Best practice UK by Best Practice Industry UK

Issue

625

Industry UK

December 0121 711 2761

www.bpiuk.co.uk

WALLPLANNER 2017 see pages 14-15

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Analytix

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Air Pollution Control, Odour Control and Industrial Gas Cleaning Best Practice UK is extremely pleased to present its highly prestigious Best of Britain profile to ERG Ltd. With an extremely successful track record of over 35 years, ERG is a leading supplier of air pollution control (APC) systems and services. Having installed over 700 systems around the world, the well-established company is renowned for its turn-key, tailor-made solutions that are optimised to give the best technical solution for the lowest capital and running cost, backed up with performance guarantees. Established back in 1978, the company has grown significantly over the years and has become a reputable name in Environmental Engineering and Contracting. Many of its staff have stayed

Nationwide Hygiene

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with them for more than 15 years and at least 50% of the employees have more than 7 years’ experience with ERG. Specialising in a range of areas including Odour control systems, Air pollution control systems, Industrial gas cleaning, V-tex® scrubbing, stripping and condensing technology, Soluble contamination capture and recovery, Particulate removal systems, Hazardous waste flue gas cleaning systems and many more, the company strives to provide support for clients every step of the way with their exceptional consultancy, design and commissioning services as well as pilot trails and temporary hire of systems. For more information, contact ERG on: +44 (0)1403 221000, email: info@ergapc.co.uk or visit the website at: www.ergapc.co.uk

Pro-Sys

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Verder

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EA Technology

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BTM Automation

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Contents

Industrial Excellence Industry UK

Industrial Excellence........................................................2-3 Best Company at Firex Expo – Fire Safety Products

Best of Britain...................................................................4-7 Commitment to Excellence................................................ 7 Containment & Sampling Technology News �� 8 Tape Applicators News....................................................... 9 Training & Development News....................................... 10 Renewable Energy News.................................................. 11 Facilities Management News..................................... 12-13 Wallplanner 2017........................................................ 14-15 Cleaning & Hygiene News............................................... 16 Disinfection News............................................................. 17 Control Automation & Panels News............................... 18 Small Access Solutions News........................................... 19 Pumps News...................................................................... 20 Industrial News........................................................... 21-27 Industrial Classifieds................................................... 28-29 Automation News............................................................. 30

Editor’s Comments Hello & Welcome to Issue 625 Christmas edition of Best Practice UK… As with every edition, the team at Best Practice UK has been working extremely hard to bring you an issue that is full of innovative and exhilarating companies, and we believe that this could be the best issue yet! We have searched the length and breadth of the UK to bring you some of the most ground-breaking innovations and this month we are overjoyed to be highlighting the activities of Analytix and Precolor. Firstly, we would like to focus on the accomplishments of Analytix. Due to their prominence in the industry; we have awarded them with the impressive ‘Industrial Excellence’ Award feature. To find out more, turn to page 3. And secondly, we are featuring Precolor with the ‘Best of Britain’ feature following their impressive performance over the years. For more information, turn to page 5. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Best Practice UK as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. Happy reading and we hope to see you for the next edition!

Kirsty Jo Quigley Editor For all advertising and sales enquiries, please contact Dave Priestley – Sales Manager 0121 711 2762 Published by Best Practice Midlands Ltd 0121 711 2761 Follow us: @best_pra_uk www.facebook.com/pages/Best-PracticeIndustry-UK/333514586751225

0121 711 2761 Printed by Iliffe Newspapers

Nationwide Hygiene sponsors this issue of

Industry UK

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Best Company at Firex Expo – Fire Safety Products

Changing the Face of the Building Surveying Industry Bolster Systems Limited has been listed as the Best Company specialising in Fire Safety Products to attend Firex 2016, we are delighted to inform our readers at Best Practice.

and for its nomination for the Passive Fire Innovation of the Year 2016 award (Product or Service). The most recent success for the team, however, was their presence at FIREX 2016, as Wesley told us, “Since attending this particular convention uptake has been steady for us here at Bolster Systems. A number of prospective customers – in the form of large organisations – have already looked to subscribe, along with several passive fire installation companies. The exhibition was incredibly useful for us in terms of getting our name out there and showing existing subscribers just how serious we are about what we are doing.

In July 2014, co-founders David Hickson, Wesley Donlon and Christopher Goodison joined forces to establish Bolster Systems, a specialist software company based in Manchester’s Trafford Park. Focusing specifically on surveying technology and apps for the passive fire protection and asbestos sectors, the organisation encourages absolute construction compliance and optimised asset management. “We develop and provide software to assist in the maintenance, installation and management of life safety systems (passive fire protection) whilst offering solutions related to the surveying and sustainment of building fabric for facilities management companies, surveyors and builders owners,” explained Company Director, Wesley Donlon. “This ensures that these individuals and companies remain fully compliant with current legislation. With a philosophy that revolves around support, reinforcement and strength, we are pleased to stand out from our competitors by providing the complete surveying, installation and management solution.” With his background in programming – as a computer science (MIT) graduate from Salford University – and his great expertise in construction (courtesy of his career), Wesley was well positioned to successfully develop the Bolster system, which incorporates both technical intelligence and building-based health & safety protocol. The simple yet functional applications provided by Bolster Systems ensure trade professionals can optimise and automate everyday tasks with great efficiency, driving all data to an online, Cloud-based data storage platform.

“Our main reason for attending was to promote our products and brand awareness, although offering support to current clients was also important. We got lots of great feedback from fire professionals and existing customers whilst showcasing our passive fire protection and fire door app; most were shocked by the capabilities of the system! We are happy with how FIREX went for us and are looking forward to attending again – we have already booked our space at the next edition.”

L-R: Chris Goodison (Director), David Hickson (Director), Debbie Hamnett (Financial Director), Brian Good (Technical Director), Lydia Morris (Admin) & Wesley Donlon (Director) receiving the Best Company at Firex Expo Award This means fire-stopping documentation processes are simplified and information collation is streamlined with real-time work surveying, providing clear insight into onsite conditions so any necessary actions can be taken for immediate effect. The data recorded can be accessed from anywhere in the world to guarantee peace of mind that the required tasks are being undertaken correctly and to the timescale set. In addition, reports, location drawings and spreadsheets can be generated at the simple click of a button, which saves the hassle of both a cumbersome paper trail and the

manual input of important data. All work is documented so progress can be monitored, items are automatically numbered and specially coded Bluetooth printers are utilised to produce on-the-spot labels. The notably effective systems have received much interest; since being introduced to the open market they have proven popular with some of the industry’s largest names (Exova-Warrington Fire, Sodexo, NHS, Engie, Sweett Group and the NHS included). The innovation has also received recognition whilst reaching the finals of the Security & Fire Excellence Awards 2015, which was hosted by Jimmy Carr,

The group at Bolster Systems understand that fire prevention and passive fire protection is an essential and continuous process that must always be upheld for the purposes of complete customer safety and assurance. The apps available from the company are therefore designed not only to ensure surveys are carried out responsibly by workers but also to set into motion a management system maintainable for the entire lifecycle of the building. To find out more about these life-changing solutions then please contact the team today, or download the Bolster app from the Apple store. T +44 (0)161 873 7679 info@bolstersystems.com www.bolstersystems.com Twitter: @bolstersystems

Industrial Excellence

Supplier of Analytical Instrumentation Best Practice UK is extremely proud to present its highly prestigious Industrial Excellence profile to Analytix. Analytix Ltd supplies sample preparation and analytical instrumentation for the chemical and life science markets. Their renowned product range consists of high quality analytical pyrolysis systems, microwave digestion, ashing, extraction, and synthesis systems, mercury analysers, micro GC gas analysers, nitric oxide analysers, supercritical fluid extraction systems, and Labtech general laboratory apparatus

polymer material that house a disposable and inexpensive 100mL glass vial. For total fat determinations, a further rotor has been developed that allows the chemist to carry out the simultaneous total fat determination in 12 milk and milk products samples in just 90 minutes with equivalent results to those

Their newest addition is the ETHOS X microwave extraction systems from Milestone which can simultaneously process multiple samples in a matter of minutes. For environmental samples, a completely new rotor has been specifically developed to fully accomplish the US EPA method 3,546 requirements and consists of a 24-position carousel that holds large pressure vessels made of an innovative and unique inert

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obtained with reference methods. Also recently launched is the all-new CDS-7500s Thermal Desorption autosampler which provides a solution for the challenge of transferring Volatile and Semi-Volatile samples for Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis. Uniquely the CDS 7500s does not require extra gases or peltier/cryogenic cooling. Utilising pre-heated trap technology provides improved chromatography with better handling of wet samples for a streamlined and more reliable transfer of analytes on to the column. All heated zones can operate up to 350oC that ensures even less volatile compounds can be analysed. Applications include EPA 325, TO-1 and TO-17, emission testing, thermal extraction of PCBs/PAHs, and personal exposure testing. As with all CDS thermal sampling products, the

Industry UK

quick-connect, high temperature transfer line allows users to easily interface with all makes and models of GC. The easy to use intuitive control software works in tandem alongside any GC system with auto-start functionality. Key features include: No cryogenic or additional gases, 72 sample capacity, robust pick and place X, Y, Z autosampler, auto leak checking, high temperature heated transfer line up to 350oC, and compatible with all industry standard TD tubes from 3.5” – 7”. For more information, contact Analytix on: Contact T +44 (0)844 800 4220 sales@analytix.co.uk www.analytix.co.uk

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Best of Britain

High Quality Labelling and Coding Solutions Our team here at Best Practice are most delighted to feature Weber Packaging Solutions UK and tell our readers more about the company whilst presenting the group with our commendable Best of Britain award.

encoding and label application systems (as well as custom label design software packages).” The industry experts are well placed to undertake all of the associated processes; designing, manufacturing and distributing solutions efficiently courtesy of their refined experience in subjects such as data collection systems, labelling software and materials. For even greater consumer confidence the team can supply strong performance label presses with access to an extensive library of dies. In addition, they are readily available to discuss any hardware, software and application concerns you may have.

