyMarkham Ltd : 0114 291 4212Prince of Wales Road, Darnall, : 0114 244 9641Sheffield, Yorkshire S9 4EX www.davymarkham.com
Derek Johnson : 024 76411 2089 Delaware Road,Coventry, Warwickshire CV3 6LY www.kespar.co.uk
Deritend Induction Services : 01922 621 664Robust Works, Rollingmill Street, : 01922 723 128Walsall, West Midlands WS2 9EN www.deritend.co.uk
Dielife Limited : 01642 221 13330 Commercial Street, : 01642 245 171Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire TS2 1JW www.dielife.com
Euromarch Ltd : 01452 525 259Wil El Mil, 7 Ashville Road, : 01452 300 654Ashville Industrial Estate,Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL2 5EU
Fabreeka International Inc. : 01274 531 3338-12 Jubilee Way, Thackley Old Road, : 01274 531 717Shipley, West Yorkshire BD18 1QG www.fabreeka.com
Finkl UK : 0121 544 4506Langley Green Road, Langley, : 0121 544 4752Oldbury, West Midlands B69 4TR www.finkl.com
Forge Tech Services Ltd : 0161 339 1120Gatefield Works, Whitelands Road, : 0161 343 2257Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire OL6 6UG www.forgetechservices.com
Fuchs Lubritech (UK) Ltd : 020 8345 5566Eley Road, Eley Estate, : 020 8884 3255Edmonton, London N18 3DB www.fuchs-lubritech.com
Henkel - Acheson ASM : 07768 477 31047 Holly Road, Sidemoor,Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 8LG www.achesonindustries.com
Henkel Loctite Adhesives : 01823 430 0346 Lydeard Mead, Bishops Lydeard, : 01823 430 034Taunton, Somerset TA4 3UD www.henkel.com
Kespar Engineering Ltd : 01902 353 848Johnson House, Bilston Industrial Estate, : 01902 494 939Bilston, West Midlands WV14 7EG www.kespar.co.uk
Lasco UK Agent : 01902 672 49120 Eversley Grove,Sedgley, West Midlands DY3 3RF
Micas Simulations Ltd : 01299 822 522P O Box 4190, Stourport-on-Severn, : 01299 828 840Worcestershire DY13 0WU www.micassimulations.co.uk
Newelco Division of : 01633 263 021Inductoheat Europe Ltd : 01633 264 413Church Street,Newport, Gwent, Wales NP9 2TW www.newelco.co.uk
Oilgear Towler Ltd : 0113 394 7300Oaklands Road, Rodley, : 0113 255 9537Leeds, Yorkshire LS13 1LG www.oilgeartowler.co.uk
Pearson Panke Ltd : 020 8959 32321 - 3 Hale Grove Gardens, : 020 8959 5613London, London NW7 3LR www.pearsonpanke.co.uk
SMS Mevac UK Ltd : 01606 551 421Road 4, Winsford, : 01606 553 078Cheshire CW7 3RS www.sms-mevac.co.uk
Strayfield Ltd : 0870 428 1086Ely Road, : 0870 428 1087Theale, Berkshire RG7 4BQ www.strayfield.co.uk
Timet UK Ltd : 0121 356 1155P O Box 704, Witton, : 0121 356 5413Birmingham, West Midlands B6 7UR www.timet.com
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Sheet Metal
Bauromat UK Ltd : 01684 575 757Sparrowhawk Close, Enigma Business Park, : 01684 569 887Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1GL www.bauromat.co.uk
DavyMarkham Ltd : 0114 291 4212Prince of Wales Road, Darnall, : 0114 244 9641Sheffield, Yorkshire S9 4EX www.davymarkham.com
Dayton Progress Ltd : 01926 484 192G1 Holly Farm Business Park, Honiley, : 01926 484 172Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NP www.daytonprogress.co.uk
Dorken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co KG : 01299 271 451Pinkham Lane, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire DY14 8QF www.doerken.de
ESI-UK Ltd : 01865 784 832The Magdalen Centre, Oxford Science Park, : 01865 784 004Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.esi-group.com
Imperial College London : 0207 594 7082Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Exhibition Road, : 0207 594 7017South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ www.imperial.ac.uk
Institute of Sheet Metal Engineering : 0789 149 9146P O Box 5493, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV6 6EU www.isme.org.uk
MOHS Workplace Health Ltd : 0121 601 404183-87 Birmingham Road, : 0121 601 4042West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 6PX www.mohs.co.uk
Oerlikon Balzers Coating Ltd : 01908 377 277Bradbourne Drive, Tilbrook, : 01908 361 362Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK7 8AT www.balzers.co.uk
Pearson Panke Ltd : 020 8959 32321 - 3 Hale Grove Gardens, : 020 8959 5613London, London NW7 3LR www.pearsonpanke.co.uk
Planit Software Ltd : 01225 721 330Limpley Mill, Lower Stoke, : 01225 721 333Limpley Stoke, Bath, Avon BA2 7FJ www.planit.com
Professional Polishing Services Ltd : 0121 555 656918B Parkrose Industrial Estate, Middlemore Road, : 0121 555 6613Smethwick, West Midlands B66 2DZ www.professionalpolishing.co.uk
Ross UK Ltd : 0121 559 4900Cakemore Road, Rowley Regis, : 0121 559 5309Warley, West Midlands B65 0QW www.rosscontrols.com
SEMTA : 01923 238 44114 Upton Road, : 01923 652 388Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0JT www.semta.org.uk
TEK Personnel Consultants : 01902 497 943The Saturn Centre, Spring Road, Ettingshall, : 01902 402 434Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV4 6JX www.tekpersonnel.co.uk
The Bifurcated & : 01296 314 300Tubular Rivet Company : 01296 482 424A Division of Aylesbury Automation Ltd, Unit 2, Farmbrough Close, Stocklake Ind Park,Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 1DQ www.bifandtub.co.uk
Towergate Risk Solutions : 0115 907 5000Loxley House, Tottle Road, : 0115 907 5001Riverside Office Park,Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG2 1RR www.towergaterisksolutions.co.uk
TRS Engineering Services Ltd : 01922 473 7337-8 Saddlers Court, Fryers Road, Bloxwich, : 01922 473 774Walsall, West Midlands WS2 7LZ www.trseng.com
TTI Group Ltd : 0121 327 2020PVD Coating Centre, Unit 4, Bickford Road, : 0121 327 6461Witton, Birmingham, West Midlands B6 7EE www.ttigroup.co.uk
Whiston Industries Ltd : 01384 560 606Oak Street, Cradley Heath, : 01384 638182West Midlands B64 5JY www.whistonindustries.com
Overseas
Bharat Forge Ltd : 00 91 212 671 666P O Box No 57, Pune Cantonment, : 00 91 212 56181Pune 411 001, Maharastra, India
China Forging Industry Association : 00 86 10 6846 5045Forging & Stamping Services Centre, : 00 86 10 6846 50445 Xisanhuan Beilu, 100081 Beijing, P.R. China
CPM : 00 49 2407 95940Kaiserstrabe 100, : 00 49 2407 9594 66D-52134 Herzogenrath, Germany
Ewald Dorken AG : 00 49 2330 630Wetterstrassse 58, D - 58313 Herdecke, : 00 49 2330 63354Germany www.doerken.de
Forging Industry Association : 00 1 216 781 6260Suite 300 - LTV, Landmark Office Towers, : 00 1 216 781 010225 Prospect Avenue West,Cleveland, Ohio 44115, USA
Japan Forging Industry Association : 00 81 3 3241 7661Nihonbashi-Kaishin-N.Y. Building, : 00 81 3 3241 76631-13-5 Nihonbashi-Muromachi,Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 103
Lasco Umformtechnik GmbH : 00 49 9561 6420Hahnweg 139, D-96450 Coburg, : 00 49 9561 642 333Germany www.lasco.com
Pietro Rimoldi & C SRL : 00 39 0 331 504 449Via Gerenzano No 44, : 00 39 0 331 504 325I21053 Castellanza, Varese, Italy
Presstrade GmbH : 01788 890 055Presstrade UK, c/o Lodge Consulting Ltd, : 01788 899 090Merryhill House,Braunston, Northamptonshire NN11 7HS www.presstrade.com
