UK CPS – Spring 2017

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Control System Engineers & Electrical Installation Contractors

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Comprehensive service from start to finish

Managing Director Jim Hawkins.

A sophisticated control panel for a 30 tonne press.

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first rented premises in Stone, BUSINESS expansion over the Staffordshire. The next exciting last 10 years has seen UK CPS chapter in UK CPS’s history came grow from a sole trader to a with the purchase of a former multi-million pound operation. electrical wholesaler’s in Founded by Managing Director Stoke-on-Trent, which was Jim Hawkins in 1993, the company comprehensively refurbished to has grown from designing and provide its current headquarters, building control systems to offering with fully-equipped workshops, a full “start-to-finish” service covering design and testing facilities as all types of control panels. well as stylish offices and Specialist teams will design, build, meeting rooms. install, commission, test and “It’s been an exciting journey,” maintain the various said Jim, “and the real growth control systems that started when we expanded the keep business range of services we provide. moving. In fact, “Customers appreciate they electrical can come to us with a project installations have and we will see it through from been the company’s the very earliest planning stages biggest growth area, to handing over the keys. And we and have even taken can deliver a comprehensive its experts overseas. after-care service of testing and Jim and his team maintenance.” quickly outgrew their

Panel Wirer James Rayner working on a SL250 for a 3D laser printer.

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Electronics giant praises response to Euro-challenge

Ricoh Engineering Specialist Matt Talbot links into a control panel at the Telford factory.

A trusted supplier in many new markets EXCITING new markets are opening up to further the UK CPS expansion story. The company already serves a variety of market sectors, from brick manufacturers to hi-tech electronics companies.

New customers are being attracted to the company’s service portfolio, and its meticulously turned out vans, well-equipped workforce and immaculate HQ. All that means the company is staking its claim with an increasing number of high profile customers, including several from the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Several existing customers have recommended UK CPS to bigger players further down the

supply chain because they are only too happy to bring them to the company’s pristine workshops.

Business Development Manager Steve Kuhar said: “Within the last few years we have made great progress and become a trusted, preferred supplier for companies like Marley Eternit and Ibstock Bricks in the construction materials market, and Schoeller Allibert, the major manufacturer of plastic storage systems for the world’s biggest retailers.

“We work extensively in the food industry, provide specialist services to John Lewis and Waitrose, and our work for Ricoh has taken us into Europe.”

Steve explained that

designing and installing panels to control lighting and heating at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Crewe campus was also opening up opportunities in further and higher education.

UK CPS Managing Director Jim Hawkins said new services in the maintenance and breakdown division were also proving successful with new and existing customers.

He said: “We’re investing in thermal imaging equipment which can identify hotspots in a system, enabling us to diagnose and repair before they become a problem.

“Loose connections start fires, so our thermographic reports are a massive contribution to premises safety.”

GLOBAL electronics giant Ricoh turned to the UK CPS team for complex work at sites in the UK and France.

Having earned their spurs with panel design and installations at the Telford print toner cartridge plant, the team was then called on to remove an entire production line from a French factory and reinstall it back in the Midlands.

Ricoh Senior Engineer Lee Massey said: “Our Design and Development Department initially approached UK Control Panel Services in August 2013 to build some electric panels to existing drawings. This was a success and our engineers were impressed with the build quality and price.

“UK CPS were then introduced to other areas within the business and have continued to provide quality electrical panel builds to date.

“They have carried out major electrical installations for our latest manufacturing plant and they were our chosen electrical contractor as part of a large European project where manufacturing process equipment was removed from our site in France, transferred, relocated to our Telford site in the UK and re-installed.

“All projects went very well and were completed within schedule and budget.

“A flexible hardworking approach was taken throughout which impressed Ricoh Management worldwide.

“Excellent levels of service are provided and comprehensive knowledge and skills were realised to provide the perfect solution for our expanding needs.”

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Foreman Paul Dyer updates the jobs scheduling board.

Business Development Manager Steve Kuhar is often the first contact for companies looking for a tailored solution.

Paul and his team plan ahead to ensure build projects are completed on time CAREFUL scheduling behind the scenes at UK CPS headquarters makes sure design and build projects are completed on time, ready for installation.

Six days a week, factory Foreman Paul Dyer and his team liaise closely with colleagues in the workshop and supply chain managers to manage the progress of projects.

Paul liaises with customers on the fine detail of designs they may have submitted themselves and can, on occasion, make it out onto customers’ sites for large installation and breakdowns.

A weekly production meeting at HQ assesses throughput and informs the production manager, who makes sure all parts required are delivered on time.

Paul said: “We’re a really busy operation and it’s crucial that work is completed and tested in the workshops in time to meet customers’ needs. We hit delivery targets in 99 per cent of jobs.”