First and foremost, Weber is widely recognised for being the UK’s packaging supplier of choice and is globally appreciated for its range of sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Based in Scotland with an additional facility and manufacturing centre in America, the business was founded in 1932 and has progressed significantly across the decades to become an internationally acclaimed labelling specialist. The all-encompassing array of services and innovations are adaptable in the sense that they can be employed for countless applications; the labels can be developed specifically for logistics, beverages, wine, spirits & craft beer, food, durable goods, label materials, automotive parts, healthcare, sustainable goods, chemical, manufacturing, household, personal care and promotional products. Both plain and weatherproof labels can be created and designed bespoke in line with unique project requirements (taking different sizes and shapes into consideration). Weber’s labelling and coding activities can be summarised as follows: inkjet coding, GHS & Chemical, vision systems, mobile solutions, mobile terminals, software, traceability, card printing, RFID, label application, label printing, barcode verification, barcode scanning and label print & apply. Systems are used to address countless applications such as product identification, bar code compliance labelling, RFID smart labelling,

inventory control, work-in progress tracking, shipment addressing and bin & shelf labelling. Weber’s General Manager Patrick Hughes was keen to tell us more about the company’s capabilities in relation to labelling: “Our research and development team has created exclusive label materials that endure the harsh elements found in the pharmaceutical, electrical, and chemical industries,” he detailed. “For situations that present unique labelling and coding obstacles our engineering staff have designed systems that include special material handling equipment, distinct label printing, RFID

To date, Weber has provided products to over 50,000 companies spread across the world, servicing the needs of clients working within a large cross-section of industry sectors. Because of its flexibility and customer-oriented approach, the workforce can ably facilitate requests made by organisations amidst the manufacturing, food & beverage, logistics, automotive, pharmaceutical, security, retail, chemical, agriculture, healthcare and information technology verticals. To find out more please get in touch with Weber today; an associate will be contactable by either phone or email. Alternatively you can visit the company website at www.weber.co.uk for further information – you will be able to view product catalogues and download brochures from this useful and resourceful platform. T +44 (0)1875 611111 sales@weber.co.uk www.weber.co.uk

Lean Modular Tube and Bracket Solutions Best Practice UK is extremely proud to present The Tube and Bracket Company with its richly deserved Best of Britain profile for their dedication to fulfilling requirements and designing solutions to meet customers’ exact needs.

in the industry, designing solutions to meet your needs, whether that be for storing, moving or working on parts in your manufacturing facility.

As the UK arm of Trilogiq – a world leader in the design and supply of flexible modular solutions for material handling – The Tube and Bracket Company designs, builds and installs lean modular tube and bracket solutions that are used in a vast range of industrial, commercial and domestic applications. Since its establishment in 2002, the company has grown significantly and is now one of the most important brands

Continuously updating their offering to enhance service to customers, The Tube and Bracket Company recently moved to a new manufacturing facility in Middleton Cheney, which will allow them to increase space and answer customers’ requirements quicker and more efficiently. The new site will also include a working showroom of products where customers can visit and witness the innovative range in action.

A new Operations Director, Andy Coles, has also been added to the team who will assist in the continuous improvement of products and services, evaluate and improve existing processes and implement lean manufacturing throughout. The range of Graphit Composite products has also been increased to offer more parts and fulfil more customer needs. “Being part of a global company means we can offer a consistent service to companies with a global presence,” commented UK Country Manager, Dina Beeney. “Our excellent knowledge and broad product portfolio means we are able to either supply our system as pure components or fully designed and build a solution which is completely unique to you. No matter what the problem, Tube and Bracket has the solution.” For more information, contact The Tube and Bracket Company on: +44 (0)1295 277791 or visit the website at: www.tubeandbracket.com

Think Global, Act Local Here at Best Practice, we are delighted to announce that the Nationwide Hygiene Group has been recognised as a company most deserving of our coveted Best of Britain award.

With its dedicated distribution fleet, which consists of more than 200 vehicles, Nationwide Hygiene can provide a fast and dependable service at international, countrywide and local levels. Servicing the needs of large multi-nationals and smaller start-ups is made possible with the group’s integrated network of 35 depots, which are strategically scattered across the UK and Ireland, as well as its longstanding partnerships with organisations across Europe and the USA.

Operational since its establishment in 1986, Nationwide Hygiene is an internationally acknowledged supplier of high quality cleaning, hygiene, safety and catering products. The business, which is located in Derbyshire, boasts an all-encompassing offering that has proven popular with some of the largest and most successful organisations in Britain. The range of items can be split into the following

categories: hand washing & skin care, paper, housekeeping, laundry, floor care, safety signs, first aid, kitchen hygiene, personal protection, uniform, healthcare & infection control and waste management. The specialist equipment is delivered to a large crosssection of customers; clients across the FM & FM supply, healthcare, education, hotel, catering & leisure, government and office supply market sectors. “We can be considered your main point of contact for all of your janitorial product enquiries,” detailed Nationwide’s Marketing Manager Sarah Morrell. “We can provide a complete solution in the form of a one-stopshop, which includes the designation of an individual account manager and dedicated customer services team who will be on hand to help you with any queries.”

“We have experienced a significant level of sales growth in the national accounts area,” Sarah continued. “In fact, we have recently won a new account which is in the process of being mobilised. Ongoing developments have been made in terms of our shareholder companies and we have helped one of our biggest customers to cut costs where possible whilst looking at their core range and rationalising their products. “We celebrated our 30th anniversary this year, a milestone which we marked with an event held in Marbella, and we are looking forward to continuing our success long into the future. Our plan is to build on the strength of our network, operating closely with FM companies and care homes whilst placing a particular focus on the healthcare market. We are now hoping to target the education sector more closely, striving to support universities, school groups and – most recently – student accommodation firms.” The Nationwide Hygiene team are anticipating a busy

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Industry UK

year ahead and have a hectic schedule in place for 2017 that is jam-packed with corporate event arrangements. This includes a national sales conference organised for next October, which is attended by approved suppliers and sales teams from shareholders. The session is now in its fourth consecutive year and the group are hoping to match (or exceed) the £1,500 figure they raised last year for charity. If you are interested in finding out more about how you can manage a more resourceful business whilst gaining new insights and greater spend control, then please get in touch with the cleaning and hygiene product manufacturer and supplier at your earliest convenience. Contact T +44 (0)844 499 6380 sales@nationwide-hygiene.com www.nationwide-hygiene.com

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Best of Britain

Portable Water Storage Tanks Here at Best Practice, we are incredibly proud to feature Precolor Sales Limited and inform our readership about this exceptional company whilst presenting the team behind the brand with our respected Best of Britain award. The expert in water and chemical storage celebrated their 40th anniversary last year, having been originally established as a limited company back in 1975. The family-ran business subsequently spans over three generations and has in that time become a reputable specialist renowned for its excellence in storage tank design, manufacture and supply.

kiosks and enclosures for the purpose of protecting and insulating, tanks, pumps & their associated equipment. Precolor’s tanks have proven convenient in a number of applications, the main uses being potable water, break tanks, feed & expansion, rainwater harvesting, chemicals, sludge, slurry and grey water & effluent. The tanks, all of which are incredibly robust and

The Shropshire-based organisation is even recognised as being the foremost provider of WRAS-approved GRP cold water storage tanks and chemical storage tanks operating in the UK. The impressively vast product portfolio comprises water tanks, plant tanks, GRP covers, screened overflow kits, tank accessories and water tank fittings (such as equilibrium ball valves, Aylesbury float valves, screened overflow kits, AB Air gap weirs and float level switches to comply with water tank byelaws).

reliable, are built to meet the stringent requirements of BS EN 13280: 2001. The vast selection comprises one piece water storage tanks, semi sectional water tanks and sectional water tanks, all of which have been independently validated by many local authorities, architects and consulting engineers. According to Precolor’s General Manager Sharon Barker, there are many other advantages to teaming up with the company, “The fact that we are a small family business ensures excellent customer service,” she said. “We have vast experience which has enabled us to gain invaluable industry knowledge, which can be employed to produce bespoke solutions for our customers’ requirements. “We stand out from competitors because of our low future maintenance costs. There are no expensive installation costs in a large one piece tank, no joints or sealant, and no bolts or steelwork in contact with the water – this makes the Precolor ‘EXELL’ water tank range a very cost-effective alternative to the conventional sectional tanks. Additionally, where a sectional tank cannot be avoided, our sectional tanks can be produced in large panels, with no internal

The company also manufactures GRP tank housings,

bracing which reduces much of the risk of joint leakage.” Precolor forms part of a privately-owned group of companies and has secured itself a loyal customer base over the course of its existence. The team have subsequently facilitated the needs of many esteemed mechanical engineers, plumbers, government bodies, councils, prisons, courts, schools, hospitals, fire stations and water treatment companies across the country. Specific clients include consultancies such as Atkins Global, Galliford Try, Mouchel, Briggs & Forester, Hoarelea and White Young Green, and the tanks have been installed at many prime locations (Chequers, Windsor Castle, Legoland, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Huddersfield football clubs included). Please contact Precolor today for further details. T +44 (0)1630 657281 enquiries@precolortankdivision.co.uk www.precolortankdivision.co.uk

Outstanding Air Technology Developer Fläkt Woods Awarded Best Practice UK is happy to announce Fläkt Woods has been awarded the Best of Britain profile for their exceptional air comfort and fire safety services. Fläkt Woods is a leading international supplier of Air Technology based solutions for buildings, providing state of the art air and fire products for buildings, equipment and individuals. Over the years, Fläkt Woods has cultivated a highly enviable reputation in the industry for providing energy efficient Air

