GAINING TRACTION
The core business at Houghton
International has centred on the repair
and rewinding of electrical motors and
generators. This business has grown to
include traction motors, commutators,
alternators, fan units and other auxiliary
equipment. The expansion into the rail
sector has brought many advantages; not
least new processes and testing facilities to
ensure the best possible solutions, backed
up by precision engineering.
In the rail industry, it is difficult to become
established as a recognised supplier.
The strategy developed by Houghton
International has aided the development of
many contracts throughout the industry.
Today, the rail division is recognised by the
Railway Industry Supplier Approval Scheme
(RISAS). In particular, the company’s unique
HiTRANS patented transient dynamic test
process has received praise. Designed
to simulate full load conditions for motor
alternator (MA) sets, it ensures that assets
returned to customers will run without any
issues when reinstalled.
EXPANDING INTO PUMPS
More recently, the company has diversified
further into larger and more complex
pumps. Enabled by acquiring considerable
pump expertise within the management
and workforce. The potential within this
market is huge, not only with existing
customers, who already appreciate the
value Houghton International can deliver,
but also with new clients.
Houghton International has also invested
in all the design and reverse engineering
tools, including a 3D scanner, necessary for
comprehensive pump repair solutions. With
so many new technologies and materials
available, they can create improved pump
designs to legacy equipment for better
performance and efficiency.
Modern reverse engineering capabilities
create new components that have been
designed using the latest 3D CAD and
analysis tools to model flows. The result is
improved reliability and efficiency, which
The growth of the business has seen
the addition of new premises including
a large machine shop to handle
electromechanical repairs up to 30 MW
The expansion into the rail sector has brought many advantages; not least new processes
and testing facilities to ensure the best possible solutions, backed up by precision
engineering.
helps to reduce power consumption and
running costs. The Houghton International
ethos to improve the performance of
existing assets, reduce expenditure and
add value for the customer, has transferred
successfully to the new pump division. In
just the second year of working on pumps,
this division will turn over £1.5 million,
endorsing the approach that is still being
used to support company growth.
Improving sustainability.
Today, sustainability is a very important
issue and the repair and refurbishment of
assets is vital to reducing industry’s carbon
footprint. Reusing as many components
as possible helps to reduce waste while
improving reliability and performance at the
same time.
In Michael’s view, the whole industry, with
the help of the AEMT, needs to do more
to encourage the circular economy and
promote the reuse and repair of assets.
AEMT MEMBERSHIP
The introduction of any new concept or
technology requires pressure in the early
stages to encourage their adoption. This
process is helped by organisations, such
as the AEMT, who promote the advantages
and discuss the challenges. Industry 4.0
is a good example where technology
has reached such a point that it is able to
deliver benefits to industry as a whole, but
the number of individuals actually investing
in it was small in the initial years.
As the advantages become more well-
known, so more and more people take
the plunge. Eventually, you reach a point
where those who have yet to adopt the
new technology are in the minority but
also losing ground to those who already
made the decision to invest and streamline
their processes. As an AEMT member,
Houghton International maintains its
connections with its industry peers. The
Journal offers a great communication
channel while events, such as the
awards evening, play an important role in
recognising those members that have made
significant contributions to the industry and
those working in it.
The AEMT also offers support to members
in gaining new accreditations and training
in specialist disciplines such as hazardous
areas. The association has considerable
influence on industry standards where
members can have their views represented.
By bringing together such a large collection
of expertise and industry experience, the
association offers considerable advantages
to suppliers and customers alike.
MOVING FORWARD
As we head into 2020, the next five-year
plan is being drawn up. Consolidating the
existing organisation and aiming to always
improve the quality of service delivered to
customers are the primary aims. Keeping
sight of the company’s core values and
principles while working with integrity and
transparency ensures every employee will
be working towards the next set of goals.
In terms of the marketplace, the potential
for expansion remains high. The number of
electric vehicles is increasing as the world
is starting to see the benefits of them. The
next step will be to establish who repairs
these electric motors to the required
standards. The most obvious choice
would be a company that has decades of
experience in the field of electric motor
maintenance.
By continuing to deliver the advantages
of sustainability through repair and
remanufacturing, Houghton International will
help every customer to reduce operational
costs while minimising the consumption of
resources.
For further information, please visit www.theaemt.com
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PECM Issue 43