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UK CPS Electrician David Lowe wires a main isolator at Schoeller Allibert’s Winsford factory.

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Consultation to assess needs is key to delivering quality QUALITY customer service begins when UK CPS receive an enquiry about control panel design.

Specialists arrange a free consultation to assess a customer’s needs and start the costing and design process.

The team offers a large selection of control panel designs and solutions to suit individual customer needs. With many years of industry experience, its control panel designs are suitable for most applications in the mechanical, industrial and processing industries.

For those projects requiring a more customised level of control, UK CPS can provide in house Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Software Development Services.

Electrical installations are conducted in accordance with the current IEE regulations, British Standards (BS7671), the Health and Safety standards and COSHH regulations and consultant’s specifications.

Programmable logic controller (PLC) control panels are one of the staple offerings of UK CPS, fully customised, usually with suitable human machine interface (HMI), whether it be a stainless steel design for a hygienic process, or mild steel painted type for a switchroom location, high or low IP ratings to suit ingress limits, stand alone or integrated as part

Ricoh Senior Engineer Lee Massey controls production using a HMI installed by UK CPS.

of a larger suited system.

PLC panels are fully documented with detailed schematics, layout arrangement drawings, power/control field cable scheduling and all developed in conjunction with

client specifications and on-site requirements.

Managing Director Jim Hawkins said: “Customers appreciate our experience, attention to detail and the fact that we work to meet their exact specification.

“Well-designed, complex control panel solutions are the life blood of an operation. They literally provide the power to drive business, so making the most of our start-to-finish approach makes a lot of sense.”

Attention to detail is the hallmark of UK CPS build projects.

Electrician Alex Holdcroft connects a conveyor belt panel in the UK CPS workshops.

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Well trained team with professional attitude PACKAGING giant Schoeller Allibert first employed UK CPS to complete some small installation works – and a few years later the company is a permanent fixture at its Winsford factory.

Chief Engineer Pat McNally said the resourceful specialists work autonomously, supplying their own materials and equipment and have removed the time consuming task of having to source and order materials.

He said: “We pretty much have one of the UK CPS engineers on site on a daily basis and over a period they have replaced most of the high bay fittings in our manufacturing hall which was first built in the 1950s.

“Some of this work has required a substantial rewire as well as the replacement programme and it has been achieved with a minimum of disruption due to the good working relationships developed between the UK CPS engineers and our own production supervision.

“Recently they have carried out the installation of various 600 amp supplies for the new production machines, some of this work had to be carried out during the Christmas shut down period, however, due to good planning most of the works were carried out prior to the shut down, minimising the time the supplies were isolated.

“All of their engineers are extremely well trained and with a professional attitude and I feel very relaxed to have them on site installing and maintaining our electrical system.”

Fitter Trevor Adams puts together a double control panel in the workshop.

Control panels like this one at Stoke-on-Trent laboratory glassware manufacturer SciLabware are extensively tested before and after installation to ensure reliability and quality.

Inset, part of the SciLabware production line.

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Meticulous checks and tests are vital parts of package COMPLEX checks and tests at customers’ premises and at UK CPS HQ are an important part of the company’s quality guarantee.

Literally every component and function of every power control system is audited, checked against the client’s initial specification and then rigorously tested mechanically and electronically.

The work ranges from quality testing wet room solutions for the pharmaceutical industry which are sealed to Ingress Protection (IP) 66 to looking at the “dirty” end of the market with industrial battery charger arrays used to power moving racks in articulated trucks... and everything in between.

Control panels built in pristine workshops at UK CPS’s Staffordshire headquarters eventually end up on the benches in Dean Jeffcoate’s workshop.

One of the company’s original employees, Test and Inspection Engineer Dean starts with a comprehensive check of what has been built against the customer’s specification drawings.

He said: “Customers specify what colour cables they want using and whether or not they are to be clip tied neatly.

“We make sure every last detail is in line with the drawing. If a customer wants a hole in a certain place in a cabinet, the hole must be in the right place.

“If it needs to be waterproof and dust proof to IP67, then that’s what it must be.”

There follows a thorough visual inspection and continuity test, looking at all connections, wire sizes, devices and power supply, once again ensuring the work exactly meets the specification.

Finally, the system is powered up, and every single function meticulously tested.

It’s a piece of work that can’t be rushed, and some of the more complex tests can take days to complete before the panel is signed off for delivery and installation.

Dean added: “At UK CPS we like things to be neat and tidy... really professional looking. I always think if it looks excellent there’s a better

Test and Inspection Engineer Dean Jeffcoate tests connections in a new control panel at the UK CPS test workshop.

chance it will be excellent.”

