First introduced in 1987, Starline Track Busway today claims to be the industry-leading electrical power distribution system for the data centre, retail, industrial and higher education markets. The UK division of its manufacturer, Universal Electric Corporation (UEC), moved into a new 60,000 sq ft factory in Reading over 12 months ago to support the European customer base.

Clive Larke, quality director at the facility, says: “As part of the global strategy, we wanted to produce mirror image labs on this side of the Atlantic, the US and in our other hub in Asia. We control all three labs from this hub here in Reading.”
Tasked with implementing a standardised measurement facility on three different continents, Larke approached Mitutoyo.
Mitutoyo’s southern area technical sales engineer, Trevor Stubbs, takes up the story: “Initially, Clive brought a number of parts to our Andover headquarters, where we conducted extensive testing, trials and conformance reporting. From this, we recommended the Crysta Apex 574 three-axis CMM, the Quick Vision Active QVL-404 two-axis vision measuring machine, the Quick Image QI A2010 image recognition and measuring system, the LH600E height gauge, a selection of hand tools, a granite table, and a number of other ancillary products.
“Much to our surprise, Clive didn’t only order the equipment for the Reading facility, he also placed an order for the Singapore and US sites,” adds Stubbs. “By mirroring the Mitutoyo equipment specified for the Reading site, the company can ensure complete uniformity across all its manufacturing facilities.”
The Crysta Apex CMM is used by the firm for measuring critical dimensions, as well as the dimensions on mating parts that require an optimal fit.
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk