RICARDO PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

EME RICARDO PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

Driving automotive innovation in new directions

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Turbocharging

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Mark Barge, Managing Director

Leveraging the latest technologies and proactively capitalising on emerging trends, Ricardo Performance Products continues to fuel the high-performance automotive revolution Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

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otorsport epitomises the very best of innovation and engineering, continually combined in new, ever-advancing ways that provide a platform for incremental improvement.

Formula One is the pinnacle of this, each car comprising 80,000 carefully positioned components that are uniquely and individually scrutinised through rigorous testing and technology-enabled analysis.

The rapid evolution of highperformance vehicles that has been experienced in recent decades and the often-astounding capabilities of current models are testament to the expertise of manufacturers and engineers, such as the experts at Ricardo Performance Products.

As the manufacturing arm of global engineering, environmental and strategic consultancy Ricardo, the

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firm’s Performance Products division pioneered early hyper cars such as the Jaguar XJ220 and McLaren F1 and today continues to work with a range world-renowned global brands, from Volkswagen’s Bugatti Chiron to Aston Martin’s Valkyrie.

However, in line with the evolution of the automotive market, Ricardo Performance Products’ capabilities have diversified in recent times, with the firm now operating across a broad range of advanced manufacturing segments.

“Originally a manufacturer of prototype and race car transmissions, Performance Products has grown to support niche assembly in transmission, engines and complete vehicles and is now well established as the manufacturing specialists within Ricardo,” explains Martin Starkey, Business Development Director for the division.

AMADEO MARTI CARBONELL

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madeo Martí Carbonell, S.A. (AMC) is a casting and machining supplier for the automotive industry. Founded in 1958, AMC is specialised in high precision machining of aluminium and iron components such as engine cylinder heads as well as complex aluminium gravity casting and high pressure die casting.

The company is based in the Castellón province in Spain, located on the eastern coast of the country, and is recognised around the world as leading specialist operating in this niche.

AMC is a one-stop shop for aluminium components, which has been able to thrive within the industry due to its flexible company mentality, which translates into manufacturing for a wide range of clients and projects.

From high complexity and low volume parts, to low risk and high-volume ones, including safety and structural parts, AMC is able to cater to all client needs.

Furthermore, AMC has experience taking projects from the early development phases up to serial mass production.

Currently, AMC holds over 36 CNC machines, six casting centres, three HPDC machines, 3D sand printing machines and a brand-new laboratory within its main production plant.

AMC has developed a strong relationship with RICARDO UK over the last years through the development of high-performance engine components.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

T +34 964 659 494 E carlos.carrasco@amc.es E dpto.ventas@amc.es

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Engine assembly

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The experience gained over decades, combined with the continued expansion of our product range and with the training of highly qualified personnel has turn the company AMC in a world reference in terms of casting and machining of aluminum and iron.

Crta. Villavieja 76, 12520 Nules, SPAIN | +34 964 65 94 94 | dpto.ventas@amc.es | www.amc.es

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Innovative and diverse

Currently employing more than 300 people globally, Performance Products provides turnkey production solutions in an adaptable way across a variety of global industries.

The firm prides itself on its unrivalled ability to deliver best practice, modern automotive products and services across each and every one of its projects, regardless of complexity.

“Central to our success is our proven approach to niche volume manufacture, focusing on truly integrated product development and manufacturing capability through the life of the project,” Starkey explains.

“Whether it is assembling an engine for a supercar or a transmission for a monorail, there is usually a process whereby a number of critical steps need to be completed in a repeatable way – processes that we have

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become accomplished in completing while consistently adhering to strict manufacturing controls.”

Through an emphasis on diversification and innovation, the company has developed a broad range of new and advanced manufacturing tools that, combined with its expert operators and supporting digital infrastructure, give Performance Products a distinct competitive advantage in niche volume manufacturing.

“Examples of this include humanmachine interface systems supporting the operator with digital work instructions and Wi-Fi controlled tooling to plant-wide virtual Andon systems,” explains Starkey. “These assist management in monitoring plant performance and build issues, among other things – typical in high volume manufacturing but more unique in the world of niche volume production.”

RICARDO PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS: THE BASICS The Performance Products business accounts for around 20 percent of the Ricardo Group’s entire revenue.

The division manufactures and assembles high-quality prototypes and niche volumes of complex engine, transmission and vehicle products.

These are designed either in house by the firm’s various design and engineering experts or by Ricardo’s customers themselves.

Its operations include a UK-based highly flexible transmission manufacturing facility at its Midlands Technical Centre and an engine assembly facility at its Shoreham Technical Centre, alongside a global support network spanning the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Italy, the Czech Republic and China.

L3 MACDONALD HUMFREY AUTOMATION

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3 MacDonald Humfrey Automation evolved its capabilities within the automotive sector, some 30 years ago and today, with more than three decades of varied experience, we remain a leader in supplying turnkey systems to the automotive industry.

As a leading global systems integrator, L3 MacDonald Humfrey Automation is committed to delivering technical innovation and customer satisfaction.