Systems installed at customers’ premises are tested on site as part of the commissioning process.

We test all wire connections to the new panel, and also test all supplies to machinery on a site.

As part of the testing process he also completes the programming of any timers and functionality controlled by the panel.

Sensitive equipment like complex air conditioning systems need careful programming to control start and stop times and fan speeds and all of this is set up at this stage.

Dean said: “No two jobs are the same but we apply the same attention to detail to them all.

“We quite often work alongside the customer’s employees during the commissioning process.

“Our work takes us all over the UK, including looking at new jobs and providing quotes and solutions.”

Regular testing of mobile battery arrays which power racking systems on lorries for Waitrose and John Lewis help to keep the fleet on the road.

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UK CPS Electrician Rob Bucknall threads a length of conduit to supply a conveyor belt at Schoeller Allibert’s Winsford plant.

Trainee Software and Commissioning Engineer Tommi Lowe has joined UK CPS to work with software design engineers and the maintenance team.

Maintenance solutions tailored to meet specific requirements FLEXIBLE maintenance solutions offered by UK CPS range from responsive call-outs to attend a breakdown to putting a full-time expert on-site to provide holiday cover.

The team’s reputation for quality and fixing a problem before it impacts massively on a business goes before it. A loyal customer base frequently recommend their contacts and colleagues to sign up the experts from Stoke-on-Trent.

Quite often a mechanical contractor working on a job will sub-contract the electrical side of the work to UK CPS too.

Commissioning Engineer Frank Wilde travels the country making the repairs which keep business moving.

Depending on the company’s workload, specialist staff will be on the road and on their way as soon as possible.

So when major customer Ibstock Brick needed full time shift cover when one of their own staff was on holiday, UK CPS were only too happy to oblige.

Frank said: “Specialists who work at this level and to this complexity are few and far between, so when one of our customers needs holiday or sickness cover we do everything we can to help.”

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Commissioning Engineer Frank Wilde works on a control panel in the UK CPS workshops.

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In house expertise to write software programs SPECIALIST software engineers write the code which drives complex outputs from control panels, as well as the interfaces customers need to use the kit installed.

Programs written at UK CPS HQ are comissioned and tested on site – work which can take many weeks.

The highly-skilled team have huge experience of most industry standard software packages across customer bases including factories, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, logistics and many more. But since every project is different – mostly without a design specification – it’s up to Ian Holdcroft and Ant Cartlidge to consult with clients and design a solution to meet their needs.

Working closely with colleagues designing the physical control panel systems, Ian and Ant write the software which “puts the pictures” on graphic touchscreens (or HMIs – that’s human machine interface) by adding complex programming to PLCs (that’s programmable logic controller).

Ian said:“We work alongside control panel designers and installers across pretty much our entire customer base.

“We are fully experienced in many of the industry standard software packages and major SCADA packages. PLC software and SCADA systems are written and developed to meet our customers’ requirements.”

SCADAs (a complex software driven control system which stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) are often required in addition to PLC and HMIs, integrated into plant network architecture, providing a fully automated graphical representation of the controlled plant, together with alarm logging, trending and diagnostics.

UK CPS experts, who write and document software to IEC61131 standards, have provided such systems nationally and internationally across a multitude of processes and industries on previous projects.

Ian added: “We programmed a whole brick production plant for Ibstock Brick near Brighton, where a system had to be modified with new PLCs and HMIs to replace an old system. It was a complex solution and we were commissioning on site for six weeks.”

Ian Holdcroft programs an HMI.

Ant Cartlidge works on a software package.

Chris Cartlidge works on an extruder design drawing.

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Fitter Chris Angell constructing a downstream pelletiser.

Prompt and efficient service gives ‘peace of mind’

Electrical Engineer Gary Gratton makes a site visit at extruder specialists Xtrutech at their Stoke-on-Trent factory.

Complex installations literally put the power behind business

Waitrose Warehouse Operative Stan Gillard at the company’s north London hub with one of dozens of portable power units installed by UK CPS.

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COMPLEX installations by the UK CPS team keep major production facilities running and big retailers’ lorry fleets on the road.

The huge projects undertaken by the company go from the National Grid to the factory floor, via panel boards designed as part of the service.

This turnkey approach sees specialists travelling the length and breadth of the UK, and even abroad, to service customers’ requirements.

Small domestic jobs come within their remit, but the UK CPS service comes into its own with large, industrial scale projects to literally put the power behind business.

An example was the refurbishment of factory premises in Staffordshire for the giant brick manufacturer Ibstock, when the team worked for three years to take electricity supplies form the local substation throughout the new building.

Ibstock Brick’s Cannock factory also benefitted from a new 600 Amp supply to power a kiln.

