Advanex upgrades part cleaning capabilities

Advanex Europe’s latest leap forward in component cleanliness arrived following its purchase of a MecWash MWX400. Advanex has bought three parts washing systems since initially speaking to MecWash at the MACH 2012 exhibition. The upgrades were required to meet capacity increases and the strict cleaning requirements of customers.

“Every machine from MecWash has provided us with a leap forward in efficiency,” states Rob Newham, operations manager at Advanex. “Our MWX400 has made a substantial difference in the volume and speed of parts washing. The previous MecWash machines exceeded our expectations and the MWX400 has done the same.”

The precision engineering firm bought its first MecWash cleaning system, an AVD 300, to replace an ultrasonic tank system. In 2018, Advanex invested in a Duo from MecWash to ensure that increasing levels of demand, and the high standards of cleaning and drying complex machined coiled or pressed medical parts, continued. Since then, the business has grown substantially, thus the need for a continual improvement in cleaning productivity over the past decade.

“The MWX400 is the most advanced of the MecWash machines and, as a long-time customer, it was the best choice to satisfy our high-volume production requirements,” says Newham. “The machine meets and surpasses our needs and more by giving a controlled, validated outcome on each cycle.”

John Pattison, managing director of MecWash, adds: “The sale of the MWX400 and the continued relationship with a loyal customer such as Advanex is further proof of the effectiveness of a MecWash system. Investing in a MecWash machine generates significant benefits for manufacturers, with measurable improvements in cleanliness and productivity.”

More information www.mecwash.com

Learning masterplan

The new £8.1m City of Wolverhampton College Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre on the Wellington Road campus in Bilston has been handed over by contractor Speller Metcalfe on schedule following an 11-month build. The college will now move its kit into the state-of-the-art training facility ready for students this September. The centre will secure hundreds of jobs in the local economy and create learning opportunities for thousands of students specialising in engineering and automotive, including electric vehicles (EV).

More information www.bit.ly/3SIrLy8

Mazak sponsors penguin sculpture

A unique ‘steampunk’ penguin sculpture, sponsored by Yamazaki Mazak, is part of the Great Waddle of Worcester supporting the Wild in Art event to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice. Named ‘Dr Waddlecog,’ the creation by artist Kevin Baumber is one of 40 penguin artworks displayed throughout Worcester from 22 July to 15 September. Yamazaki Mazak regularly supports charities and the Wild in Art initiative. The company identified Dr Waddlecog as the perfect sculpture to sponsor thanks to its eye-catching exterior and level of advanced engineering expertise required for its design and fabrication.

More information https://waddleofworcester.co.uk 

Unipart acquires Formaplex Technologies

Unipart, a supply chain solutions and performance improvement technologies partner, has acquired Formaplex Technologies, a lightweight components manufacturer serving customers in the automotive, aerospace, motorsport and healthcare sectors.

Formaplex Technologies was established two decades ago, initially as a specialist tooling partner in the Formula 1 sector. Major customers include McLaren, which is fully supportive of the acquisition and remains committed to working with the business. Unipart will integrate the operations into its existing manufacturing portfolio, ensuring continuity and maintaining the high operational and safety standards that both companies deliver. Formaplex has already been rebranded as Unipart Polymer and Composite Solutions.

More information www.unipart.com

Strong first year energises Greenfields

A fledgling energy management consultancy that supports industry has enjoyed a promising first 12 months. Greenfields Energy Group, which was set-up by Liam Conway and Rich Clark, has gained 72 clients in its first year, with the majority coming from the manufacturing sector.

The duo now manage more than 361,172,009 kWh of contracts and this number is growing due to exciting new partnerships with the Surface Engineering Association and the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM). The West Midlands-based firm subsequently pressed the button on a major recruitment drive, securing two prominent hires in Neil Freeman and Lindsay Williams as account director and head of energy bureau, respectively.

More information www.greenfieldsenergygroup.co.uk