Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 29
ENGINEERING FIRM
SHOWS METAL
By Rachel Wright
An established manufacturing company is hoping to further strengthen their North-East
roots thanks to an inspiring exhibition at Aycliffe Business Park.
As keen supporters of the Oktoberfest
manufacturing and engineering exhibition,
local firm Metallink were impressed with
the representation of companies on the
park and the potential for new and exciting
relationships just on their doorstep.
“As we are local to Aycliffe Business Park we
would be able to respond quickly to changing
schedules to efficiently support customer
demand. We have two warehousing facilities
allowing room for an increase in business
volume.
”
Production manager Jon Black said: “We
couldn’t believe how many companies
were represented at the exhibition, it was a
fantastic day and for us it was a chance to
further develop links in the North East and
possible new opportunities.
Metallink produce high pressure tubes, low
pressure tubes, kits and handrails working
from 6mm diameter tubing to 102mm. In
the last year they have supplied in excess of
140,000 parts within the UK.
“It is so important for us to trade in the UK
and if we can develop more opportunities in
our region that is even better.
”
Metallink, which is based on Beechburn
Industrial Estate, in Crook, is part of the
Borghi Group and they specialise in the
development and production of high quality
hydraulic tubing in both the industrial and
automotive sectors.
Jon explains: “We have been here for 15
years but it is quite surprising that a lot of
local business’s still don’t know about us.
We are very keen to support local business.
”
Metallink’s main customers are Komatsu,
JCB and Caterpillar, with the recent addition
of supplying to John Deere China and USA.
Jon said: “We have recently localised supply
of new business for a current customer
through the research and development of a
new approved process with a commercial
cost reduction. Thus retaining the business
within UK supply.
Finance manager Alan Hook said: “Over the
years we have developed a high degree of
technical knowledge and we work with our
customers at engineering level supporting
problem solving and cost savings for
prototype part development.
“We have numerous employees who have a
vast knowledge in engineering. Some have
been with us since day one.
“The future is looking very positive and we
plan substantial investment in new state of
the art bending and forming machines.
”
Proto-types are submitted to a PPAP
(Production Part Approval Process)
automotive standard. 3D Faro tests, paint
adhesion tests and gravimetric contamination
tests are conducted to ISO4406. A dedicated
clean room is located within the quality
department and all test data is documented
in line with ISO requirements. They’re also
ISO9001 accredited.
Metallink is located on a 8000 sqm site
which includes a production facility, a
research and development department and
two warehouses and has the capacity to
double its output with a further 7
,000 sqm
of land which can be utilised for additional
volume.
Jon said: “We predominantly supply to the
construction industry (yellow goods) but
are actively looking to develop a stronger
business relationship with the automotive
and offshore sector.
“There are a number of exciting companies
we would like to work with on Aycliffe
Business Park which we believe we would
be able to support and supply.
”
Logistics manager Rachael Hindmarch added:
“We would like to give an open invitation to
relevant companies on Aycliffe Business Park
to come along and see our facility.
“We’re more than happy to welcome them
and give them a tour of the factory and show
them our process from start to finish, we
have high standards and believe this would
come across on a visit.
”
For further information or to
arrange a visit please call Rachael
on 01388 761200 or e-mail –
[email protected]
Pic: Metallink production manager Job Black (left) with
logistics manager Rachael Hindmarch and finance
manager Alan Hook.