Retailers Waitrose and John Lewis rely on the team to boost their logistics network, as they install independent battery power to articulated trailers which drive a moving deck storing goods being transported around the country.

The 300 amp DC units enable speedy unpacking of the goods when they arrive at stores. The ongoing contract usually services one store at a time, although John Lewis have just placed an order to power 62 vehicles.

UK CPS has a permanent on-site presence for plastic packaging specialist Schoeller Allibert, providing and maintaining the power supply to keep the presses turning.

Global reprographics leader Ricoh called on UK CPS to install machinery, design and fit control panels and install a production line at its toner plant in Telford.

Because of that work the installation team travelled to another Ricoh plant in France, decommissioned a production line, shipped it back to the UK and reinstalled it in Telford – a full start to finish service crossing the English Channel.

Electrical Installations Manager Phil Dixon said: “Our skilled electricians provide high quality, accurate electrical installation – power, control and instrumentation – as an integral part of turnkey projects.

“This gives confidence to our customers knowing that one company can manage the complete package, which also ensures we take full responsibility to install accurately to avoid faults and problems during the commissioning stage.”

Electrical Installation Manager Phil Dixon oversees the expert team delivering complex solutions on-site.

A major project at Ibstock Brick factory at Newcastle-under-Lyme connected the entire plant with the local substation.

EUROPE-WIDE poultry, egg and food supplier Moy Park’s partnership with UK CPS has grown thanks to expertise and customer service.

Technical Supervisor Alan Jones said he had always been impressed with the UK CPS team.

He said: “They are prompt, efficient and provide detailed quotations and their attention to detail pleases me.

“These qualities ensure that Moy Park can continue to run smoothly and does not lose unnecessary money.

“I have also used their PLC Engineers who visited us at our site and were very helpful with sorting out our issues.

“This is a company that I would have no hesitation in recommending, I have always found every member of staff there to be courteous and knowledgeable.

“The fact that I know I can rely on UK CPS makes my job much easier and gives me peace of mind.

“I will continue to be a customer of UK CPS – they do a fantastic job and complete work to an exceptional standard.

“Nothing is too much trouble and they always take care to make sure they meet the needs of our company.”

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Fitter Chris Angell constructing a downstream pelletiser.

Prompt and efficient service gives ‘peace of mind’

Electrical Engineer Gary Gratton makes a site visit at extruder specialists Xtrutech at their Stoke-on-Trent factory.

Complex installations literally put the power behind business

Waitrose Warehouse Operative Stan Gillard at the company’s north London hub with one of dozens of portable power units installed by UK CPS.

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COMPLEX installations by the UK CPS team keep major production facilities running and big retailers’ lorry fleets on the road.

The huge projects undertaken by the company go from the National Grid to the factory floor, via panel boards designed as part of the service.

This turnkey approach sees specialists travelling the length and breadth of the UK, and even abroad, to service customers’ requirements.

Small domestic jobs come within their remit, but the UK CPS service comes into its own with large, industrial scale projects to literally put the power behind business.

An example was the refurbishment of factory premises in Staffordshire for the giant brick manufacturer Ibstock, when the team worked for three years to take electricity supplies form the local substation throughout the new building.

Ibstock Brick’s Cannock factory also benefitted from a new 600 Amp supply to power a kiln.

Retailers Waitrose and John Lewis rely on the team to boost their logistics network, as they install independent battery power to articulated trailers which drive a moving deck storing goods being transported around the country.

The 300 amp DC units enable speedy unpacking of the goods when they arrive at stores. The ongoing contract usually services one store at a time, although John Lewis have just placed an order to power 62 vehicles.

UK CPS has a permanent on-site presence for plastic packaging specialist Schoeller Allibert, providing and maintaining the power supply to keep the presses turning.

Global reprographics leader Ricoh called on UK CPS to install machinery, design and fit control panels and install a production line at its toner plant in Telford.

Because of that work the installation team travelled to another Ricoh plant in France, decommissioned a production line, shipped it back to the UK and reinstalled it in Telford – a full start to finish service crossing the English Channel.

Electrical Installations Manager Phil Dixon said: “Our skilled electricians provide high quality, accurate electrical installation – power, control and instrumentation – as an integral part of turnkey projects.

“This gives confidence to our customers knowing that one company can manage the complete package, which also ensures we take full responsibility to install accurately to avoid faults and problems during the commissioning stage.”

Electrical Installation Manager Phil Dixon oversees the expert team delivering complex solutions on-site.

A major project at Ibstock Brick factory at Newcastle-under-Lyme connected the entire plant with the local substation.

EUROPE-WIDE poultry, egg and food supplier Moy Park’s partnership with UK CPS has grown thanks to expertise and customer service.

