As the European branch of the Encoder Products Company, British Encoder Products Company is a leading manufacturer of motion sensing and control devices. Offering premium customer service and technical support, the company is dedicated to achieving client satisfaction. Technical Manager Steve Dixon discussed new models and sustainability, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
The British Encoder Products Company (BEPC) is a hub for innovation, with its parent company, Encoder Products Company (EPC), being the inventor of the original Cube encoder, the first use of Opto-ASIC technology and flex mounting for hollow shaft encoders.
BEPC has continued this trend, offering many technologically advanced products, Technical Manager Steve Dixon said: “We added the models A58SB and LCX to our portfolio, as well as, most recently, the A36R. These offer a specialised and accurate performance, enabling better quality results.”
Founded in 1996, BEPC has around 35 employees and is based in Wrexham, Wales. The company’s current premises were built
in 1999, custom-made and enabled significant growth in the company. Most of BEPC’s portfolio comes from its parent company’s product line, but the encoders are built in the UK and sold in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
Being part of a larger group means that BEPC can benefit from the design and development work, and access the resources of EPC. The parent company has approximately 140 employees at its headquarters in Idaho, USA, as well as a reliable global network. With an additional sales organisation in China and an associate company in India, the group has access to the large markets in Asia.
“BEPC was founded by Peter Teire, before being taken over by his stepson Stephen Evans, the current Managing Director,” added Mr Dixon. “Peter really drove the company forward, and then Stephen picked up the reins and has run it with the same ethos. Both have been instrumental in the development of the company.”
Engineering efficiency
As a company dedicated to progression and technological innovations, BEPC has incorporated many sustainable measures into operations. Eight years ago, the company decided to invest in solar panels and installed 32 on the facility’s roof.
Then, BEPC took this a step further and introduced LED lighting throughout the whole factory. Both of these actions reduced the company’s carbon footprint significantly, minimising contributions of
harmful emissions and limiting reliance on the main grid.
“This is only the beginning of our sustainability journey,” commented Mr Dixon. “We are constantly looking for new ways to incorporate energy-saving or carbon footprint-reducing measures into practice. As sustainable technology
evolves, we plan to follow it and utilise current innovations to make our operations more environmentally friendly.”
Additionally, BEPC has made sustainable changes to packaging, moving away from foam and developing a cleaner solution with cardboard and paper. The company now uses paper packaging for products, which has less of an environmental impact to source and to dispose of.
As encoders contain glass parts, there were challenges in achieving adequate cushioning, but BEPC has managed to make the packaging successful. Now, the packaging can be recycled by both BEPC and customers, creating a greener supply chain.
“Our encoders themselves contribute to the sustainability of our clients’ operations,” continued Mr Dixon. “We manufacture a
range of rotary encoders that allow engineers to design better-controlled systems.
“For example, in fans and motors, it is a challenge to keep energy usage low. Engineers need to know specific measurements of speed and movement in impellers and blades. Our encoders monitor and control the speed through a PLC or motor drive, meaning the device only operates when necessary. This saves on electricity and limits the carbon footprint of the end-user.”
Reflective revolution
BEPC’s commitment to innovation extends to its product range, with EPC’s Model A36R absolute encoder being the latest addition. This encoder is a 36mm compact piece of equipment, built with reflective sensor technology. With 22-bit single turn capacity and 24-bit multi-turn capacity, this encoder offers precise, high-speed and accurate data.
“This is brand new reflective technology, where the results are industry-altering,” explained Mr Dixon. “The encoder is quicker to build, more accurate and is designed for versatility, available in different designs with multiple flex mount options. Not only does it save energy and time, but it can also retain position information after power-off scenarios.”
The reflective technology has proven so effective that EPC is developing it for use in other products. Over the next two to three years, BEPC expects to see this technology integrated into many encoders, taking the company’s portfolio to the next level.
BEPC is a supplier of a lot of different types of absolute and incremental encoders, with a variety of functions. Innovative products, such as the Tru-Trac range, highlight the company’s ability to create specialised encoder solutions. The Tru-Trac range combines an encoder and measuring
wheel into one unit, improving efficiency and ease of installation.
“We’ve had two large projects tailoring equipment to specific applications in the printing world,” added Mr Dixon. “For one of our major customers, we developed a special board to mount inside our standard encoder, so that they could switch
Technical Manager Steve Dixon
resolutions quickly. That product has been manufactured here for the past 24 years.
“For a major home shopping firm, we altered our TR1 Tru-Trac encoders. The company relies on robots to pick and pack goods, and our products have advanced the efficiency of their operation. Both of these projects have significantly contributed to the success of BEPC.”
Service at speed
High-quality customer service with fast response speed, is one of BEPC’s highlights. The company can have an encoder reach a client within five working days. However, if the customer needs it urgently, then BEPC offers an expedited service that ensures overnight delivery.
Additionally, the company’s ability to modify and its commitment to innovation both propel BEPC forward within the industry.
“Here at BEPC, we are small enough to care, but big enough to cope,” said Mr Dixon. “We are able to process orders quickly whilst maintaining excellent customer service. If necessary, we also have our parent company to provide support and increase production.”
BEPC works with its parent company, partners and suppliers to adapt to market conditions and progress technology within the sector. Through collaboration, the company is able to guarantee success into the future.
Within the next couple of years, BEPC plans to continue growing and tailoring products to fit various customer needs. Additionally, the company will find more ways to reduce its carbon footprint and further develop relationships with clients, helping them minimise their impact too.
“It’s exciting seeing the new opportunities and challenges at BEPC,” continued Mr Dixon, in conclusion. “We are a big team here and it’s good to see everyone use their individual skills to improve the company. I look forward to what the future holds in terms of technology and the company.” n