Technology products and system solutions as well as CE certified products. Fläkt Woods is part FläktGroup, a European leader of energy efficient indoor air technology solutions. FläktGroup operates in 64 countries, has 17 factories and employs 3800 employees, with an impressive annual turnover of €700M. Fläkt Woods was established back in 2002 after ‘Woods of Colchester’ and ‘Fläkt ABB AHU’ were amalgamated. Woods of Colchester was created decades ago, in 1909, by Axial Fan Technology and garnered industry attention for developing the first Axial Impeller in 1947. In 2006, Fläkt Woods UK moved to a brand new manufacturing site that bolstered its development practices and improved manufacturing. Today, the air specialists cover a range of products and have 5 function families; air movement, air treatment, air distribution, air management and air diffusion. Regarding air movement, their fans are designed for general air movement but they also offer high temperature fans that can protect people and property from fire. Their Air Handling Units treat the air to ensure good indoor air quality and comfort, especially useful in work places and offices. The units

work by cleaning, heating and cooling the air and even providing humidity control. Better yet, Fläkt Woods uses the finest energy recovery systems with efficient fans and motors with smart controls, meaning they can achieve quality air comfort at the lowest energy cost possible. Fläkt Woods Air Diffusers and chilled beams are designed to offer indoor comfort with regards to noise and air velocity. Ethically minded, Fläkt Woods philosophy centres around the ‘e3’: environmental, economical, expertise. These three tenets go into all of their manufacturing and development, prioritising protecting the environment, developing energy efficient and economical products and using expertise in all their products.

manufacture innovative products and solutions that improve indoor air comfort and well-being, while meeting or exceeding the highest quality standards. In modern life where we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, the air that we breathe can make a huge difference to our health, comfort and productivity – this is where Fläkt Woods can help!” T +44 (0)1206 222555 uksales@flaktwoods.com www.flaktwoods.co.uk

Chris Jones, National AHU Product Manager, said, “We research, develop and

Desk Equipment for Marine, Oil and Gas Best Practice UK is extremely proud to present its richly deserved Best of Britain profile to North Sea Winches. A modern and innovative equipment manufacturing company, North Sea Winches prides itself on providing practical, cost effective and original solutions for marine, offshore, oil and gas as well as onshore industrial applications. By maintaining a close relationship with clients, NS Winches are able to provide dependable, reliable, hardworking, cost effective machinery along with confident solutions to meet all equipment needs.

Established in 1971, the company started out as a winch supplier to the UK fishing industry. Having grown significantly over the years, NS Winches today boast the title of renowned market leaders in the design and manufacture of modern winch technology, which most recently includes new technology developed by MJR Controls an industry partner to NS Winches. Together both companies are able to supply a self-learning active heave compensation winch system, that is versatile, portable and can be installed on any vessel or offshore installation. For over 40 years they have implemented lessons learnt in the harsh environment of the North Sea and their exceptional winches are designed and manufactured in house to wellproven core values that are industry standard. Equipped with their own in-

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house sales and design teams, the company is able to tailor each project to suit the individual requirements of our customers and the highly skilled workforce cleverly combine traditional skills with a modern approach through the use of conventional and the very latest CNC machinery.

Aqua Culture & Fish Farming and Special Products & Projects. They have achieved the Quality Accreditation, which provides customer satisfaction through every step of a project, and also offer a comprehensive worldwide spares and service backup.

From its base in Scarborough on the UK’s North Yorkshire Coast, NS Winches specialises in Marine Vessel Equipment, Offshore Installations Equipment, Scientific Vessel Equipment, Fishing,

For more information, contact North Sea Winches on T +44 (0)1723 584080, email: sales@nswinches.co.uk or visit the website at: www.nswinches.co.uk

Industry UK

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Best of Britain

Quality Ram and Diaphragm Pumps Here at Best Practice UK, we are delighted to announce that Energy Pumps has been recognised for achieving our highly coveted Best of Britain award. The company’s history dates back to 1979, meaning the family owned business has been trading successfully for more than three decades, productively refining its range of high quality pumps for usage in a number of applications. The specialist manufacturer has since become a well-established brand acknowledged for its excellence in supplying dependable ram and diaphragm pumps from its base in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. The flexible pumping solutions, which are characterised by their robust structure and energy-saving capability, have proven functional in different environments, namely because of the fact that they are so simple in their design and can seamlessly slot into existing operations across various sites. Although most popular with organisations working amidst the water treatment and process industries – in locations such as sewage & wastewater treatment works, quarries and abattoirs – the products have also been employed at farms, super yachts and food processing plants. The East-Midlands-based energy chemical & equipment company prioritises precision and subsequently

flow rate and pressure output). Other attractive advantages of acquiring these particular pumps include a low overall life cost and peace of mind, as the equipment is fairly low maintenance. The range has even been regarded as one of the most reliable brands available on the marketplace!

endeavours to manufacture its competitively priced pumps in as careful and controlled a manner as possible. The team strive to machine the castings that make up the pumps in-house, assembling the components with great care and skill. This high level of attention to detail is important because the products are built to order, as this ensures that the client will be completely happy with the end result (after being provided with a suitably customised solution). “Our pumps are based on our own unique designs which have been developed through our knowledge, industry-based problem solving and by working closely with our customers on their own varied and problematic applications,” explained Brett Clarke of Energy Pumps. “This has allowed us to create a range of equipment which at its best never fails on a duty (although occasionally it has been known for us to replace a pump with a higher capacity should there be a need for it).” The pumps are convenient in the respect that they are adaptable; appropriate for use in even the most arduous of conditions, which essentially means that they can be incorporated into any location (as long as it falls within their

If you have any further questions, or if you would like to enquire about a product for your specific pumping application, then please don’t hesitate to contact Energy Pumps today. A friendly and informed representative will be more than happy to discuss your specification requirements over either telephone or email, so consult the contact details below if you are looking for further assistance. Alternatively you can go online to browse the entire selection of pumps at: www.energypumps.co.uk T +44 (0)1636 816600 sales@energypumps.co.uk www.energypumps.co.uk

MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS OF ENERGY PUMPS FOR THE WASTE WATER INDUSTRY AND BEYOND ENERGY RAM PISTON PUMPS

Energy Ram and Diaphragm Pumps are designed and manufactured in-house, ensuring the vital quality, toughness and reliability of these essential products. Energy Pumps range of Ram Pumps begins with the smallest 240mm mechanical Ram, through to the 460mm hydraulic Ram Pump. With many different sizes available, it ensures that there is an Energy Pump for most STW applications, including Quarries and Mines where Energy Ram Pumps are suited to tough grit and slit handling. The Hydraulic Ram Pumps are controlled by our own software, also developed ‘in-house,’ so that we are able to tailor the Pump to your exact needs, ensuring maximum performance for the job in hand. Energy hydraulic Ram Pumps are also available in a duplex configuration which allows for higher flow rates, with pressures reaching up to 20 bar.

ENERGY DIAPHRAGM PUMPS

The Energy Maxi, Major and Mastiff Diaphragm Pumps are the invaluable mainstay of many Sewage Treatment Works. They are competent in both primary and humus desludging and sledge transfer duties. Energy Pumps also have many applications in any industries which need to pump difficult sludge reliably and economically. The patented positive flow base of our Diaphragm Pumps, with patented anti-ragging, non-return Valves is designed to ensure that air quickly passes through the base, which then leads to an easier flow of contaminated materials. This, in turn offers low maintenance and ease of repair, when necessary. Energy Pumps are the obvious choice for many maintenance engineers. The range of Energy Diaphragm Pumps varies according to the application. The Energy Hydraulic Mastiff Diaphragm Pump is ideally suited for those jobs which require pumping difficult sludge to higher pressures while retaining longevity and reliability, plus ease of maintenance as with Energy Mechanical Pumps. The reliable and versatile Energy Mastiff Diaphragm Pump is based on our highly successful Major. Our Mechanical and Hydraulic Mastiffs allow for greater flow rates and delivery Head. They are capable of processing materials much quicker than the Energy Major Pump, for those tough-handling jobs which require the most robust Pumps. Being the smallest of the Energy Pumps, the Energy Maxi Diaphragm Pump was initially the first to be designed for small STW’s. This Pump has also proven itself to be popular with Abattoirs and Potteries. All Energy Diaphragm Pumps are reliable Flood-Water Pumps and are popular with Farmers for effluent, animal-feed and Agricultural purposes.

ENERGY CHEMICAL AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY SOUTHWELL BUSINESS PARK, OFF UPTON ROAD, SOUTHWELL, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, NG25 OTX Tel: 01636 816600 | www.energypumps.co.uk | www.energypumps.net

Nationwide Hygiene sponsors this issue of

Industry UK

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Best of Britain

The UK’s Largest Heating Element Manufacturer Here at Best Practise, we are pleased to announce that Elmatic Ltd has been selected for the Best of Britain award. The family run company specialises in providing heating elements for industrial and electrical applications. Established back in 1949 by Franz Skalitzky and Cyril Hodges, Elmatic is now run by their two sons John Skalitzky and Alun Hodges and employs 75 people. In the past sixty years, it has gone from strength to strength and is now a leading manufacturer holding a highly esteemed position within the industry. Based in Cardiff, South Wales, Elmatic operates from a professionally equipped 45,000 sq. ft. factory which is constantly being improved upon. They work with a range of products aside from heating elements which includes immersion heaters and cartridge heaters.