Our clients include some of the most iconic and prominent brands in the automotive industry, and we are proud of our long-standing relationships with key partners and this is no better reflected than in our partnership with Ricardo UK Ltd. Our expertise enables us to provide total systems integration with PLC, HMI, software development, manufacture and assembly of control and electrical panels, testing and commissioning.

To ensure that every project we are associated with runs smoothly we both manage and deliver each element of the control and automation process to deliver a fully integrated, innovative solution. We combine state-of-the-art solutions with in-house resources, knowledge and expertise to deliver a solution that works for our partners and clients.

L3 MacDonald Humfrey Automation has been at the forefront of systems integration for nearly 30 years and with our in-depth understanding of how to develop a ‘digitalxxxxxxxxxxx twin’ for real-world Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx installations we can point to exceptional results.

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YOUR TRUSTED AUTOMATION PARTNER. Delivering innovation through turnkey automation, robotics and IT solutions.

L3 MacDonald Humfrey Automation is a leading global systems provider of automation solutions for automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, process and logistics applications. As a leader in collaborative robotics, we are at the forefront of developing automation solutions that enable our customers to stay ahead. We are their partner of choice.

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Remaining adaptable

The development and implementation of such systems is an inherently important part of Performance Products’ investment programme, but it makes up just one small portion of this extensive agenda.

Research and development is key to the division’s ability to stay ahead of the curve and provide the latest and most advanced products and services to its clients, enabling it to satisfy their complex demands. For this reason, Performance Products constantly seeks to improve and update its operating model.

“Alongside new intelligent systems, we continually invest in our manufacturing sites in the UK,” Starkey reveals. “In our transmission technical centre in Leamington we have recently added additional capabilities to both our machining facilities and our end of line test cells, improving our offering in emerging electrified motorsport sectors.

“Equally, in our engine assembly plant down in Shoreham we have made significant upgrades to both the engine assembly line and the supporting logistics centre, ensuring we can meet the demands of tomorrow.”

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With these upgrades providing new challenges in the way of staff training, Performance Products ensured that the implementation and transition was seamless by allowing its employees to familiarise themselves with the new systems through the use of VR technology to simulate the new factory prior to installation.

To this end, the company was able to implement the new systems quickly and effectively while adding flexibility and capacity. Starkey adds: “These changes were installed over just a three-week period in August 2018 when the plant was undergoing its annual shut down.”

Capitalising on current trends

Such investment practices are not limited to the firm’s capital either.

Equally, Performance Products ensures that its staff are continually educated so that they can effectively meet any shifts in the market and become qualified in using the latest manufacturing techniques and technologies.

The firm’s work in the electric vehicle market is one such example of this – a market that is increasingly finding its way into the high-performance automotive segment.

In response to this rising trend, Performance Products invested in training its staff in electric vehiclerelevant areas, a strategy that has since paid dividends, with the firm having developed supply chain and manufacturing capabilities in the production of high-performance traction batteries and development of electric axles for automotive drivelines.

“Such requirements and capabilities have spilled over into motorsport where we are now developing and supplying transmissions for several teams in Formula E,” Starkey reiterates.

These expanded innovative activities are testament to Performance Products’ emphasis on current trends,

FINECAST FOUNDRY

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inecast Foundry is a specialist manufacturer of high integrity aluminium castings, accredited to BS EN ISO 9001: 2000 and AS9100 aerospace standards.

It provides customers with a comprehensive solution for their prototype to production requirements: casting design and 3D simulation, rapid prototyping, tooling/pattern manufacture, CNC machining and nondestructive and inspection facilities.

Finecast is now also producing copper and steel products for global automotive, defence, maritime and petrochemical industries.

Managing Director Chris Gratton-Healey comments: “As a prototyping foundry, every design is a new concept and I think that’s reflective of the British attitude of being ingenious, creative and not saying no to a challenge.”

www.finecast.co.uk

FORMBEND

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ormbend was founded in 1966 and is your one-stop shop for outstanding manufacturing expertise in tube manipulation.

We use the latest CNC / CMM forming technology across a suite of tube bending and end-forming machines, all backed by our in-house tooling manufacture and jointing technologies such as TIG, MIG and brazing expertise to provide customer delight to companies across the UK and Europe.

Formbend has been a preferred supplier to Ricardo for over 14 years supplying over 200 different components for various high-performance vehicles.

T 0121 557 0555 E email@formbend.com

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QUALITY. PRECISION. EXCELLENCE Finecast Foundry are world class suppliers of non ferrous high integrity precision sand castings.

We are committed to providing our customers with outstanding engineering solutions that are focused upon the complete manufacture of high quality products.

Extensive in house manufacturing facilities provide our customers with a single source supply route. The involvement of experienced foundry and machinist personnel ensures delivery of a quality finished cast product to your lead time.

+44 (0)1903 716471 | enquiries@finecast.co.uk www.finecast.co.uk

We turn pipedreams into reality Formbend is renowned for the highest quality service in tube manipulation, having over 50 years of experience within the industry.

