INDUSTRY NEWS
£ 2-million press investment for SDE Technology
A UK pressing and assemblies specialist has invested more than £ 2 million in acquiring its largest ever progression press . SDE Technology has installed the 1000-tonne Chin Fong press and coil-handling line at its Brixton Way factory in Shrewsbury , an installation that will allow larger die usage and help to create larger products for use in the automotive sector .
The press , which has a bed size of 4.5m x 1.8m , has capacity for over £ 2 million of new revenue , with the management team already in discussions with larger OEMs and Tier 1s searching for security of supply and opportunities to de-risk the supply chain . Eight new jobs have been created and many have been safeguarded , said the company , because of the investment .
“ This is our largest ever progression press and one of the largest in the UK automotive supply chain ,” explained Richard Homden , Managing Director , SDE Technology . “ It is a fantastic time to invest in this new capability . Yes , there are current headwinds , but for the bold there are also opportunities , with lots of reshoring , electrification and carbon reduction projects currently being discussed . The £ 2- million investment will be a game-changer for our business and the West Midlands as a whole .”
SDE Technology is one of the largest manufacturers of pressings and assemblies in the UK , employing more than 130 people across its core production business and at Salop Haulage Ltd . The company has overcome tough trading conditions , the pandemic , chip shortages and energy costs to secure several new opportunities in the automotive sector and is now planning on maximising its latest Hot Form Quench ( HFQ ®) process .
“ This is a revolutionary hot-forming process for producing high-strength aluminium parts for use in the automotive , aerospace and renewable sectors and gives designers the freedom to create parts that offer significant weight savings , yet still deliver higher structural strength . It also delivers improved formability in six and seven thousand series alloys that cannot be formed cold . In some instances , it can also reduce the part counts from multiple components to just one ,” explained the manufacturer .
Chris Greenough , Commercial Director , SDE Technology , concluded : “ The Chin Fong investment comes off the back of two earlier press installations , offering 100- and 200-tonne capabilities . These have been put in initially to deliver pressings for the white goods industry , but they could also be used to support other tooling projects going forward .” n
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. sde . technology
FABTECH unveils Keynote Speakers and expert panels
FABTECH 2023 , the largest event in North America for metalforming , fabricating , welding and finishing , recently announced its schedule of keynote sessions and expert panels for the forthcoming show ( 11-14 September 2023 at McCormick Place , Chicago ).
“ Attendees can look forward to a dynamic line-up of thought leaders in the manufacturing industry sharing their insights on emerging trends and critical advances shaping the industry . Topics such as AI ; robotic technology ; labour shortages and workforce development will be explored in-depth , providing attendees with valuable knowledge and insights to stay ahead of the curve ,” the show organiser explained .
The FABTECH 2023 special events schedule includes the FABx Tech Talks ( 8.30- 9.30am on 11 September ) where industry leaders will discuss new innovations that are improving metal fabrication and how attendees can hone their business skills to drive results . Carol Reiley ( an entrepreneur , AI roboticist and diversity advocate ) will serve as the featured speaker .
Leadership exchange panels will be held from 11-13 September ( 12:30-1:30pm ) and on 14 September ( 10-11am ). Attendees will gain insights on pressing topics in manufacturing — including new AI technologies , workforce development and business financing — so that they can best meet customer demand and stay competitive . This year ’ s Leadership Exchange Panels include Advanced Manufacturing ; Trends and Technologies Changing the Future of Metal Fabrication ; Building the Future Workforce ; Advancing Robotics in the Fabrication Metal Industry and Financing Business : Sources of Funding for Business Owners .
Women leaders representing a variety of roles within the primary FABTECH industries will share their personal career stories , challenges , successes and tips during the interactive Women of FABTECH session . Held on 12 September ( 7.30-9.30am ), it is entitled ‘ How Did I Get Here ? My Pathway to Manufacturing ’.
David Feherty will head the Keynote Session on 12 September ( 8.30-9.30am ), and a Keynote session on digital leadership , ‘ The Five Simple Habits of Digital Leaders ’, will be held on 13 September .
“ The manufacturing industry faces new opportunities , challenges and trends each year . A panel of experts will share insights
FABTECH 2022 .
on key trends impacting the manufacturing industry this year and provide take-aways to help you navigate 2023 and beyond in the ‘ 2023 State of Manufacturing Session ’ on 14 September ,” added the show organiser .
“ In addition , the event will feature a vast exhibition floor with over 1,300 exhibitors in three halls demonstrating their latest products , as well as over 180 curated conference sessions and opportunities for networking with professionals across the entire spectrum of the manufacturing industry ,” it concluded .
FABTECH ’ s five event partners are the American Welding Society ; the Chemical Coaters Association International ; the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International ; the Precision Metalforming Association and SME . n
www . fabtechexpo . com
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