Their inventory features an array of the latest industrial developments, such as Mica Band & Plate Heaters, Nozzle Heaters, Cartridge Heaters, Ceramic knuckle heaters and more. In addition, Elmatic also specialises in manufacturing for the packaging, pharmaceutical and catering sectors. The latest developments from Elmatic include an innovative line of square section heaters which can be used in situations involving injection/ blow moulding, rubber moulding, mould and tool dies, manifolds, plastic process machinery and more. Due to having better surface contact compared to other designs, the products boasts increased heat transfer and can even operate at temperatures of up to 750°C.

of their plant and employees, utilising the latest CAD/CAM technology and contemporary technologies in its production processes. Sales Manager, Peter Crisp said, “We have experienced a substantial amount of change, particularly within the last couple of years. We have seen a new management structure which has enabled us to concentrate on efficiency in production whilst remaining competitive in our sales. This has also resulted in us becoming more economically and financially stable with the procurement of better prices with suppliers, and we have been able to make significant

Elmatic constantly strives for improvement and has made numerous changes to the betterment

cost savings with all aspects of our business by reducing utilities and insurances etc. “Going forward, we will continue to make investments in our machinery to modernise our processes and make us more efficient. We also strive to update and improve all of the information on our website, which is now a major tool in promoting our products and assisting our customers (with discussions undertaken to identify the exact solution required for the individual application).” T +44 (0)29 2077 8727 www.elmatic.co.uk

Commitment to Excellence

Decades of practical process experience our suppliers that enable us to support you throughout the life of your equipment. Additionally, our on-site freeze drying laboratory offers a range of services in product and process development.

Best Practice UK is extremely proud to present Biopharma Group with its highly prestigious Commitment to Excellence profile. The Biopharma Group is made up of Biopharma Process Systems (BPS), Biopharma Technologies Ltd (BTL) and Biopharma Technologies France (BTF). We also have a division in the USA, Biopharma Technology LLC which can assist with your analytical instruments, R&D and analysis requirements.

Independent Consultancy Division: BTL – consultancy, analysis, training and R&D The Biopharma Technology division was established in 1997 to provide independent contract research, analysis, process reviews, product and cycle development services, training and analytical instrumentation to the global biopharmaceutical and related industries. We have decades of experience in the application of all aspects of freeze drying technology and have successfully processed in excess of 1,000 substances on behalf of clients.

The well-established group are experts in freeze drying products & technologies, R&D consultancy, analysis and training, Genevac Solvent Removal, Sepiatec preparative chromatography and Avestin high pressure homogenisation products. Equipment Sales and Service Division: BPS Established in 1989, BPS is a leading supplier of equipment to pharmaceutical, biotech and process industries in the UK, Ireland and France, with a specialisation in freeze drying, solvent removal/ evaporation (Genevac), high pressure homogenisation technologies and the related equipment such as Sepiatec preparative chromatography solutions, powder fillers, vial washers etc. Biopharma is proud not to be a catalogue company and our aim is to provide you with equipment and/ or services that best meet your process requirements and to remain on-hand to provide advice and assistance. The key to our success is many combined years of experience in the processing industries and our in-depth knowledge of the equipment we supply. We have an experienced technical service/ maintenance department and strong links with

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Together with our knowledge of pilot-scale and industrial freeze-dryers, we offer a uniquely comprehensive service and training courses (standard or bespoke/ customized on-site or webinar) covering all aspects of freeze drying technology from pre-formulation through to full-scale production and dried product analysis. We aim to meet the precise needs of our customers’ projects, and will agree a work programme and a budget that is appropriate to the size and stage of your project. We are happy to run a single cycle or individual analysis for our clients, or agree a complete formulation development programme with you. Our philosophy is to augment your in-house expertise and work with you to make your project a success. BTL is committed to providing a world-class service to our customers. We seek to ensure all our practices are controlled, safe and reliable for staff, customers and

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the products we handle. Therefore we have adopted a Quality Management System that ensures our laboratory, documentation and health and safety practices are of the highest standard. The Quality Management System ensures compliance with ISO 9001. Biopharma in France combines elements from equipment sales and service in addition to having access to the expertise of the consultancy division, giving our Frenchspeaking client base a one-stop option, while Biopharma Technology LLC in the USA is focused on providing analytical instruments and independent analytical services for those using freeze drying technologies. Whatever your project, make the most of Biopharma’s expertise and talk to one of the team today. T +44 (0)1962 841092 www.biopharma.co.uk

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Containment & Sampling Technology News

ProSys Leads the way in Isolator Technology for ADC Manufacture • Automation Expertise including PLC, HMI, SCADA, Batch, GAMP, 21 CFR Part II. • State of the art Manufacturing Facility with ISO 7 (Class C) Cleanroom for Containment Testing • World Class Project Management • Expedited Project Delivery.

ProSys specialises in the design and manufacture of sampling and containment equipment to meet the changing requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. Our products include both standard and custom engineered containment solutions.

The Containment Experts for Low Nanogramme Applications ProSys Containment & Sampling Technology Tel: +353 (0)214853900 I Email: info@prosys.ie I www.prosys.ie 8

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Training & Development News

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Qnnect is the Enterprise App for employee training and development reinforcement, communication, engagement and participation. A focused learning and secure communications channel for the people that make your business. Qnnect is an All-in-one Desktop and Mobile App that helps Capture, Keep and Share all the information you need to put safely into the hands of co-workers and staff. Content can be in any format and includes gamification, surveys, training delivery, peer to peer coaching and personal development tools.

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Facilities Management News

Kevin Meighan takes up helm as Operations Director at TCFM

TC Facilities Management add another Top 10 store

Kevin Meighan has been appointed the Operations Director at TC Facilities Management (TCFM). The move from his previous role of Key Account Director for core contracts accounts will now see him with responsibility for the whole portfolio of contracts servicing 5,500 sites across the country.

TC Facilities Management (TCFM) have added another WHICH? Cream of the Supermarket Survey supermarket to their portfolio of retail chains they provide services to. The contract award, which started in July, initially managing the cleaning services at 15 selected stores in the East Midlands & Anglia, has now been extended to 161 stores across the country.

Kevin joined TCFM in 2002 and since then has brought ongoing growth to the company in a variety of roles. Most recently he has headed up the award and mobilisation of retail and corporate customers to meet their customer specific needs whilst ensuring the needs of existing customers are maintained. Kevin’s appointment will see him now focus on working with customers to drive the standards further. Alongside this, Kevin will be working with his team to develop a team structure across all the diverse operations where contracts are delivered. He believes these will result in achieving his aspiration of

TC Facilities Management being both the employer and supplier of choice. Richard Chappell, CEO, TCFM said, “Kevin absolutely represents everything that TCFM stands for. With 14 years of service, he is knowledgeable about our business, our clients and our people and has been instrumental in our growth and history, added to all that, he is one of the industry good guys.” T +44 (0)1737 814016 info@tcfm.co.uk www.tcfm.co.uk

Flexible and Sustainable Solutions for Today and Tomorrow TC Facilities Management – commonly known as TCFM for short – is a dedicated provider of specialist solutions that specifically strives to meet the needs of those working within the retail, corporate, distribution, leisure and hospitality sectors. With over five decades of refined industry experience, the group is well positioned to cover core areas such as cleaning, security and specialist services which it self-delivers along with catering, cleaning, ground maintenance, pest control, washroom and waste monitoring delivered by trusted partners who are experts in the field. Operating on a national scale, TCFM is one of the biggest and most predominant privately owned companies trading in the UK that focuses explicitly on the expert delivery of intelligent cleaning and support services. Because of its nature the business is somewhat advantageous as an enterprise that is small enough to be free from corporate constraints yet large enough to deliver high quality infrastructure and resources.

The team from TCFM will ensure that the standards of store appearance maximises the retailer’s Customer Experience. The contract will also see the use of innovative biometric software to contribute to delivering robust monitoring and management reporting. Kevin Meighan, Commercial Director, TCFM

Dudley Turner, Contract Director, TCFM said, “I am delighted to be leading this great group of people. I, along with the whole team, are looking forward to helping this supermarket provide a great experience for their shoppers and an enjoyable place for staff to work.”

experience gained over more than half a century is appealing to retailers who are constantly needing to provide something that is fresh and innovative as part of their Customer Experience.”

Kevin Meighan, Commercial Director, TCFM added, “Securing this contract demonstrates that tailoring our proven retail cleaning

T +44 (0)1737 814016 info@tcfm.co.uk www.tcfm.co.uk

TCFM now part of the Colonel’s secret recipe at KFC TC Facilities Management (TCFM) are now an added ingredient at over a quarter of KFC restaurants across the country.

TCFM is now, excitingly, incorporating its inventive software and state-ofthe-art technologies to over a quarter of KFC restaurants across the country. The contract – which is held between the fast food giant and a committed team from TC Specialist Services (as part of TCFM) began in August this year and involves the provision of window cleaning services (as well as jet washing drive-thru facilities) to more than 200 locations.

making a difference to more than 5,500 sites with its innovative techniques and effective solutions. If you would like to find out how TCFM can change your organisation for the better then please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or send an email over to an informed company representative. Should you require any additional information the website – www.tcfm.co.uk – will also help you to fill in any gaps.

The adaptable service provider has been employing its pioneering approaches across numerous markets ever since its establishment,

Contact T +44 (0)1737 814142 sales@tcfm.co.uk www.tcfm.co.uk

The contract being delivered by a team from TC Specialist Services, part of TC Facilities Management (TCFM), started on 8th August 2016. It will provide window cleaning services to over 200 KFC restaurants, along with Jet Washing services to sites with Drive-Thrus. The team from TC Specialist Services will ensure that the standards of appearance to the external of each restaurant and Drive-Thru will help to create a welcoming, fresh and engaging environment for customers of all ages. The contract will utilise state-of-the-art jet washing technology along with innovative software which will help to deliver robust scheduling, monitoring and management reporting to KFC. Eric Dawson, Business Manager, TC Specialist Services, TC Specialist Services said, “We are delighted to become part of the team at KFC UK & Ireland. We’re looking forward to offering a fresh approach to make the dining

experience, whether in the restaurant or at home, an enjoyable one.” Kevin Meighan, Commercial Director, TCFM added, “Securing this contract with KFC demonstrates our ability to provide something fresh and innovative to KFC customers and staff.” T +44 (0)1737 814016 info@tcfm.co.uk www.tcfm.co.uk

TC Facilities Management (TCFM) TC Facilities Management (TCFM) is celebrating the successful mobilisation and ongoing delivery of Cleaning, Security, Catering, Post Room and Reception services at Arqiva. The contract, now into its 6th month is being managed by Raphael Sagula, FM Manager, TCFM. The contract has seen over 100 members of staff being deployed by TCFM to provide these services at the 40 sites where Arqiva, a leading communications and media services company at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets operates. Since going live with the contract at the end of May, TCFM have demonstrated their understanding of the values that

Want to Come and Join Our Team? Arqiva work to. One example has been supporting Work Experience students on placement at Crawley Court, Winchester, after only 9 weeks of the contract going live. The TCFM staff were praised for their ability to explain their individual roles in providing the different services as part of the contract, as well as enabling each student to feel safe, secure and that Arqiva was a great place to come to work. www.tcfm.co.uk

TC Facilities Management provide a range of services to some of the biggest names in the UK. We’re currently looking for cleaning operatives and managers at a variety of locations around the country. Why not come join us. We offer competitive pay and range of benefits to all our employees.

