NEMA Ltd, which manufacturers motors, actuators and electromechanical assemblies for UTC Aerospace, BAE Systems and Airbus, has installed a Hardinge GS200 at its factory in Rochdale.
A previous machine had failed, causing substantial downtime, so the company turned to Engineering Technology Group (ETG) for support in quickly identifying a replacement. The two firms took just ten days from an initial enquiry to specify the machine, deliver and fully commission it, including full training for operators.
“The last twelve months have seen us deliver a number of complex and demanding projects for the aerospace sector and that has placed a lot of pressure on our machining capabilities,” explained Andrew Wilding, managing director of NEMA.
“This resulted in a spindle bearing failure on an existing machine. It wasn’t practical for us to try to repair it, so we instead took the longer-term approach of replacing it with a new machine.”
He continued: “ETG was quickly briefed and its response time was excellent, coming back to me with an option that we were happy to invest in. This was quickly specified, delivery agreed and a training plan put place so that we didn’t lose any production time on our motor housings and end plates.
“Our ability to get involved in early stage design is helping us secure a lot of new orders, boosting our turnover to £2.3m and necessitating the need for five more people – taking our workforce to 40.”
John Brimblecombe, regional sales manager at ETG, commented: “Aerospace suppliers simply can’t have downtime in their factories and we are delighted that we were able to support Andrew and his team in ensuring a smooth installation and switchover of machines.”