Technical Supervisor Alan Jones said he had always been impressed with the UK CPS team.

He said: “They are prompt, efficient and provide detailed quotations and their attention to detail pleases me.

“These qualities ensure that Moy Park can continue to run smoothly and does not lose unnecessary money.

“I have also used their PLC Engineers who visited us at our site and were very helpful with sorting out our issues.

“This is a company that I would have no hesitation in recommending, I have always found every member of staff there to be courteous and knowledgeable.

“The fact that I know I can rely on UK CPS makes my job much easier and gives me peace of mind.

“I will continue to be a customer of UK CPS – they do a fantastic job and complete work to an exceptional standard.

“Nothing is too much trouble and they always take care to make sure they meet the needs of our company.”

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Fitter Lee Foden with one of the company’s vans with a personalised number plate.

Cars and vans reflect pride in everything the company does SHINY black cars and vans in the UK CPS fleet certainly stand out from the crowd.

Firstly, they are usually the cleanest vehicles on any car park – and they are smartly branded with the company logo.

But what really sets them apart are an almost unique set of personalised number plates, all bear the company’s name. They go from UK 02 CPS to UK 16 CPS, in full sequence.

Managing Director Jim Hawkins said: “They are a real talking point and it does look impressive when they are all lined up in order.

“I know JCB have a similar system where

many of their company vehicles’ plates include the company name. We’re very proud of the company and want to remind people who we are at every opportunity.”

As would be expected of a company renowned for the cleanliness and order of its workshops, each vehicle has its own dedicated parking space at headquarters, all in numerical order.

Jim added: “All our customers know we like to make sure our work is neat and tidy.

“Our workshops and equipment are kept immaculately and that extends to the vehicles.

A sign showing the van’s designated space on the car park.

“They are well kitted out and we keep them clean. We like to think it gives the best impression of our company.”

Wealth of industrial knowledge is a major asset PRODUCTION line and industrial equipment specialists Eriks UK have worked extensively with UK CPS on complex turnkey solutions for Jaguar Land Rover.

Greg Wraxton, Service Centre Manager, praised the team’s knowledge and reliability.

He said: “I have worked with UK Control Panel Services several times and delivered many cradle to grave projects over the years. No job is too big or too small and they have helped

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me with some large projects I was involved in at a site in Lichfield. This involved the upgrade of eight Schneider PLCs, new control panels built with limited information or drawings from old existing cabinets that were already in place and a project for light guard systems to help with the reduction in quality issues.

“UK CPS are a very reliable company with a wealth of industry knowledge and come highly recommended.”

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Hot service for top incinerator manufacturer THE burning issue of sophisticated control panels for one of the UK’s most advanced incinerator manufacturers ignited the UK CPS team into action.

Since 2007 the team have provided the panels for several of Addfield International’s animal, medical and high capacity incinerator units.

The panels carefully control timing and temperature for the units, complete with a small HMI and a programmed PLC. It is a service which has seen Addfield thrive over the last few years, with 300 per cent growth An Addfield International company spokesman on its website said: “The Addfield concept has remained unchanged for over 25 years, simply build them better, keep it simple and offer a great service. We make quality products that give excellent payback on investment, our incinerators are the most robust and thermally efficient in the industry.

“The company continues to grow year on year. We now have over 10,000 square feet of manufacturing space ensuring that we can cope with whatever the order large or small.”

Senior Electrical Design Engineer Ian Holdcroft works on a panel destined for Addfield.

As well as the incinerators with UK CPS panels, Addfield also makes ranges for pet and human cremation, fish incineration and mobile units. More specialist incinerators are also made for disposal of waste infected by the Ebola virus, camel carcasses and invasive plants

like the dreaded Japanese knotweed.

UK CPS Senior Electrical Design Engineer Ian Holdcroft said: “We build the panels in our workshops and ship them down to the Addfield factory in Cannock for installation into the incinerator units.”

Bright sparks’ charge point boosts Mercedes dealer

Drayton Mercedes Service Team Manager Sam Walker plugs in the electric B250e model.

SPECIALIST charging points to power up the most environmentally friendly vehicles in the luxury Mercedes Benz range at one of the country’s leading dealerships were installed by UK CPS. Drayton Mercedes, with a pair of showpiece showrooms in Staffordshire, needed kit that did the job but also looked the part to fit into prestigious surroundings. Enter the expert installation team from UK CPS, renowned with customers all over the country for the neatness and quality of their work.

UK CPS Business Development Manager Steve Kuhar said: “As more and more motorists choose electric plug in vehicles we predict this will be a big growth area for the business. Dealerships need to be confident that their chargers are installed by accredited, qualified personnel with the right quality background.