Offering an efficient, cost-effective and flexible service is at the forefront of our business.

Formbend specialises in producing tubular components and welded assemblies. We pride ourselves on constantly evolving our processes, using the latest tube bending technologies and the brain power of our ever-growing skilled workforce in order to provide an exceptional level of service - turning mind-bending possibilities into reality.

0121 557 0555 email@formbend.com www.formbend.com

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a forward-thinking approach that is equally reflected by Ricardo’s graduate programme.

Operating an accredited scheme, the group provides young and talented graduates with the opportunities to hone their skills, bolster their experience and broaden their knowledge in a hands-on environment, whilst also helping to bring in new ideas and thought processes throughout the business, including the Performance Products division.

“As a leading employer of engineering, scientific and other professional skills, we focus our efforts on investing in the future by working with young people via our local schools and colleges,” explains Starkey. “STEM is our focus.

“Examples of this include our awardwinning work experience programme, where 40 students were each provided with work experience opportunities in the year, supporting a number of events

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for local schools in our Shoreham-based Centenary Innovation Centre.”

Partner perfection

Combined with these extensive investments, proactive approach and innovative culture is Performance Products’ own robust network of esteemed suppliers, a network that is crucial to its own success.

Much like its own philosophies, many of the company’s business partners remain flexible, something that is integral within the niche volume environment.

“Over many years Ricardo Performance Products has worked hard to establish a leading approved supplier list that not only has the technical pedigree to support such levels of complexity but also, in many cases, has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the demands that exist in our particular industry,” explains Starkey.

TRIDAN ENGINEERING

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ridan Engineering, established in 1968, is an efficient organisation approved to AS9100, ISO 14001 and an approved supplier to major organisations throughout the UK, Europe, and USA. We supply to all sectors from aerospace and defence to motorsport, using the latest 5-axis, horizontal and sliding head machining centres, providing standards of quality and service which, we believe, can only be matched by a few companies in the field.

Our latest machining centre is a Mazak i-500 with a 6-pallet system, giving us a total of six 5-axis machining centres.

T 01255 424937 E info@tridan.co.uk

www.tridan.co.uk

“We take great pride in our key partnerships built within our supply chain, and the ever-expanding in-house supplier quality function continues to work hand in hand with our partners to identify, investigate and implement efficiency and productivity gains that benefit all parties.”

More recently, the firm has dramatically sought to expand the geographical reach of this supplier network to bolster its capacity, evident in the number of partnerships that it has agreed with companies in the Far East who are able to better cater to its growing niche volume programmes.

Striving for a sustainable supply chain that is able to meet both immediate quality and delivery targets and offer strategic guidance on design and manufacturing process in this way, often leveraging the latest technologies, Ricardo’s supplier partners play a fundamental role in maintaining its continued success.

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Your Leading Contract Manufacturer Tridan Engineering Ltd can provide the full range of services expected from a modern engineering partner. Our state of the art CNC machining centres enable us to manufacture a wide range of precision components from large castings to prismatic parts. Our facility is also complimented by our manual finishing and air conditioned assembly area, with a downdraft bench and ultrasonic cleaning facilities.

In turn, our machining is backed with an experienced team of specialist engineers, IT and support staff providing unparalleled levels of technical and IT support and a solid Supply Chain Management structure.

Finally, our partners can be assured by the security offered by our AS9100 accredited ‘one stop’ manufacturing facility.

Contacts Michael Lynch – Sales Director – michael@tridan.co.uk Sales Office – tridansales@tridan.co.uk T: 01255 424937 E: info@tridan.co.uk

“The key relationships that have been developed over a number of years consistently prove to provide us with the ability to meet all aspects of our clients’ requirements whilst maintaining a continuous improvement mentality throughout the value stream,” Starkey adds.

Establishing electrification

All things combined, Ricardo Performance Products has been able to successfully establish an esteemed reputation, differentiating itself by consistently delivering some of the most advanced powertrain products for some of the world’s most impressive vehicle models.

Achieving this to the highest quality standards whilst working in what is typically a very different volume sector is a hallmark of Ricardo Performance Products and something that Starkey is particularly proud of.

“Almost any challenge is met

and addressed by our staff, a team consisting of a multitude of different specialists with experience in manufacturing in low volume,” he explains. “This team is supported by a well-developed and proven global supply chain that is equally

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experienced in this niche.

“Ultimately these elements work together to successfully deliver programmes in timescales that few competitors could achieve.”

Based on this proven model, Starkey remains optimistic about the coming years as the firm aims to diversify into new sectors and bolster its existing capabilities.

He concludes: “I expect the next five years to be dominated by a continued drive into electrification and would expect Performance Products to successfully established its niche volume, high performance battery manufacturing capabilities to match its current engine and transmission capabilities.”

Ricardo Performance Products Tel: +44 (0) 1273 455611 info@ricardo.com www.ricardo.com

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Shoreham Technical Centre, Old Shoreham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5FG, UK Tel: +44 (0)1273 455 611 info@ricardo.com www.ricardo.com

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