Rapid machine installation keeps NEMA flying high

NEMA, which manufacturers motors, actuators and electromechanical assemblies for UTC Aerospace, BAE Systems and Airbus, has installed a Hardinge GS200 at its factory in Chichester Street in Rochdale.

The company acted quickly after a previous machine had failed causing significant downtime and turned to Engineering Technology Group (ETG) for support in quickly identifying a replacement.

Working together, 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.”

Engineering Technology Group (ETG) is the exclusive distributor of Hardinge Bridgeport CNC machines in the UK and, thanks to its extensive stockholding at its Wellesbourne facility and technical academies across the UK, was able to immediately engage with NEMA to secure the right solution to its production issues.

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.

“The Hardinge GS200 offers a heavy-duty structure, a one-piece bed, high precision and outstanding accuracy, not to mention three-row linear guideways. It is the ideal machine to produce components that need to operate in demanding and safety critical environments.”

www.engtechgroup.com