SMS Meer GmbH : 00 49 214 7340Josefstrasse 10, : 00 49 214 734 222D-513 77 Leverkusen, Germany www.sms-eumuco.de
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a l p h a b e t i c a l l i s t i n g s
3M Healthcare ........................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.3M.com/uk ..............................................................01200 421 140A.M.C. UK Fasteners Ltd ..............................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.amcukfasteners.co.uk ..........................................01536 271 920Abbey Stainless Steels Co Ltd ......................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.theabbeygroupuk.com ........................................0114 231 2271AGA Consumer Products Ltd T/A Rangemaster ..........................FM / ■ ................................................www.rangemaster.co.uk ................................................01926 457 400Aisin Europe Manufacturing (UK) Ltd ................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.aisin.com ..................................................................0121 421 5688Ajax Tocco International Ltd ......................................................................AM /▲ ● ............................................www.ajaxtocco.co.uk / ajaxtocco.com ......................0121 322 8000AKS Precision Ball Europe Ltd ..................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.aksball.com ..............................................................0191 587 0000Alcoa Fastening Systems ................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.alcoa.com ..................................................................01952 290011Avdel UK Ltd..........................................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.acument.com ..........................................................01925 811 243Barton Cold-Form (UK) Ltd ........................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.coldform.it ................................................................01905 772 021BAS Components Ltd........................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.bas-components.co.uk ........................................01646 623 569Bauromat UK Ltd................................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.bauromat.co.uk ......................................................01684 575 757Baylis Automotive (Smethwick) ................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.baylisautomotiveuk.co.uk ..................................0121 500 4200Bedford Steels ........................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.bedfordsteels.co.uk ..............................................01246 299 100Berck Ltd ..................................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.bercklimited.co.uk ................................................0121 553 2726Bharat Forge Ltd ..................................................................................................OS / ............................................................................................................................................00 91 212 671 666Bharat Forge Scottish Stampings Ltd ....................................................FM / ● ................................................www.bharatforge.com ....................................................01292 267 971Bifrangi UK Ltd ....................................................................................................FM / ●....................................................................................................................................................01522 585 800Bird Stevens & Co Ltd......................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.birdstevens.co.uk ..................................................01384 567 381Bodycote Heat Treatments Ltd ..................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.bodycote.com..........................................................01625 505 300Brockhouse Group Ltd ....................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.brockhouse.co.uk ..................................................0121 556 1241Calsonic Kansei ....................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.ckeurope.com..........................................................0191 418 6370Caparo Atlas Fastenings Ltd ........................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.atlasfastenings.com ..............................................0121 224 2000Carlton Laser Services Ltd ............................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.carltonlaser.co.uk ..................................................0116 233 9990Carrington Wire Ltd ..........................................................................................AM /▲ ................................................www.carringtonwire.com ..............................................01422 372 372Cascade (UK) Ltd ................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.cascorp.com ............................................................0161 438 4020Cerro EMS Ltd ......................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.cerro-ems.com ........................................................01922 476 641Chapmans Agricultural Ltd ..........................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.chapmans-uk.com ................................................0114 285 6000Chesterfield Special Cylinders Ltd ..........................................................FM / ● ................................................www.chesterfieldcylinders.com....................................0114 242 7500China Forging Industry Association........................................................OS / ........................................................................................................................................00 86 10 6846 5045Cirteq Ltd ..................................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.cirteq.com ................................................................01535 633 333Clevedon Fasteners ............................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.clevedon-fasteners.co.uk ....................................0121 378 0619Clyde Fasteners Ltd ............................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.clydefasteners.com................................................01355 225 451Clydesdale Forge Company ..........................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.clydesdale-forge.co.uk ........................................01384 252 587Cooper & Turner Ltd ........................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.cooperandturner.com ..........................................01142 560 057Cooper B-Line ........................