Sewtec reaps rewards from machine tool investment

"At the end of 2009 we had six CNC machine tools and did 140 hours of machining a week," explains Managing Director Bernard Meehan. "In July 2010, with 11 CNC machines, we have increased capacity to 1180 hours per week". The new approach has included a substantial investment in the vertical machining centres which were supplied with Renishaw wireless touch probes. "All machines are fitted with spindle and tool setting probes, because we have to keep the machines running, and the resultant cost savings directly affect the cash flow," says Meehan. "Sewtec equipment is being installed across the world, into countries like China, Russia, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Bulgaria, as well as many installations in the UK. Our customers, frequently international companies expanding into developing markets, want world-class standards of quality and reliability in their regional factories. With increased demand, and a change in the nature of the orders, we decided to change our approach to how we produce the machined parts." Production Manager Jerry Elsy (pictured) who was instrumental in the change, adds: "You have to understand that Sewtec is not about machining. Customers come to us for the quality of the finished machinery – how it is designed, how reliable it is, how it is assembled and installed. When it comes to machining the parts, local machining subcontractors have served us well for many years, still do, and still will. However, as business grew the opportunity to reduce costs was clear, and this is why we have moved towards most of our machining being done in-house." Sewtec was founded in Scotland to manufacture sewing machines but with the decline of the textile industry turned to building production and packaging machines, as demand for consumer goods increased. From 14 employees in 1992, Sewtec now has 65 staff.