Check out the latest cleaning roles we currently have available at http://www.tcfm.co.uk/recruitment

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Disinfection News

Sanondaf touchless disinfecting solutions Sanondaf have a system of disinfecting rooms and equipment by filling a room with a dry mist (fogging) of a patented chemical compound (hydrogen, peroxide & silver) that kills 99.99% of harmful bacteria, viruses and moulds. The latest Generation of SANONDAF touchless disinfection solutions combine the effect of both our spraying devices and disinfectant solutions. The dual effect of both Devices and Disinfectants enables the air and surface in a room to be disinfected automatically. Our hospital grade disinfectant is highly effective and kills 99.99% of all hazardous germs and bacteria without posing a threat to humans, animals or plants. Sanondaf is proven to kill MRSA, C Dificile, Salmonella, Norovirus, Flu Viruses, Legionella and many other harmful bacteria, viruses and moulds.

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Industrial News

The Hoffmann Group The Hoffmann Group, as Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, combines trading competence with both manufacturing and service competence. This combination guarantees reliability in supply, quality and productivity in the tooling sector to more than 135,000 customers, together with optimum advicefrom individual needs analysis through to efficient use of products. The company serves major quoted companies as well as mediumsized and small companies in more than 50 countries. In 2015, the Hoffmann Group generated a worldwide turnover of more than 1.1 billion euros. Including

Palletiser with State of the Art Design In over 200 applications all over the world, the CSi TAROS palletiser has proven itself during the last 10 years. But after all these years it was ready for an upgrade like never seen before. Therefore we gave it a brand new design representing the technological sophistication of the machine. In comparison with robotic palletisers in the market it houses much more technical complexity.

GARANT, its own premium brand, the Hoffmann Group offers 65,000 quality tools from the world’s leading manufacturers. With comprehensive customer service and 99% delivery quality certified by TÜV, the tooling experts with

their head office in Munich ensure that their customers experience efficient cooperation on a partnership basis. For further information, see: www.hoffmann-group.com

As an operator or maintenance engineer you do not notice those technologies because of the simplicity of the controls. The HMI (control) panel is enlarged and has the look and feel of a modern, user friendly interface like we know from tablets and smartphones. With new technologies, like an app, it’s easy to get for instance machine diagnostics and energy consumption statistics. So, in short: TAROS 2 is fully (industrial) IoT prepared.

But it is not only the design that has changed. Also the performance of the CSi TAROS palletiser has improved. It has a higher capacity (up to 60 cases per minute) with reduced energy consumption. Thus the machine can be applied both at the end of a production or packaging line or in a central, multi-line palletising solution. T +44 (0)1953 452731 info@csiuk.co.uk www.csiportal.com

Latest 100 litre Autoclave – small footprint The Priorclave QCS 100 laboratory autoclave is the perfect choice for any lab manager or technician looking for a more compact, economically priced 100 litre capacity autoclave. Despite its large 500mm diameter chamber, believed to be largest currently available for this size of machine, the autoclave design has a much smaller overall footprint, providing laboratories with the opportunity to have installed the QCS100 where other designs are often too large. This front-loading autoclave achieves its extremely competitively priced owing to the robust stainless steel cylindrical chamber manufactured by Priorclave at its UK manufacturing centre. A prime safety benefit is the door opening mechanism; a single-handed operation that only releases when temperatures and pressure are at pre-set safe levels. Precise control of the sterilizing process has been made easy using single pushbuttons on the Tactrol® 2 microprocessor control panel. One touch controls enable the user to step through settings of

temperature and time in accordance with best practices for specified loads. There is also a secure key-lock switch on the control panel which governs access to parameter settings. To help prevent cross contamination is a laboratory the QCS 100 autoclave incorporates epoxy coated panels and frame members treated with an antimicrobial agent that is effective against bacteria and fungi including MRSA, E.coli, Listeria, Legionella, Campylobacter, Salmonella and Pseudomonas. T +44 (0)208 3166620 sales@priorclave.co.uk www.priorclave.co.uk

Professional on-demand Label Production made easy But finding a cost-effective and convenient way to produce high-quality, colour labels have not been easy. Primera Technology, a leading manufacturer of high quality laser-based label printers, has successfully developed short to medium-run label solutions such as the well-known CX/ FX-Series. Using intelligent technology, Primera creates systems that can design, print and finish labels of any shape or form.

On-demand and in-house label printing has grown from being exotic to something that manufacturers of all types and sizes use frequently or even exclusively. Not only smaller manufacturers are in need of short to medium-run, fullcolour customised product labels as a way to increase their sales numbers by making their products stand out through innovative packaging and labelling. It also allows manufacturers of all sizes to offer private label goods in smaller quantities, as the industry realized that offering personalised products is a great sales tool that can add to the success of a product.

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CX1200e Color Label Press is the perfect solution for a broad range of manufacturers who need to print from just a few labels to tens of thousands of labels at a time. With 2,400 dpi print resolution and print speed of five meters per minute, CX1200e delivers professional full-colour print quality along with highspeed production. CX1200e output has much deeper and far more vibrant colours. If finished rolls are needed, the FX1200e Digital Finishing System is the perfect accessory to the CX1200e. It ‘finishes’ the printed output with several different operations including: lamination, digital die-cutting, waste matrix removal, slitting and rewinding. Contact http://primeralabel.eu

Industrial News

Expansion the right way There are a number of welldocumented ways that a company can expand. The directors at Thorite have chosen to invest heavily in those areas of the business which will have genuine benefits for customers. As a result, this has seen the arrival of new staff members for important positions with the latest being Gary Parkes (Pictured), who will be responsible for Thorite’s largest national accounts. Alan Donkersley is the Thorite Group Sales Director (Pictured), “Gary brings a wealth of experience of handling important key accounts having worked for a number of large industrial organisations at a high level. His role will be to manage and develop existing key accounts and, through the 20:20 Total Air Management Programme, look at bringing new major opportunities to Thorite.” The 20:20 Total Air Management Programme was launched in 2010 for larger industrial customers who rely on air and pneumatic systems as an integral

part of their production processes. The programme, which is designed to be tailored to individual Customers specific requirements, has demonstrated time and again to successfully reduce costs and production downtime while significantly improving productivity. Gary lives in Lincoln and has a passion for motorsport. He has won the Classic Touring Car Club’s Pre 2005 championship for the last two years racing a Peugeot 206 GTI and next year will campaign a Renault Clio Sport. www.thorite.co.uk

Lone Worker Protection Provider, Send For Help ranks 47th in Fast Track 100 Send For Help, the largest lone worker protection provider in world, has just been announced as one of Britain’s fastest growing companies. The Fast Track 100 list, which is published annually in The Sunday Times, ranks Britain’s top 100 private companies with the fastest growing sales over their latest three years. Send For Help is ranked an impressive 47th in the league table for 2016. Brothers James and Will Murray founded the award-winning Send For Help in 2010, when they spotted a gap in the market to provide lone worker protection using pioneering technology. Operating through its two subsidiary brands Skyguard and Guardian24, the company uses key fob sized GPS personal safety alarms and apps to provide 24/7 personal protection to more than 100,000 lone workers and people who are at risk.

We have seen a huge growth in the use of LEDs as the primary light source for new and refurbishment projects in the clean area and healthcare sectors. The increasing use of lighting controls and emergency testing systems means there are two key criteria to consider when choosing a clean area lighting manufacturer. You need a lighting manufacturer that can deliver luminaires which maintain the integrity of the cleanroom, and you also need a lighting manufacturer that can offer you the latest control systems that will save energy and reduce maintenance costs. Solite Europe Ltd offers both. The main requirement of a luminaire designed for use in certified and sealed environments, is to maintain the integrity of the room. Whether you are specifying or purchasing luminaires, it is misguided to consider the luminaire purely a metal box containing a light source. Clean area luminaires should be regarded as an integral cleanroom component which can maintain the integrity of the cleanroom envelope as specified in EN ISO 14644. At Solite, we pay much attention to the quality of materials used, and the fit and finish of our luminaires. We use thicker grade steels with welded corners for rigidity, and bracket systems that ensure adequate compression of our gasket systems. The use of epoxy or polyester paint finishes may be required to provide resistance to HPV, Formaldehyde and other cleaning agents. Accurate ceiling integration is also key to a successful installation. In addition to standard grid systems, ceilings come in many forms, so it is important to choose a lighting manufacturer that has knowledge and a history designing luminaires for various cleanroom ceilings types. We provide a wide range of solutions for all ceiling types, whether standard or bespoke. In addition we provide luminaires designed to be maintained from inside the room, or above the room. Where walk on ceiling panels are employed. We offer luminaires that can be walked across, offering a safer working space with reduced trip hazards.

It primarily operates in the UK and Ireland, serving more than 100 NHS Trusts, 150 local authorities, 200 housing associations, and hundreds of commercial organisations, ranging from British Gas to Talk Talk, Dairy Crest to Weetabix. The firm, which generated sales of £6.1m this year, is backed by family investment from James and Will’s father technology entrepreneur Jan Murray, former PC World and Internet Technology Group founder.

