In touch with its moulding plant

1 min read

Downtime and costs reduced, and output up 40% – those are among top line benefits at Telford-based automotive plastic components maker TP Moulding since installing electronic production monitoring.

The company went for an Intouch system following the lead of sister company, Welshpool-based Traltech, which had successfully revolutionised its performance. TP operates some 280 tools and 18 moulding machines ranging from 25 to 450 tonne. With the system connected to each machine and three assembly stations, everyone gets accurate real-time data on job status. Management sees graphical information on remote PCs, while operators and supervisors use large plasma screens around the factory floor. The result: problems are quickly seen and rectified. Intouch configured the system so that it integrates with TP's existing database system, used for order records, planning, purchasing and stock control. Dave White, shift leader: "The system has made an incredible difference to our productivity and efficiency. In fact, since installing it we have been able to go from a seven day week to just five.