“With our experience and commitment to quality and safety, UK CPS fit the bill and will be installing many more of these facilities.”

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Top facilities management service pays off for campus ENERGY efficiency and safety are The service also includes top priority for a wide-ranging emergency lighting, and energy facilities management programme efficiency surveys to help cut delivered by the company to running costs.

Manchester Metropolitan In the past these have led to University’s Cheshire Campus. installation of energy efficient The 100-year-old site, a stone’s lighting and better control panels throw from the bustling town for the boiler system, the centre, is home to facilities from most recent being in the the Student’s Union and halls of Student Hub. residence to the library, sports The specialist UK CPS centre and gym. team also puts in tender bids The campus is home to four for larger projects at the departments – Contemporary Arts, campus, including new Interdisciplinary Studies, Exercise builds. and Sport Science, and Business Business Development Management, as well as part of the Manager Steve Kuhar said: Faculty of Education. It is also the “Over the years we have base for the South Cheshire developed a great working Chamber of Commerce, which relationship with Frazer Wylie provides links with the local and the team at MMU. We look business community. after the controls from the sports UK CPS looks after fixed wiring centre and dance studio to the testing and inspection, which needs student accommodation and it’s to be carried out each year ahead of great to work in such a vibrant the new student intake’s arrival. campus.”

Building Services Manager Frazer Wylie at the Manchester MET Cheshire Campus.

‘Just in time’ supplies system keeps workshops on the move SOPHISTICATED purchasing and production management systems keep the UK CPS show on the road and the jobs moving through the workshop.

Specialists Matt Williamson (Purchasing Manager) and Paul Pender (Production Manager) prepare the components needed before any control panel build can start.

Some parts come from the company’s carefully-managed stores, while many, especially the more specialist items, are bought in on a job-to-job basis.

They work to the company’s own designs or customer supplied drawings to asses the specifications and eventually produce a kit box ready for the workshops.

Earlier in the process, when quotations or tenders are being prepared, Matt and Paul use a bespoke manufacturing system to produce a bill of materials leading to accurate costs for the job.

The company buys direct from many specialist suppliers of control panel components, and has a special arrangement with electrical distributors TLA, who operate a bonded stock system at UK CPS headquarters.

Paul explained: “They come in every other month to replenish what we have used – even

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though they store the components at our site we only pay for what we use... a really effective just in time bonded stock system.”

It’s a system that works, with high volume parts kept in the stores and larger, more

Matthew Williamson, left, and Paul Pender in the stores at UK CPS HQ.

specialist items brought in when they are needed. Matt added: “At any one time we could have 30-40 control panel builds in various phases of production, and 10-15 actually being built.”

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Apprentices receive very best training

Apprentice Mike Hawkins with his proud mum and dad, Deb and Jim, and below, working on-site at the Schoeller Allibert factory in Winsford.

“I always wanted to be an LEARNING while working is electrician and the specialist the best route into a career as training I have received has an electrician for apprentice been excellent.”

Mike Hawkins.

Once he is qualified from The 18-year-old is learning the course he is taking at his trade as an electrical Stoke on Trent College he has installer on some of the most high ambitions. complex projects ever UK CPS runs in Mike’s delivered by UK CPS. Practical family. It was founded by his experience, on site, with senior dad Jim and his mum Deb, colleagues, is helping Mike who also works for the towards his NVQ Level Three company. qualification much faster than a Mike said: “I’d love to book course ever could. qualify, carry on learning, and “For me it’s the best way to help the company grow.” learn,” he said. “I’ve spent time Jim Hawkins said: “I’m in the company workshops proud of the achievements learning how control panels are of all our apprentices. designed and built. Most of the “We make sure they receive time I am out on site at our the very best training, in the customers’ premises installing workshops and out on site.” and commissioning the panels.

Flexibility and technical capacity are key qualities Freudenberg Project Manager Rob Glass, left, and Contracts Manager Martin Beckett study electrical supply schematics supplied by UK CPS at the Crewe factory.

GLOBAL filtration specialist Freudenberg’s UK arm says UK CPS’s turnkey solutions approach is the main reason for a long-standing, successful relationship.

Contracts Manager Martin Beckett said: “Our company relies on building partnerships with our suppliers and has become less reliant on the more historical customer/supplier relationship.

“UK CPS offer the flexibility and technical capacity to enable them to respond, react and provide solutions to our most difficult installations, which include food production sites. From the initial design phase of any working project UK CPS are able to offer a solution to our business and that of our customers based on three priorities – design criteria, cost effectiveness and availability.

“Where UK CPS differentiate themselves from a majority of other suppliers/contractors is their ability to offer both a control panel manufacturing service and also a full on-site electrical installation service.