The majority our LED systems are manufactured in the UK, within our group. This allows us to maximise efficiency and quality control. In addition to our standard high efficiency LEDs, we offer LEDs with high colour rendition (CRI90) offering compliance with LG2 in operating theatres. This is also of huge benefit for manufacturing processes where accurate colour rendition is important. We can provide colour options, for example Red LEDs in the 620nm – 630nm spectrum,

and LED systems with low UV below 520nm for use in the production of microelectronics. This is also applicable where UV sensitive pharmaceuticals are developed or manufactured. Solite also offers tuneable white LED systems, allowing the colour temperature to be varied between 3,000k (Warm White) and 6,000k (Cool White). This can be especially beneficial in working spaces lacking natural daylight, or where patient recovery is paramount in the healthcare sector. We offer various lens materials to maximise LED efficiency, plus the option for glass where maximum chemical resistance is required. The use of satin polycarbonates, with high light transmission properties, maximises luminaire efficiency and provides an evenly lit space. We also offer micro prism technology where low glare or compliance with LG7:2005 is required. We can incorporate a full range of flexible, reliable, intelligent controls options, all designed to save energy, reduce cost of ownership and

increase safety. Our in house control systems use the very latest robust technologies to provide seamless integration into the chosen lighting system. Where existing systems are already in use, we can integrate our luminaires using compatible technologies, for example – connection to Dali controls systems or central battery units. Solite Europe Ltd is a UK designer, manufacturer and supplier of specialist sealed luminaires for use in laboratories, pharmaceutical areas, semi-conductor manufacturing areas, hospitals, kitchens and food preparation applications. Since the acquisition of the company by F.W. Thorpe Plc in 2009, Solite Europe has strengthened its reputation as a company that can supply specialist lighting and systems to the highest technical standards. Solite Europe is certified to ISO 9001:2000. Contact T +44 (0)161 320 9999 www.solite-europe.com

www.sendforhelp.co.uk

Creating a picture of asset condition using data collected over time EA Technology’s innovative UltraTEV Plus² demonstrates a big step forward has been taken to understand and interpret the measurement of Partial Discharge (PD), a major cause of failure in High Voltage (HV) Electrical Assets. Partial Discharge occurs in and around the insulation material on HV equipment such as cables and switchgear. The discharge is caused by gaps, voids, contamination and defects in the insulation and this is where small ‘arcs’ take place. Once this process starts, it only increases and can lead flashover and failures, so being able to detect partial discharge as early as possible has major safety, financial and security of supply benefits.

Solite Europe Ltd: Leading manufacturer and supplier of cleanroom lighting & equipment

Professional Lighting for Clean Areas and Healthcare ää For EU GMP, ISO and Containment facilities ää Compatible with most ceiling types ää Range of walk on, and through access luminaires

PD measurements can be difficult to identify due to the sensitivity of the measurement and environmental conditions. Designed based on feedback from global electrical engineers, the UltraTEV Plus² is a major break-through for hand-held PD instruments. The built-in interpretation guide tells the operator if the measurements are real PD, noise or interference: it sounds simple but it takes lots of experience to have the confidence to make these decisions. T +44 (0)151 339 4181 www.eatechnology.com

ää LED options (CRI 90, coloured LEDs) ää Controls and emergency testing options ää Operating theatre, ICU and bedhead units ää UK designed and manufactured.

For more information, please visit www.solite-europe.com J +44 (0)161 320 9999 | m enquiry@solite-europe.com

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Industrial News

The Two-Hand Controller – accident reduction made simple According to the Health & Safety Commission, during the year 2014/2015 there was around 70,000 reported workplace injuries in the manufacturing sector, of which 8,400 were as a result of contact with machinery. Accidents are an unavoidable fact of life; the only thing that we can do is make sure that everything is done to ensure that the systems in-place are capable of keeping accidents to an absolute minimum. Which is the thinking behind the IMI Norgren Two-Hand Control Unit launched by Thorite. Injuries as a result of a hand in the wrong place at the wrong time simply wouldn’t

The modular approach to visual excellence

place of whatever was previously used to activate the machine – lever, footpedal, button etc., and is easy to install. It complies fully with the latest European Machinery Directive requirements of ISO 13489 and EN574 class IIIB and is totally tamper-proof due to the robust nature of its construction. The entire unit is delivered complete and carries a two-year warranty. be possible if the Two-Hand Controller was installed, as both hands are needed to simultaneously press two buttons within 0.5 seconds in order to activate the machine. The Two-Hand Controller takes the

For a limited period, Thorite is offering the Two-Hand Controller at the special launch price of £450. For more information, a free no obligation demonstration and a copy of the latest IMI catalogue please contact Alan Donkersley on: 0800 034 5850 or visit: www.thorite.co.uk

Addison brings PBT’s high-performance profile benders to the UK Addison Tube Division, the specialist tube bending technologies arm of Addison Saws, has been appointed as the sole UK distributor of PBT AG’s CNC profile bending machines.

and accuracy, will open up exciting new opportunities for many of our customers.”

Swiss-based PBT is a leading name in highperformance profile bending technologies for aluminium, stainless steel and steel profiles. Its machines are used across a large number of sectors, including automotive manufacturing, construction, aerospace, the windows industry, and furniture making. ‘Identifying closely with our ethos’ “We are extremely pleased to have secured the UK distributor rights for PBT’s internationally recognised profile bending technologies,” comments Addison Group Managing Director, Gary Knight. “In appointing us, PBT identified closely with our ethos of helping customers find the very best solutions to their manufacturing challenges, through technologies sourced from the global market place, and all supported by the highest levels of customer service. PBT’s machines will dovetail perfectly with our tube bending and end forming technologies from leading Taiwanese manufacturer, CSM.” PBT – high levels of capability Employing high levels of functionality and triple-roller bending technology, PBT machines cold-form both aluminium and steel profiles in a highly energy efficient manner. PBT profile bending technologies range from the Arkus 12®

– a compact, exceptionally powerful machine that bends even the smallest aluminium and steel profiles to extremely tight radii – to larger, heavy duty machines such as the PBT35® and HELIX® models, which are suited to more challenging applications, including profiles for use in plant and vehicle manufacturing, materials handling, construction and architectural needs. PBT also builds bespoke profile bending machines to meet the most demanding of manufacturing requirements. Generating considerable interest “The PBT Arkus 12® profile bender has already generated considerable interest from Addison customers across the automotive, windows, technology and metal manufacturing sectors,” adds Gary Knight. “I am convinced that its ability to produce particularly delicate profiles using either steel or aluminium, combined with uncompromising reliability, repeatability

Extensive choice of machines With the addition of PBT machines to its range, Addison Tube Division now offers what is possibly the most extensive choice of profile bending, mandrel and non-mandrel tube bending machines in the UK. Addison’s CSM tube benders include basic 3-axis hydraulic models through to highly sophisticated, 11-axis all-electric machines. The CSM 100TDRE-RBE, a 5-axis, double stack electric hybrid tube bender with electric boost, is able to produce the very tightest radius thin-wall 1xd bends on larger diameter stainless steel tube – a requirement that is increasingly being demanded by first- and second-tier exhaust and catalytic converter manufacturers. Leading the way in tube and profile forming technologies With a carefully selected range of tube forming technologies, Addison Tube Division offers the accuracy, repeatability and reliability that manufacturing industry demands. The technologies available from the division include CNC all-electric tube and profile bending machines, CNC and NC hydraulic tube and profile bending machines, precision tube end forming machines and CNC wire bending technologies.

Packaging & Ingrediants

with the Shropshire Spice Company Plum and Ginger Stuffing Mix, perfect with Christmas dinner or further enhance your meal with the Arthur Pipkins Premium Pork Cranberry and Apple Sausage Mix or the Zesty Mulled Wine Sausage Mix. These traditional Christmas flavours are blended together to create a toasty sausage mix perfect for the holidays.

Suppliers of Food Packaging Machinery and Consumables

Introducing our new range of Inter-Com vacuum packers, all stainless steel, built in Europe and fitted with Busch Pumps

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We have created a range of visual management solutions for major manufacturing companies, so that staff can clearly see information at specific locations across site. Information vital to production is recorded and presented; such as Safety, Quality, Delivery and much more.

The visual management system is used to present employees with concise information about the performance of the production area.

Solutions built using our modular system of tubes and brackets include: ■■ Information cubes ■■ Big displays and meeting areas ■■ Mobile whiteboards and display boards

This includes details of: ■■ Production volumes ■■ Status of projects ■■ Performance against goals or targets ■■ Calls to action ■■ Safety information.

We can frame any size board which will display the information needed for your specified area. Our visual management solutions are clearly labelled so you can find recorded information easily.

As with all visual management systems the objective is to be as clear and unambiguous as possible. For more information, visit: www.tubeandbracket.com or call: +44 (0)1295 277791.

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Progressive manufacturers are now taking the concept of visual management a stage further, by creating installations with the standardised equipment they use in production environments, to integrate the seamless presentation of vital information.

Parker's Food Machinery Plus is gearing up for Christmas along with the rest of us and has put out a number of goods to help with the festivities. Taking care of Christmas on both the food and prep side to make the festivities more feasible for everyone, Christmas products on offer include red and white Christmas String Twine, Christmas themed Sausage Sleeves and Christmas carrier bags. Satisfy your stuffing needs

A family run business with years’ worth of experience in the food industry and retail sector, PFM Plus is dedicated to excellent service and continuous on-going after care. The business specialises in the supply and distribution of new and pre-owned food processing machinery such as vacuum packers, automatic wrappers, veg prep machines, slicers, ovens and more. PFM Plus also specialises in food packaging, ingredients and sundries. www.pfmplus.co.uk

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Industry UK

TC Facilities Management (TCFM) is now playing a part in helping an unnamed online retailer achieve speedy grocery deliveries from their DC in London. The contract being delivered by a team from TCFM started on 8th December 2016. It will provide cleaning services to a Distribution Centre responsible for its groceries delivery in London. The team from TCFM, led by Charlotte Mudge, TCFM Account Manager, will ensure that the superb standards that TCFM have become known for in other DCs will be replicated and with it enable the retailer to deliver consistently speedy shopping solutions. The contract will utilise rigorous systems and state-of-the-art technology to help to deliver robust monitoring and management reporting to the client. Having been able to demonstrate the added value within other cleaning contracts in DCs, the contract was

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awarded based on TCFM’s proven track record in the warehouse space along with their design of a bespoke solution, based on the client’s individual needs. Steve Wengrow, Divisional Director, TCFM commented, “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and are looking forward to bringing our proven experience to enable this client to maintain and build upon their good onsite Health & Safety Record by keeping floor space clean and clear of potential risks as they meet their customers’ needs for speedy grocery deliveries.” Contact T +44 (0)1737 814016 info@tcfm.co.uk www.tcfm.co.uk

Industrial News

BPC Energy launches new Modular UPS NEW Modular PowerTower Green UPS available up to 1,200kVA BPC are pleased to announce the launch of the new PowerTower Green UPS, available from 10kVA up to 1,200kVA capacity, and an outstanding 4.8mVA can be reached in parallel. Delivering the best combination of reliability, functionality and flexibility at a competitive price, the PowerTower Green in designed specifically for datacentres, computer systems and critical applications. BPC PowerPro EF 300 Series now available up to 650kVA – EcoFriendly Performance The BPC PowerPro EF 300 series UPS sets ground breaking standards for technical innovation using the latest DSP technology. The PowerPro EF range by BPC is now available up to 650kVA capacity, with minimum space, fewer components and controlled levels of noise pollution; it has a significantly reduced environmental impact. Therefore, with the EcoFriendly UPS range it is feasible to design a UPS with a reduced carbon footprint whilst still achieving clean continuous power, making it ideally suited for advanced enterprise computing installations and for the environmentally aware client. A further benefit of the DSP system

Deep Hole Drilling Systems All of UNISIG's products are manufactured in the United States and Germany using high-performance components. All machines come with the complete set of necessary durable tooling and machine accessories. Upon installation, UNISIG takes their customer service one step further by providing comprehensive training on operating their brand new machines as well as application support to help achieve specific production goals. From their state-of-the-art facility and using their experienced, reliable network of local suppliers, UNISIG produces its BTA, gundrilling, trepanning, skiving machines, tooling solutions and automation.

is the ability for the UPS to be programmed to suit a wide variety of electrical environments without jeopardising its performance, while improving maintainability through powerful self-diagnostic routines.

It was founded in 1995 by Entrust Manufacturing, a contract manufacturing service that sought to develop its own products. It has since become one of the world's leading manufacturers. They have an ever expanding customer base thanks to its machine' impressive performance and their excellent customer service. The clientele features the aerospace

committed to continuously improving our business through investment, the use of technology and promoting a highly trained workforce.” Some of the latest technical feats of UNISIG include the B700 Drop Bed machine, which was specifically engineered to generate high-precision features on irregularly shaped aerospace components.

industry, energy sectors, medical and even automotive companies.

T +49 (0)7125 9687590 info@unisig.de www.unisig.de

The Managing Director of the European Sales Department, Philipp Steimle, said, “We are continuously upgrading our range in order to offer the most up to date technology to our customers. “UNISIG machines are designed with purpose for a full range of deep hole drilling applications. They are developed based on years of experience with drilling applications, customer challenges and production environments. We are

Up to 8 PowerPro EF300 units can be connected in parallel, providing an incredible total power capacity of 5.2mVA. The EF300 can also be configured to provide N+1 redundancy, providing you with the highest reliability. This flexibility allows you to install a system that can grow with your business power requirements. Contact T + 44 (0)1794 521200 sales@bpc-ups.com www.bpc-ups.com

Stabau: Setting the standard Not only ‘setting the standard’ with quality of design, manufacturing processes and customer support, at stabau we pride ourselves in ensuring that all customers are advised, supported and supplied with the attachments that are correct and best for their applications. We not only supply an extensive range of standard, high quality, durable, robust, low maintenance forklift truck attachments but we specialise in the design of purpose built, bespoke attachments for all types of industry and trucks, with load capacities up to 80,000kg.

We also can make attachments in ATEX-Proof design for working in hazardous areas, including the nuclear industry. To see the full range of stabau attachments view data sheets and photos of stabau attachments in operation, please visit our website: www.stabau.co.uk T +44 (0)1670 818511 sales@stabau.co.uk www.stabau.co.uk

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Industry UK

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Industrial News

Complete Industry Excellence The Laboratory Products Association, otherwise known as the LPA, originally started out as the Scientific Apparatus Makers Association (SAMA). The organisation has grown from strength to strength since its foundation in 1918 and is now a key representative striving to promote best practice within the laboratory industry. The LPA specifically works within the laboratory products segment, endeavouring to support manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and other such industry experts. The association subsequently focuses on the supply of quality resources designed to maximise business performance. Its member companies are fronted by seasoned individuals focused on reliable lab product and service implementation,

covering aspects such as glass & plasticware, chemicals, equipment and components utilised in scientific research, applied science and life science across the world. Those with membership can make the most of educational programs and exciting networking opportunities whilst gaining access to necessary business development tools and international industry market information and surveys. The LPA operates purposefully to fulfil its mission statement: to enable its members to constantly improve their global and commercial success. Please feel free to find out more about the important work of this trade body by getting in touch with the team today. T (703) 836 1360 aerrera@lpanet.org www.lpanet.org

10kW Fibre Laser Investment Leading sheet metal subcontractor Accurate Laser Cutting has announced a £700,000 investment in the UK’s first 10kW fibre laser. With its phenomenal processing speeds and newly improved processing capabilities, the 10kW Bystronic ByStar cutting system sets a new benchmark in laser cutting & represents their second major investment in a Bystronic fiber laser in eighteen months. The high performance equipment is capable of laser cutting aluminium & stainless steel up to 30mm thick, mild steel up to 25mm, 15mm brass & 12mm copper. It can also clean cut mild steel up to 15mm thick, which is beneficial to customers who require an oxidation free edge on their parts. This latest investment completely replaces their CO2 cutting equipment at their West Midlands manufacturing

premises. Their laser cutting facility is now fully equipped with two stateof-the-art Bystronic fibre lasers; one 6kW BySprint 4m x 2m & their latest investment, a 10kW ByStar 3m x 1.5m system. “Previously, fibre lasers performed better on thinner gauge materials, but with our new 10kW machine this is no longer the case. It can process 10mm mild steel just as fast as our old CO2 could process 5mm, with excellent cut quality.” commented Company Director, Jon Till. “With these improved capabilities, having a complete fibre line up makes sense. Not only is it more economical for our business, it also offers our customers improved cut quality across the entire thickness & material range.” For more information, please call: +44 (0)121 520 2444, visit: www.accurate-laser.co.uk or email: enquiries@accurate-laser.co.uk.

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Industrial News

Reduce your costs and create a greener future with Merton Group UK Ltd Merton Group UK Ltd have been a trusted UK manufacturer of disposable paper products and distributor of quality janitorial supplies for over 37 years. We are proud to offer a selection of product innovations that are designed to provide a wide range of cleaning, janitorial, washroom and hygiene solutions. Our innovations are exceptional quality, professionally packaged and available at competitive prices. Created to deliver substantial cost-in-use savings. We would like to introduce our latest innovation which is already creating substantial savings for many of our customers. The aim was to offer the latest in accurately dosed cleaning chemical solutions, preventing overuse and unnecessary expenditure whilst maximising transportation and storage capabilities. To save space, time and money whilst reducing your carbon footprint. The solution comes as liquid Super Concentrate – Ecodosing. Ecodosing is an exciting new concept to the market which uses a clever dispensing mechanism allowing accurate measures of the super concentrated liquid without the need for the cumbersome and costly dispenser units. Quick and easy to use, the portable, lightweight bottles deliver a controlled dose of super concentrate directly into either a 750ml trigger spray bottle or bucket. Huge savings are created across the board when compared to typical 5 litre options as a single 1 litre bottle of Ecodosing could replace 200 five litre bottles of chemical! Ecodosing at a glance: ■■ Super concentrated ■■ Comprehensive range ■■ Accurate, controlled dosing ■■ 10ml per shot ■■ 100 Shots per 1ltr bottle ■■ Creates 1,000+ litres of active product! ■■ For trigger sprays and buckets ■■ Full training provided ■■ Compact & much easier to store ■■ Easy to handle and transport ■■ Easier to dose ■■ No costly equipment required ■■ Much less waste produced ■■ Less products on site to manage ■■ Helps control costs. Ecodosing’s range of controlled dose super concentrates gives you all the cost efficient, mobile, cleaning power you need, in one neat little package! Typically creating average cost-in-use savings of over 60%! Available in 1 litre and 250ml options including – Multipurpose, Washroom, Viral Plus, Food Area Safe, Glass & Stainless Steel, Disinfectant, and Floor Maintainer.

T +44 (0)116 231 4040 www.mertongroup.co.uk

SPIRAL CONVEYING STRAIGHT UP Spiral elevators for goods-to-man systems, picking modules and sorting systems.

BY AMBAFLEX | WWW.AMBAFLEX.COM

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Industrial News

Because quality never goes out of style The No 1 name in the UK for industrial graphics, Watsons Anodising Ltd are quality manufacturers of bespoke signs, labels, nameplates, precision metalwork, control panels, standard rack panels and so much more. From its modern facility in South Yorkshire, the company offer a wide range of services to local, national and overseas customers including anodising, chemical etching, screen printing, digital printing and precision engineering. They are also quality manufacturers of bespoke signs, labels, nameplates, precision metalwork, control panels, standard rack panels and much more. Established in 1957 in Liversedge West Yorkshire, the company began its life as a small concern producing commemorative plaques and undertaking contract anodising. Although it still provides these services, Watson has grown to become a renowned name in the industry offering a whole host of services with clients ranging from OEMs and trade customers to private individuals.