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.cooperbline.co.uk ..................................................01278 783 371Cooper Crouse-Hinds (UK) Ltd ................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.enclosures-crouse-hinds.uk.com ......................01795 889 146Cooper Lighting and Safety ..........................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.cooperindustries.com ..........................................01302 321 541Corus Automotive ................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.corusgroup.com ....................................................01902 698 635Corus Construction & Industrial ..............................................................AM /▲ ................................................www.corusconstruction.com ........................................01724 404 040Corus Group ............................................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.corusgroup.com ....................................................01709 371 234Covpress Holdings ..............................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.covpress.com ..........................................................024 7669 1000CPM ..............................................................................................................................OS / ..............................................................................................................................................00 49 2407 95940Cramlington Precision Forge Ltd ..............................................................FM / ● ................................................www.cpfl-tvs.com..............................................................01670 716 811DavyMarkham Ltd..............................................................................................AM /● ■ ............................................www.davymarkham.com................................................0114 291 4212Dayton Progress Ltd ..........................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.daytonprogress.co.uk ..........................................01926 484 192Deepak Fasteners (Shannon) Ltd ..............................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.unbrako.com....................................................00 353 6171 6550Derek Johnson ......................................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.kespar.co.uk ............................................................024 76411 208Deritend Induction Services ..........................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.deritend.co.uk ........................................................01922 621 664Dielife Limited ......................................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.dielife.com................................................................01642 221 133Doncasters Blaenavon Ltd ............................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.doncasters.com ......................................................01495 790 345Doncasters Bramah ............................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.doncasters.com ......................................................0114 251 2102Doncasters Precision Forgings Ltd ..........................................................FM / ● ................................................www.doncasters.com ......................................................0114 285 8100Dorken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co KG..............................................AM /▲ ■ ............................................www.doerken.de ........................01299 271 451/0121 745 8959DPE Automotive Ltd ........................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.pc-automotive.co.uk ............................................01325 300 777DRB Engineering Ltd........................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.drbengineering.com..............................................0121 359 4566Durham Duplex ....................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.durham-duplex.co.uk ..........................................0114 243 2313ESI-UK Ltd..............................................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.esi-group.com ........................................................01865 784 832Eu-Matic Div. of Multimatic Ltd ..............................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.multimatic.com ......................................................024 7667 3333Euromarch Ltd ......................................................................................................AM / ●....................................................................................................................................................01452 525 259Ewald Dorken AG ..............................................................................................OS / ..................................................www.doerken.de..............................................................00 49 2330 630Fabreeka International Inc. ..........................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.fabreeka.com ..........................................................01274 531 333Fellows ........................................................................................................................FM / ■....................................................................................................................................................01902 576 400Finkl UK ....................................................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.finkl.com ..................................................................0121 544 4506Firth Rixson - River Don ................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.firthrixson.com........................................................0114 219 3694Firth Rixson Forgings Ltd ..............................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.firthrixson.com........................................................0114 219 3694Firth Rixson Forgings Ltd ..............................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.firthrixson.com........................................................0114 219 3740Firth Rixson Ltd....................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.firthrixson.com........................................................0114 219 3000Ford Component Manufacturing Ltd ....................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.fordcomps.co.uk ....................................................0191 428 6600Forge Tech Services Ltd ..................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.forgetechservices.com..........................................0161 339 1120Forging Industry Association ......................................................................OS / ............................................................................................................................................00 1 216 781 6260Fowlers of Bristol (Engineers) Ltd ............................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.fowlers-eng.com ....................................................0117 942 2563Fuchs Lubritech (UK) Ltd..............................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.fuchs-lubritech.com ..............................................020 8345 5566Futaba-Tenneco UK Ltd..................................................................................FM / ■....................................................................................................................................................01282 433 171G W Waite Ltd ......................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.gwwaite.co.uk ........................................................01229 582 046Genex UK Ltd ........................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.genexuk.co.uk ........................................................01922 710 050George Dyke Ltd ..................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.george-dyke.co.uk ................................................01902 366 365Gesipa Blind Riveting Systems Ltd..........................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.gesipa.com ..............................................................01535 212 200GKN Driveline Birmingham Ltd - Hamstead Plant ....................FM / ● ................................................www.gkndriveline.com....................................................0121 377 7000Glen Dimplex Home Appliances................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.gdha.com..................................................................0870 444 9919Griff Chains Ltd....................................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.griffchains.co.uk ....................................................01384 569 415Grorud Group Ltd ..............................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.grorud.com ..............................................................01207 590 471Grove Metal Sections Ltd................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.grovems.com ..........................................................01902 601 697Guala Closures UK ............................................................................................FM / ■....................................................................................................................................................0141 777 2000H V Wooding Ltd ................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.hvwooding.co.uk ..................................................01303 264 471Hadley Industries Plc ........................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.hadleygroup.co.uk ................................................0121 555 1300Havelock Europa Plc ........................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.havelockeuropa.com ............................................01383 823 636Helipebs Ltd ............................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.helipebs.co.uk ........................................................01452 423 201Henkel - Acheson ASM ....................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.achesonindustries.com ........................................07768 477 310Henkel Loctite Adhesives ................................................................................AM /▲ ● ............................................www.henkel.com ........................01629 824 171/01823 430 034Henrob Ltd................................................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.henrob.com..............................................................01244 837 220Henry Williams Ltd ............................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.hwilliams.co.uk ......................................................01325 462 722Hillfoot Steel ............................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.hillfoot.com..............................................................0114 233 1133Hull Forgings Ltd ................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................ www.wp-forging.co.uk..................................................01482 323 089Imperial College London ................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.imperial.ac.uk ..........................................................0207 594 7082Independent Forgings & Alloys Ltd ........................................................FM / ● ................................................www.forgedinsheffield.com ..........................................0114 234 3000Institute of Sheet Metal Engineering ......................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.isme.org.uk ..............................................................0789 149 9146Integriti ......................................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.integriti.co.uk ..........................................................0191 263 8686IRIS Business Solutions [Chorus] ............................................................AM /▲ ................................................www.iris.co.uk ....................................................................01274 851 577Japan Forging Industry Association........................................................OS / ............................................................................................................................................00 81 3 3241 7661Johnson Machine & Tool Co Ltd ..............................................................AM /▲ ................................................www.johnson-group.co.uk ............................................0121 568 8013Kespar Engineering Ltd ..................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.kespar.co.uk ............................................................01902 353 848Kimber Drop Forgings Ltd ............................................................................FM / ●....................................................................................................................................................01384 414 500Kiyokuni Europe Ltd ........................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.kiyokuni.co.uk ........................................................01952 292 920Koyo Bearings (Europe) Ltd ........................................................................FM / ●....................................................................................................................................................01226 733 200Krupp Camford Pressings Ltd ....................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.thyssenkrupp.com..................................................01554 772 233Lasco UK Agent ....................................................................................................AM / ●....................................................................................................................................................01902 672 491
COMPANY TYPE WEB TEL
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COMPANY TYPE WEB TEL
Lasco Umformtechnik GmbH......................................................................OS / ..................................................www.lasco.com ............................................................00 49 9561 6420Laser Process Ltd..................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.laserprocess.co.uk..................................................01543 495 000Leonardt Ltd............................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.leonardt.com ..........................................................01746 861 203Linread Northbridge ..........................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.mckechnieaerospace.com ..................................01527 525 719Lonestar PRD Group Ltd ..............................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.prdholdings.com ....................................................01902 867 000Metsec Plc..................................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.metsec.com..............................................................0121 601 6000Mettis Aerospace Ltd ........................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.mettis-aerospace.com ..........................................01527 406 400Micas Simulations Ltd ......................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.micassimulations.co.uk ........................................01299 822 522Miking Ltd ................................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.mi-king.co.uk ..........................................................0191 415 5919Mills Forgings Ltd................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.millsforgings.co.uk ................................................024 7622 4985Milton Keynes Pressings Ltd ........................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.mkp.co.uk ................................................................01908 271 940Mitchell Grieves ....................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.mitchell-grieve.co.uk ............................................01530 510 565MOHS Workplace Health Ltd ....................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.mohs.co.uk ..............................................................0121 601 4041MSI-Forging Division ........................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.msi-forge.com ........................................................01302 366 961Multiforms ................................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.ricalltd.com ..............................................................01384 569 283National Machinery UK Ltd ........................................................................AM /▲ ................................................www.nationalmachinery.eu ..........................................0121 585 9846Newelco Division of Inductoheat Europe Ltd ..................................AM / ● ................................................www.newelco.co.uk ........................................................01633 263 021Noble International Birmingham Ltd ....................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.nobleintl.com ..........................................................0121 558 8464Northern Automotive Systems Ltd ..........................................................FM / ■....................................................................................................................................................01873 832 263Oerlikon Balzers Coating Ltd ......................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.balzers.co.uk............................................................01908 377 277Ogihara Europe Ltd............................................................................................FM / ■ ..................................................www.ogihara.co.uk ..........................................................01952 222 111Oilgear Towler Ltd ..............................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.oilgeartowler.co.uk................................................0113 394 7300Ovako Ltd..................................................................................................................AM /▲ ................................................www.ovako.com................................................................01384 213 940Padley & Venables Ltd ....................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.padley-venables.com ............................................01246 299 100Pandrol UK Ltd ....................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.pandroluk.com........................................................01909 476 101Pearson Panke Ltd ..............................................................................................AM /● ■ ............................................www.pearsonpanke.co.uk..............................................020 8959 3232Pianoforte Supplies Ltd....................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.psluk.co.uk ..............................................................01604 862 441Pietro Rimoldi & C SRL ................................................................................OS / ........................................................................................................................................00 39 0 331 504 449Planit Software Ltd ............................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.planit.com ................................................................01225 721 330Portola Packaging Ltd ......................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.portola-europe.com ..............................................01302 552 400PRD Fasteners Ltd ..............................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.prdfasteners.co.uk ................................................01902 639 160Premier Stampings Ltd ....................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.premierstampings.co.uk ......................................01384 353 100Pressed Metal Products Ltd ..........................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.pressed-metal.com ................................................0121 555 6061Presspart Manufacturing Ltd ......................