Substantial investment drives growth

LBBC Beechwood, a fabrication business forming part of the LBBC Group, has invested a six-figure sum into a large state-of-the-art CNC universal milling machine as part of a major overhaul. The machine will open up new business opportunities in precision engineering projects, as well as bring major benefits to existing customers. The company will now be able to offer a full end-to-end service in the production of specialist fabrications and complex machined parts, without the need to subcontract part way through the manufacturing process.

This significant investment is part of a wider programme of improvements at the Pudsey-based business over the past 18 months.
A portion of the investment fund was secured through a successful application to the Leeds Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which has been used to improve production facilities. Further funding was obtained through the Supply Chain Programme run by the University of Huddersfield, which has contributed towards the funding of a LEAN implementation programme throughout the entire LBBC Group.

The installation of the new machine is the culmination of a whole programme of improvements in the business, including the introduction of lean management processes and a total office and factory refurbishment. These changes will have huge benefits for customers and open up opportunities for new work streams.

Managing director of the group, Howard Pickard, says: “We’re very grateful to the LEP and Huddersfield University for the grants, which will allow the Beechwood division to leap forwards immeasurably in terms of safety, quality, cost and delivery. The investment in the new machine, alongside investment in our people, will ensure we can deliver huge benefits to our valued customers in the years to come.”

For further information
https://lbbcbeechwood.com

Healthy future for subcontractors

Research from Subcon has revealed that more than half (58%) of UK manufacturing businesses currently export, and that exporting volumes have increased for 32% of them over the past 12 months. The research also showed that 83% expect to increase export levels over the next 12 months, while exports are anticipated to grow by up to 10% for half of respondents, and 11-20% for the remaining half.

Two thirds (69%) of manufacturing and engineering businesses used subcontractors in the past year, with 48% expecting to increase the proportion of work given to UK subcontractors over the coming 12 months. This is mainly driven by a lack of in-house capacity (45%), a desire among manufacturers and engineering businesses to focus on core competencies (38%), and gaining access to skills that are lacking in-house (35%).

For further information
www.subconshow.co.uk

Mid-range press brake with ATC

With over 300 ATC (Automatic Tool Change) press brakes installed throughout Europe and more than 1000 globally, Amada is bringing the company’s proprietary ATC technology to its mid-range line-up for the first time. Previously only available on high-end press brakes such as the Amada HG-ATC and its predecessor the HD-ATC, the new Amada HRB-ATC mid-range model responds directly to market demand for a solution of this type using original Amada tooling.

The HRB-ATC features a full size ATC, offering exactly the same number of tool storage racks as the company’s high-end HG-ATC press brake. Furthermore, the machine comes with a package of Amada tools based on an assessment of the customer’s manufacturing requirements. Importantly, the HRB-ATC is completely compatible with Amada AFH/Promecam standard tool sets. As a result, any existing customer using these tools can load them manually to the new machine if desired.

A CNC press brake with ATC capability brings many advantages to companies that want to increase the amount of time their press brake is engaged in actual bending activities. The ATC can reduce set-up times by up to 80% in comparison with an operator loading a tool manually, which is a clear benefit for subcontractors or companies that undertake several tool layout changes a day.

With its ATC and rapid set-up potential, the new press brake is suitable for those processing small batch sizes. Subcontract fabricators serving markets such as refrigeration, kitchen equipment, retail display, furniture and construction, for instance, will benefit.

The machine is initially available as a 100 tonne/3 m model, with a 220 tonne/4 m model planned for release later this year.

For further information
www.amada.eu

Cold bending under heavy load

CNC tube and pipe bending machines from Schwarze-Robitec have long since proven themselves in shipbuilding and the offshore industry. Therefore, after successfully using a CNC 220 HD (Heavy Duty) for the past two years, Norwegian company Framo has once again opted for a tube and pipe bending machine from the HD series. The CNC 80 HD processes tubes and pipes of various geometries for Framo’s piping systems with precision and speed.

From its headquarters in Bergen, Norway, Framo offers numerous solutions for demanding pumping operations on ships and offshore installations.
The single-stack CNC 80 HD is suitable for continuous use under heavy loads, bending tubes and pipes up to a diameter of 89 mm with a maximum wall thickness of 7.6 mm. In addition to smooth stainless-steel pipes, it is even possible to process high-strength duplex steel with dimensions of 65 x 5 mm. Both the CNC 220 HD and the CNC 80 HD have an integrated flange pipe device that eliminates the need for any subsequent flanging of pipes, reducing costs and boosting productivity.

Even before the bending process begins, Schwarze-Robitec uses special software to determine the perfect cut length. Certain factors, information on the material and empirical values are included in the calculation. The specification of the ideal cut length eliminates the need for subsequent reworking and corrective work steps. After the bending process, the tube or pipe is immediately ready for installation, shortening production times and reducing material costs.

For further information
www.schwarze-robitec.com

Subcon 2021 opens its doors

Subcon, the UK’s premier subcontract manufacturing supply chain show, opens its doors this week at the Birmingham NEC, where it will run from 14 to 16 September. For over 40 years, the show has continued to deliver high-quality conference content alongside a variety of UK and international exhibitors.

This year, Subcon will be co-located with The Engineer Expo and the Manufacturing Management Show. Together, the three shows will deliver a relevant event for the manufacturing and engineering industry, with visitors benefiting from free access to all three events. MTI magazine will be present on Stand C63, from where its friendly team will be distributing MTI’s Subcon show issue. Please call by and pick up a copy.

For further information
www.subconshow.co.uk