FACE TO FACE
Paul Johnson ( left ) and Ron Palick showcase the company ’ s tooling range .
The XSharp™ uses an automated height detection feature to locate the top of the tool before grinding .
our customers . Hopefully , this situation will settle . We have a global footprint which helps us with supply chain issues , and even labour shortage issues , but there is a tremendous amount of uncertainty right now in the market . Factors such as increasing inflation and interest rates mean that we have made changes internally to help us cope with these ,” Johnson highlighted .
“ We are going through our global business plans now for next year . We have locations all over the world and it is quite different depending upon where you are based . The U . S . seems to be fairly stable right now while Europe is going through a downturn so stability is key for us . Our turnover this year will be higher than last year , not by huge percentage points but definitely a better year than last year ,” he added .
Ron Palick agrees with this assessment and is cautiously optimistic about the future .
“ We have not yet seen a recession in the U . S . but we are concerned about Europe and Germany . Some of the energy costs are a huge burden for small businesses right now . We are hopeful that this will stabilise , as it has been going on for about a year now . For 2024 , we are planning for success and will re-budget if we need to . We are optimistic about the future ; cycles in this industry are nothing new ,” he said .
In recent years , Wilson Tool has incorporated additive manufacturing and 3D printing into its manufacturing operations . For example , it 3Dprints the tank for its new tapping tool .
“ Additive manufacturing is interesting and we find that we are using the 3D printer more on our product lines these days . However , our R & D division is focused on punching , stamping and bending innovations .
Punching multi-tools .
We also make tools for robotic press brakes as well as customised special tooling . We are aiming to bring some exciting new bending products to market next year . We will be able to say more about that early next year ,” outlined Ron Palick .
“ As tooling moves forward , more and more bending and punching tools will bear data matrix codes so they can be scanned by customers . Information in the codes can include size , dimensions , set-up instructions etc . to make tooling easier to re-order . This is happening now with our tooling but will gain momentum in the future . There will be a tooling standard at some point ; I think the industry will want that to happen ,” he concluded . n
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Sustainable and smart
Wilson Tool has also placed an increasing focus on sustainability in its product design and processes . This includes the coolants and oils that it produces as well as energy efficiency savings in its tooling products . Its insert-style tooling consumes an estimated 40-81 % less tool steel with less packaging required and lighter weights / smaller volumes . Its plastic packaging is 100 % recycled and it employs 100 % renewable electricity at its UK factory at Swindon .
Sheet metal bending using Wilson Tool press brake tooling .
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