Machinery & Manufacturing
EVERY CLOUD …
With sales across the industry reportedly down , now is the time to make sure your factory is ready for when business picks up , says Jade Engineering ’ s Adam Jones
» “ A CHARACTERISTIC OF SUBDUED SALES in the window and door industry , is an increase in activity for us at Jade Engineering ,” explained Adam Jones , engineering guru and co-owner of Jade . “ When there is less stress on the factory , many production managers carry out essential maintenance by servicing machinery and especially their CNC kit , replacing tooling and where needed , upgrading machinery such as millers and other relatively low-cost specialist machinery for which we are known . It makes good sense .”
Not every company responds this way however , with many simply reducing or cutting expenditure of any sort as a kneejerk response to a difficult market . Adam understands this response but says that it will cost considerably more in the longer run : “ Of course it makes sense to reduce overheads when sales are down especially with the current period being so drawn out . And the high-profile company failures in the past few months don ’ t help confidence although many of those are rooted in more complex , longer-term issues .
“ However , whilst many might say ‘ well he would say that wouldn ’ t he ’, holding off essential maintenance of machinery of all types and complexities , let alone tool replacements and upgrades , will cost significantly more in the longer term . Machinery repairs for example , which are a direct consequence of tools being extended beyond their effective cycle that result in expensive failures of components such as bearings ” explained Adam .
He added that whilst he is conscious of sounding patronising , his experience is that many fabricators will push the boundaries of essential maintenance and servicing , either deliberately to reduce costs in the short term , or through
simple neglect : “ Potentially more costly than machinery damage is the consequence of reduced product quality which , if unchecked will of course ruin your reputation and therefore customer relationships , with installers and of course their customers . You can repair a failed bearing , but it will take considerably longer to repair customer relationships – which is also likely to be more expensive .
“ Even amongst owners and managers that have planned maintenance schedules there may be a temptation to stretch or skip the cycles . Machine tools are one of the highest overheads of the frame making process . An operation producing around 400 frames a week should repair or change tools every six months or so and other numbers , pro rata . Any deviation from this is a false economy : even using a tool past its recommended cycle for a further 100 frames , will eventually cost big bucks in terms of machinery reliability , product quality and output .”
Whilst the industry continues to wait for an improvement in sales , Adam believes that it will come , though even the most experienced pundits are questioning not only how long this slump will continue , but also the factors that are keeping homeowners from spending even ‘ secure ’ money . However , what Adam believes is a
‘ perfect storm ’ of circumstances including cost of living and uncertain political climate , will pass and framemakers should ready themselves : “ As toolmakers to the industry we are a barometer and are experienced enough now to recognise the signs and respond accordingly . And many of the industry ’ s leading fabricators are using this quieter period , during which there is less pressure on the factory , to carry out essential and non-essential improvements and maintenance .
“ It makes sense . And ultimately , it will help them put money in the bank with production lines that continue to run at peak efficiency .”
www . jade-eng . co . uk
94 JUNE 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM