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different requirements , so we are always looking at new and different ways to work with them .

John Winter opened its doors in 1963 to supply foundries with core oils . Now , more than 50 years later , we have expanded our portfolio substantially to supply problem-solving products alongside the daily staples , such as release agents , adhesives and binders . But although we have changed our offering , we are still delivering the same bespoke and personal approach , which includes the ongoing consultation and technical advice our customers need .

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Adam Bennett , Sales Director , John Winter .

It has been an incredibly exciting few weeks at John Winter , with the acquisition of a consumable manufacturing business – the single largest investment in our history . This will enable us to grow in strength as one of the few remaining manufacturers of foundry consumables in the UK .

With the foundry industry forever in a state of flux ( excuse the pun !), there is seemingly never a right time to invest but we believe continuing our expansion plans and increasing manufacturing capacity was the right thing to do . The effect of the low oil price on sector investment hitting some of our foundries is countered by a strong automotive sector .

We have also welcomed UK Foundry Sales Manager Michael McMahon to oversee domestic sales and our consultant and industry technical expert Andrew Tagg , who will lead the research and development team and drive global sales .

While some companies in the industry have historically rationalised their product ranges , John Winter is doing quite the opposite . Our new manufacturing capacity and larger technical sales team will allow us to enter new markets , while also offering existing customers more specialist products that help meet their own needs and objectives .

Added value focus The foundry industry in the UK has changed over the years from general mass production of castings to high quality added value lower volume , such as aerospace and motorsport . We are starting to see even more niche markets and this brings the need for more niche and specialist products . We want to be a part of this process and support these foundries .

We are in a great position that if one customer needs a specific product developing , we can work with them to create it . We have never operated a ‘ one size fits all ’ approach because our customers have very

We are not only responding to the latest trends , we are innovating and tackling the industry ’ s biggest challenges head-on .

Sustainability goals For example , as sustainability remains at the top of the industry ’ s agenda , we have developed environmentally-friendly products , such as VOCfree PF880 for green sand foundries and Geopol , an inorganic binder that can significantly improve working environments by reducing emissions .

Casting buyers are more aware of the effects of the complete cycle of a component now than ever before , which is why we created these products . However , the term sustainability is not only related to environmental issues but the ability to keep ahead of the times and legislation , to remain efficient and competitive to stay in business . At our own head office in Halifax , West Yorkshire , we are already putting practices in place and setting ambitious targets to ensure sustainability is firmly integrated into our company .

What ’ s next ? There have been continuous changes in the foundry industry , specifically over the last eight years , as it recovered from the recession and started to look at new and more cost-effective ways of working . As a business , we have remained strong throughout and have shaped the way we work to support our customers and this will continue . We are also changing our methods and techniques in line with new and exciting developments . Our priority is to use the technical expertise of our people to help us enter different markets with fresh ideas and ways of working .

There are always interesting innovations that impact on the foundry industry , such as the development of 3D printing , which we look forward to being involved in .

We strongly believe innovation works hand-in-hand with sustainability , which will stay at the heart of our business and a constant focus moving forward . We will continue to monitor our progress and the milestones reached , to ensure we are a responsible organisation . I see only a positive future ahead for the foundry industry and it is great to know that we will be a key part of it .

Author : Adam Bennett , Sales Director , John Winter , Halifax , West Yorks , UK

Cast Metal & Diecasting Times April / May 2016