Through an extensive range of diverse technologies, Watsons Anodising strives to ensure they provide the best solution for every application. The unrivalled knowledge and experience of the expert team will provide you with the best advice to identify the most appropriate technology for your application. They can even help design the graphics and also offer full manufacture of your components. With nearly 60 years’ experience in the industry combined with a continued investment into the latest technology makes Watson the name you can trust to provide you with an extensive and increasing portfolio of industrial graphics services. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for or need advice on what is the best way forward to get your project off the ground please contact one of Watson’s experts who will be more than happy to advise you. Contact T +44 (0)1226 748524 sales@watsonsanodising.co.uk www.watsonsanodising.co.uk

Safeguarding Critical Assets Worldwide

One of Europe’s Leading Analytical Providers Designed to help meet your environmental regulatory requirements, we offer our customers’ accurate, legally defensible, analytical data. Providing our customers with an extensive range of UKAS, MCERTS and DWTS accredited analytical services for water, land and waste monitoring, ALS Environmental is one of the UK’s leading providers of analytical services. By working with our customers for over twenty years we have been able develop a range of analytical services that meet your specific needs, including standard industry, regulatory and bespoke analytical suites. We are able to respond in a timely and efficient manner to your analytical and sampling requirements, via our network of laboratories and service centres across the UK and Ireland. This network also means we are able to provide customers with additional capacity and the reassurance of back-up laboratory systems.

For more information, please visit: www.alsenvironmental.co.uk Email: info.ukenviro@alsglobal.com | Tel: 02476 421213

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InteliSecure is an internationally recognized leader in critical asset protection, providing a portfolio of information and network security services to help organisations protect their most critical assets. The InteliSecure team provides market-leading organisations around the world with the ability to secure current and future revenue and earnings with enhanced confidentiality, while maintaining optimal operational efficiency and reputational integrity. InteliSecure leverages its portfolio of Consulting, Technical and Managed Security Services combined with Security Assessments and Training to help organizations accomplish these goals.

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Industry UK

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Industrial Classifieds The UKs Largest Heating Element Manufacturer Leading the way • Cartridge Heaters • Mica Insulated Heaters • Ceramic Knuckle Heaters • Tubular Rod • Immersion Heaters • Air Duct Heaters • Ceramic Core Heaters • Square Section Heaters • Fabrication & Sheet Metalwork.

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Industrial Classifieds

UK Based Supplier of New & Used Machines ää Steel Saws... circular &

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Automation News

The British Association of Fastener Distributors In the 1940s, a national association of bolt and nut stockists was set up with the original purpose of balancing the post-war domination of British fastener manufacturers. The organisation, which was known as the British Association of Fastener Distributors (BAFD), soon adapted in accord with the trends affecting the industry and it was this that led to it becoming a non-profit making company limited by guarantee in 2009.

The BAFD has, in essence, remained at the forefront of this niche for almost a staggering seventy years. Representing the interests of its members is made possible with the ongoing support of UK government and institutions, and the solidity of ongoing partnerships with fastener distribution and manufacturing firms across the globe. It is this extensive contact network that has enabled the BAFD to become an

established provider of services and support to the country’s leading distributors and wholesalers of fasteners, fixings and related products. Membership with the BAFD can be attained by all kinds of professionals, from the largest fastener wholesalers and importers in the UK to small, family-owned businesses. They serve virtually every kind of fastener

consumption in all necessary sectors: manufacture, assembly, maintenance, construction and building. For more information, please refer to the contact details supplied. T +44 (0)121 454 4141 info@biafd.org www.biafd.org

Clinching the deal FAST speaks to BTM (UK) Automation Products Managing Director, Mark Firmin about the company’s clinching process, the renowned TOG-L-LOC sheet metal joining system and its offspring – along with the future. What exactly is clinching? Clinching is a high-speed mechanical cold forming technique for joining sheet metal production components without the need for additional fasteners, using only the parent metal. The clinching processes uses inexpensive punch and die tooling to create leakproof joints in a single press stroke. Compared to other joining techniques, clinching is a fast process, easy to automate and so particularly suited when high productivity is needed; moreover, since no welding material is used, there are no supply or storage costs and chemical contamination of the joint is lower. The absence of fumes, emissions or high currents also ensures high safety for the operator and a low environmental impact. With standard Tog-L-Loc (circular) tooling, we are able to join two sheets up to a maximum metal thickness of 8.0mm; with the Lance-N-Loc (rectangular) tooling multiple layers, again up to 8.0mm is achievable. What material types is clinching most suited to? Normally used for joining ductile materials, such as mild steel and aluminium, but can also join low grade stainless steels, brass & copper. The metal combinations do not need to be identical as dissimilar metals can be joined, allowing a vast range of products to be successfully joined. How is clinching applied? Depending on production volumes, clinching can be applied via many

Making his mark

You couldn’t exactly say that Mark Firmin, Managing Director of BTM Automation, took the easy route to the top. He left school in 1983 and began an HGV Technician apprenticeship. After just one year, the company that had taken him on shut down. Undaunted, he moved to another employer where he continued his part-time education until his apprenticeship was completed. It was at that point he decided this was not the path he wanted to continue down, so he tried out several small jobs – until joining BTM UK in 1994. “Initially, I was employed to market and sell a range of glass reinforced plastic workholding clamps, which really did not catch on,” he recalls, “so I moved to internal sales, selling the Tog-L-Loc clinch tooling to existing customers.” 1998 saw BTM restructured and relocated from Mildenhall Suffolk to St Ives Cambridgeshire, where Firmin was employed as a technical sales engineer and then, in 2001, as sales manager. In 2008, he was promoted to managing director and has since steered BTM through the start of the recession and a further move to new premises near St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

methods. Portable hand-held units for working around larger parts, single or twin-joint presses are commonly used for lower volumes, with multi-joint Die Sets and special designed/built machines for high volume high-speed production. Robot applications, especially in the automotive industry, are quite standard nowadays. We can even supply adapters, so that our tooling can be used on PEM & Haeger presses, which offers the end user a broader range of uses for this equipment. Is it an alternative to riveting or bolting or bonding? Yes, it is – and, if I compare it to each of the above, then first for riveting and with bolting, the clinch process only uses the material that is there. No additional fasteners, such as the rivet or bolt, are used, resulting in reduced costs, but the clinch joint is only as strong as the metal itself. With bonding, clinching is vastly less expensive. But, if you require a super high-strength joint, then use a combination of clinching and bonding. If you had to summarise the top three reasons for design engineers to consider the advantages of clinching, what would they be? ■■ Weight factor – clinching uses no third part fasteners, so there is no additional weight to the component ■■ Speed of application – it takes less than 1 second to complete ■■ Highly fatigue-resistant – trials have shown that a clinch joint over an accelerated lifecycle test has negligible loss in strength, compared to a spot-weld. What other advantages should potential users be aware of? ■■ More economical – much less energy consumption compared to a spotweld joint, for example ■■ Corrosion-resistant – salt tests have shown a very high resistance ■■ No thermal considerations during the joining process resulting in zero distortion ■■ Very high joint strength when used in conjunction with a structural adhesive ■■ Long tool life – in excess of 300,000 joints is common ■■ Non-destructive testing making quality control very easy ■■ Extremely high joint repeatability ■■ Versatile – dissimilar metals can be joined.

are simultaneously completed. Prior to the purchase of this machine, the customer was confined to drilling holes and screwing the bracket to the lintel. Is it possible to clinch pre-coated materials? It is – and very common. Zinc, galvanised and pre-painted metals can all be joined with the coating only being slightly thinned as the metal is being drawn down into the clinch die. The result is that it is not necessary to redress or repaint the component after the clinch process is complete, unlike some other joining methods. If a customer specifies clinching for Project A, can the equipment be subsequently adapted to be used on other projects that may follow? In most cases, yes. If it is a case of the metals being either thicker or thinner, then sometimes the same tooling can be used (if the thickness has not changed dramatically), but the worst case scenario is normally the clinch die is changed. Clearly, if the component has changed – ie, larger flanges are now used and we need to overcome this – then the equipment will need to be changed. But normally clinching is a very forgiving method of joining metal. Where do you see clinching going and what are the clinching hurdles still to be overcome? The joining of harder and more exotic materials is the next step as these are being used more and more, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries where the need to save weight is great. BTM have already been successful in joining spring steel components. It is not just a case of being able to join the metal; it is also a case of finding the right metals to construct the clinch tools to be able to clinch these new materials, which is the challenge we face.

Have you any new products either just about to be released or have just been? Yes, we do. In 99% of most applications, the clinch joint is never seen; but, in some cases, the customer requires a more ‘pleasing to the eye’ type of joint, so BTM has developed what is called the VLoc (short for visual). V-Loc is a visually improved Tog-L-Loc joint that features a raised spherical inner diameter with a concentric outer ring. This design is intended to give the appearance of a more traditional fastener, but the process is essentially the same as the trusted Tog-L-Loc joining method. Also, we now have the Oval-Loc, a sort of rounded-off Lance N-Loc joint, which was designed primarily for situations where only a single joint is required, but does not allow the two sheets of metal to rotate. BTM (UK) Automation Products T +44 (0)1767 677001 www.btmautomation@btconnect.com

Can you tell us anything about typical applications where the process has been used? In the HVAC industry, we have designed and built a portable clinch unit for joining the flange onto the end of the duct. This is typically three layers of galvanised mild steel up to 3.6mm total thickness, which we join with the rectangular Lance-N-Loc joint. This joint has been successfully issued with a TÜV Nord certificate for air tightness. For office partitioning, we have designed and built a specialpurpose machine for joining several length options of door lintels. Each lintel is made from anodised aluminium (1.5mm thick) and is joined to a steel bracket at each end (1.0mm thick), with two joints per bracket. This machine consists of two hydraulic cylinders, one static and one that is manually moved to a predetermined position and, upon pressing the start button, four clinch joints

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