“UK CPS on-site electrical installation teams are professional in their activities and safe in their site working practices.

“We are confident in allowing UK CPS direct on-site contact with our customer as we feel their work ethos matches that of our business.”

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Accreditations a mark of quality and reassurance WIDE-ranging quality, technical, safety and access accreditations are essential if UK CPS are to bid for, and win, important new business.

The company’s long list of accreditations are often mandatory requirements in tendering exercises and many customers insist on them from a contractor.

UK CPS has a technical compliance certificate from the ECA for control panel assemblies.

The company has also been an NICEIC approved contractor since 2012. It has ISO14001 accreditation for environmental management, ISO 9001 for quality management systems and OHSAS 18001 for occupational health and safety management.

In relation to being qualified for site access, staff have SPA passport to safety cards covering courses including core training, industrial

training, petrochemicals, mining and quarrying, and CSCS registration.

They have PASMA cards for using scaffold towers and IPAF cards covering cherry pickers and scissor lifts.

UK CPS also uses its membership of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to network with other members and spread the word about its services.

One of the mighty control panels built by UK CPS.

Specialist panels bound for Europe SPECIALIST panels destined for global scientific equipment supplier Thermo Fisher Scientific’s German factories start their life in the UK CPS workshops.

It is the outcome of a long relationship.

Production Manager Paul Pender said: “For several years we have built

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control systems into panels and then shipped them to Germany.”

Paul said: “We are in the middle of the supply chain, commissioning specialist cabinet production, fitting them out with control gear in a part-build and then shipping them to Germany, where they add the mechanical side.”

Administration Co-ordinator Shelley Cartlidge in the reception area at UK CPS HQ.

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Health and Safety Co-ordinator Sarah Davis makes checks on one of the first aid stations at the HQ.

Proactive drive to build on impeccable safety record the HQ, she also liaises with water tight on health and safety, FULL time health and safety cover colleagues who do their own risk which is the company’s mission.” is helping UK CPS sustain its assessments on site.

Sarah, who is taking the enviable “zero accident” record.

She said: “There is a very clear, National Examination Board in Comprehensive, regularly understood focus at the company Occupational Safety and Health updated risk assessments, external that health and safety of everyone (NEBOSH) course, was brought in audits and accreditations all add up associated with the business, to ensure a permanent health and to a performance on health and visitors and customers is of safety management presence at safety that’s second to none. paramount importance. the company, which has continued The company’s trademark “We are never complacent. The to expand year on year. cleanliness and meticulous team are committed to being on “As well as being responsible for organisation have an impact on top of our game and continuing monitoring and upgrading employee and visitor safety. this performance.” policies and risk assessments at Now H&S Co-ordinator Sarah Davis is leading a proactive drive to maintain and build on these impeccable standards.

As well as OHSAS 18001 health

and safety accreditation, the Keeping company also takes part in external colleagues up-todate with health health and safety audits for ISO and safety issues is accreditation, and is part of the one of Sarah’s Citation consultancy service, which ongoing duties. audits the premises every year.

Sarah said: “It’s a really useful exercise.

“In the last inspection they picked up on the fact that a separate risk assessment needed to be written for one procedure which was covered in another assessment. That attention to detail helps us to be even more

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Health and safety is a crucial element of working practices

Ibstock, the UK’S biggest brick manufacturer, presented UK CPS with a prestigious award for its health and safety record when working at the new factory in Chesterton, Staffordshire. The group-wide award came after the UK CPS team delivered the complex installation with no accidents and no health and safety issues. Our picture shows engineering manager Phil Hemmings with one of the HMI screens they have installed on the production line.

ENSURING the health and safety of customers’ employees offers significant business growth opportunities for UK CPS going forward.

As part of its start to finish solutions specialist electrical teams will design and commission guard systems for presses and conveyors.

Solutions range from installing protective equipment to ensuring control panel systems will respond to risk and stop or adjust machinery accordingly.

UK CPS Managing Director Jim Hawkins said: “We work very closely with safety specialists OMRON who will carry out a safety assessment and report back to the client. We discuss the outcomes with the client, never making assumptions and always understanding that every customer is different.

“We will propose, agree and implement a comprehensive safety solution which is fully documented and compliant.”

■ For more information on UK CPS’s machine safety package please contact Steve Kuhar on 084 4567 4567.

Frank’s supercar is star attraction at classic shows CARLSBERG don’t do Ford Sierras... but if they did they wouldn’t be much different from Frank Wilde’s dream supercar.

His 1987 Sierra Cosworth, which he’s

owned since 2002, is a regular winner at classic car shows around the country.

And with 0-60mph acceleration in 6.1 seconds (getting on for five seconds after Frank’s modifications),

it’s safe to say he enjoys getting the car to the shows in the first place.