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.presspart.com..........................................................01254 584 126Presstrade GmbH ................................................................................................OS / ..................................................www.presstrade.com........................................................01788 890 055Professional Polishing Services Ltd ..........................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.professionalpolishing.co.uk................................0121 555 6569RCF Bolt + Nut Ltd ..........................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.rcfboltnut.co.uk ......................................................0121 522 2353Rittal-CSM Ltd ......................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.rittal-csm.co.uk ......................................................01752 207 600Robert Bion + Co Ltd ........................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.bion.co.uk ................................................................0118 959 2700Rollins Bulldog Tools ........................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.bulldogtools.co.uk ................................................01942 244 281Ross UK Ltd ............................................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.rosscontrols.com ....................................................0121 559 4900RSM Industries Ltd ............................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.rsmindustries.co.uk ..............................................024 7636 2082Sankey Laminations Ltd T/A Kienle + Spiess ..................................FM / ■ ................................................www.kienle-spiess.com ..................................................01902 693 000Schaeffler (UK) Ltd ............................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.schaeffler.co.uk ......................................................01554 747 748SEMTA........................................................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.semta.org.uk............................................................01923 238 441Sertec Ltd ..................................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.sertec.co.uk ..............................................................01675 463 361Shakespeare Forgings Ltd ..............................................................................FM / ●....................................................................................................................................................01384 632 420Smethwick Drop Forge Kidderminster..................................................FM / ● ................................................www.sdf-auto.co.uk ........................................................01562 823 451Smith Bullough ......................................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.smithbullough.com ..............................................01942 520 250SMS Meer GmbH ................................................................................................OS / ..................................................www.sms-eumuco.de ....................................................00 49 214 7340SMS Mevac UK Ltd............................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.sms-mevac.co.uk....................................................01606 551 421Solid Stampings Ltd ..........................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.solidswivel.co.uk ....................................................01384 636 421Somers Forge Ltd ................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.somersforge.com ..................................................0121 585 5959South Wales Forgemasters ............................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.swforgemasters.co.uk ..........................................029 2081 0341Special Forged Products ..................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.specialforgedproducts.com ................................0114 2560 914Spromak Ltd............................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.spromak.co.uk ........................................................0151 480 0592SPS Aerostructures Ltd ....................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.spstech.com ............................................................0115 988 0185SPS Technologies (T.J. Brooks Div.) ........................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.spstech.com ............................................................0116 274 4980Stadco Castle Bromwich..................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.stadco.co.uk ............................................................0121 382 3120Stadco Powys ..........................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.stadco.co.uk ............................................................01691 648 561Stadco Shrewsbury ..............................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.stadco.co.uk ............................................................01743 445 541Steel Service Centre Ltd ..................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.steelservicecentre.co.uk ......................................01889 270 241Stokes Forgings Dudley Ltd ..........................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.stokesforgings.com ..............................................01384 342 550Stokes Forgings Ltd ............................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.stokesforgings.com ..............................................01922 704 800Strayfield Ltd ..........................................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.strayfield.co.uk........................................................0870 428 1086Swann-Morton Ltd ..............................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.swann-morton.com ..............................................0114 234 4231Symmetry Medical Inc ......................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.symmetrymedical.com ........................................0114 285 5881Takao Europe Manufacturing Ltd ............................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.takao.co.uk ..............................................................01495 307 190Taurus Engineering ............................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.www.taurusengineering.co.uk..........................01903 761 188TEK Personnel Consultants..........................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.tekpersonnel.co.uk................................................01902 497 943The Bifurcated & Tubular Rivet Company ........................................AM /▲ ■ ............................................www.bifandtub.co.uk ......................................................01296 314 300The Regent Engineering Co (Walsall) Ltd ..........................................FM / ■ ................................................www.regenteng.com........................................................0121 526 6060Thyssenkrupp Tallent Ltd ..............................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.thyssenkrupp.com..................................................01325 313 232ThyssenKrupp Woodhead Ltd ....................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.thyssenkrupp.com..................................................01132 441 202Timet UK Ltd ........................................................................................................AM / ● ................................................www.timet.com..................................................................0121 356 1155Tinsley Bridge Ltd ..............................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.tinsleybridge.co.uk ................................................0114 2211 111TKA Body Stampings Ltd..............................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.thyssenkrupp.com..................................................01543 466 664TKA Bourn Plant ................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.thyssenkrupp.com..................................................01954 213 200Towergate Risk Solutions................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.towergaterisksolutions.co.uk ............................0115 907 5000TRS Engineering Services Ltd ....................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.trseng.com................................................................01922 473 733TSL Turton Ltd ....................................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.tslturton.com ..........................................................0114 270 1577TTI Group Ltd ......................................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.ttigroup.co.uk..........................................................0121 327 2020Tucker Fasteners Ltd ........................................................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.emhart.com..............................................................0121 356 4811UYS Ltd......................................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.uys.ltd.uk ..................................................................01865 334 860UYT Ltd ....................................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.uyt.ltd.uk ..................................................................024 7667 1400Vaughan Jones Socket Screws Ltd............................................................FM / ▲ ................................................www.vaughanjones.co.uk ..............................................01937 843 298Victoria Drop Forgings Co. Ltd..................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.victoriaforgings.co.uk ..........................................01902 605 141VTL Automotive Ltd ........................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.vtl-automotive.com ..............................................01422 882 561W. H. Tildesley Ltd..............................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.whtildesley.com ......................................................01902 366 440Walsall Pressings Co Ltd ................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.walpres.co.uk ..........................................................01922 721 152Whiston Industries Ltd ....................................................................................AM / ■ ................................................www.whistonindustries.com ........................................01384 560 606Whittan Storage ....................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.whittan-storage.com ............................................01952 682 251William King Ltd ................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.williamking.co.uk ..................................................0121 500 4121William Mitchell ..................................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.william-mitchell.co.uk ..........................................0121 558 2694Wrekin Sheetmetal Ltd ....................................................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.wrekinsheetmetal.co.uk ......................................01952 587 387Wyman Gordon Lincoln Ltd ........................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.wyman-gordon.com ............................................01522 525 492Wyman Gordon Ltd ..........................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.wyman-gordon.com ............................................01506 446 200X-met Fabrication & Finishing Ltd ........................................................FM / ■ ................................................www.x-met.com ................................................................01698 733 533Yorkshire Fittings Ltd ......................................................................................FM / ● ................................................www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk ..........................................0113 270 1104
DELTA® protects surfaces.
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What are 8 micrometres, anyway?If you don‘t know just how thick a DELTA-MKS® layer is, then this demonstrative little experiment might be a help. The page that this advertisement is printed on is something like 32 micrometres thick. Take a sharp knife or scalpel and try to slice the sheet into two pages of equal thickness. Done it? Great! You haven’t finished yet, though. Only if you manage to halve one of those two 16 micrometre pages again, you arrive at an 8-micrometre thick sheet and get some idea of how thick highperformance corrosion protection can be – such as our basecoat DELTA-PROTEKT® KL 100 in combination with the topcoat
So it‘s no wonder that the automotive industry all over the world trusts in our efficient DELTA-MKS® systems. By the way, next time we will be de-monstrating just how hardwearing 8 micrometres can be. You could make a start by preheating your oven… More about us at www.doerken-mks.com
DELTA-PROTEKT® VH 301 GZ.
Sheet MetalBe on your
mettle
with aluminium
page 15
ForgingMagnetic billet heater
setting benchmarks in
non-ferrous metal heating
page 10
FastenersRomanian
fastener
trade
page 7
SteelA slow recovery
in prices is still
possible
page 24
FinanceMandelson
mantra about
‘real’ engineering
page 28
ISSN 1759-5975