“It’s a fantastic car,” said Frank, “and apart from a few new components and a bit of tuning it’s the same as the

day it rolled off the production line.”

Frank’s eighties supercar can be seen at regular shows from Silverstone to Santa Pod – just don’t try to catch him.

Frank Wilde with his Sierra Cosworth at Santa Pod drag race track in Northamptonshire.

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Supporting fans’ team both home and away

Using electronics to make the workplace safe.

Challenging job done on time, on budget ROOF tile manufacturer Marley Eternit started a long and fruitful relationship when UK CPS won a tender to upgrade electrics on the specials production line at its Newcastle-under-Lyme factory.

Works Manager Simon Rawlinson said: “The upgrade was primarily to lift the safety category of the electrical architecture from CAT 1 to CAT 3 Performance level D on fairly old equipment. During this period the opportunity to upgrade all motor drives, pneumatic parachute systems and physical guarding was undertaken with all work carried out by UK CPS. “The project was implemented by a team of five electrical technicians working over a planned two week shutdown period.

“The team showed great professionalism and tenacity working to a very tight time scale often working into the night to overcome technical commissioning problems and ensuring an on time, on budget outcome.

“This was a fantastic result for

both UK CPS as well as Marley Eternit, as it meant our Production Facility could start up again on time following the shutdown period in a much safer condition.

“We have used UK CPS many times since – for general installation of lighting systems, power distribution, PLC and safety PLC work and are impressed by their high standards of Health and Safety culture, workmanship, technical ability within their business, as well as their committed approach to customer service with regards to value and satisfaction.

“I would certainly recommend UK CPS to other companies going forward.”

SUPPORTERS football team Portly Vale FC have purchased new kits for home and away games, as well as jackets, woolly hats and umbrellas with sponsorship from UK Control Panel Services.

The Port Vale fans, who set up their team in 1999, range in age from 17 years old to 47 years old.

Portly Vale FC have been part of Internet Fans Association (IFA) league of England since 2006. Teams in the league get together to play each other, often when their respective professional teams have a fixture.

Team manager, John Hancock said: “We are really grateful for the sponsorship from UK Control Panel Services. It has been very helpful to get the new kit and to develop the club.

“We are doing ok in the league, but we do it more for the fun of the game than anything else.”

Backing for top junior soccer club BRADWELL Football club bought new playing kit, coats and jackets with sponsorship from UK CPS. The club is made up of 24 boys’ teams and four girls’ teams ranging from six to 18-year-olds and is one of the biggest junior clubs in the area.

Team manager Kev Machin said: “The sponsorship has been a real big help. Without the help and support the club could not survive. Kits can cost in the regions of £400-£500. We really appreciate the continued support.”

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Port Vale fan Managing Director Jim Hawkins, right, and Stoke City supporter Phil Dixon, UK CPS Installations Manager, outside the company’s Staffordshire HQ.

Meeting room choice scores a winner with customers VISITORS to UK CPS offices in Stoke-on-Trent have a choice of two unique meeting rooms – both of which are tributes to the city’s two professional football teams.

On the right, The Potters Lounge is themed to celebrate Premier League Stoke City... and then below is The Valiant Suite which glorifies League One neighbours Port Vale.

Resplendent in red-white striped wallpaper and a red carpet, The Potters Lounge walls are adorned with Stoke memorabilia including framed autographed shirts from playing heroes down the years.

Next door in The Valiant Suite, there is black and white striped wallpaper and a black carpet – with signed shirts and photographs of latterday Vale legends.

“It’s a great talking point with visitors,” said UK CPS Managing Director and lifelong Vale fan Jim Hawkins who has collected the PVFC memorabilia himself – some of which goes back to the 1980s.

“We give visitors a choice of holding the meeting in the Vale room or the Stoke room. It is an easy choice for Stoke and Vale fans but when they support Manchester United or Liverpool, for example, they have a decision to make.

“We have even had a meeting of two halves – the first half in The Valiant Suite and second half in The Potters Lounge.

“It is all good fun and many of our customers enjoy viewing the memorabilia.”

Most of the Stoke City signed shirts and other souvenirs were collected by the company’s Installations Manager Phil Dixon, a staunch Potters season-ticket holder.

But whichever meeting room visitors choose they are on to a winner – for both have stylish, hi-tech facilities including state-ofthe-art video conferencing.

Stoke and Vale memorabilia adorns the walls of the two meeting rooms.

Tel: 084 4567 4567

Email: enquiries@uk-cps.co.uk

Fax: 084 4567 5678

Website: www.uk-cps.co.uk

UK Control Panel Services LTD – Packhorse Lane, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 4RT.