TOOLS GO-TO MACHINE SPECIALISTS
KM TOOLS
Rail OEMs can benefit from KM Tools on the line
A railway pioneer , the UK has a long and proud history in the train manufacturing industry . Nowadays , leading rail OEMs operate state-of-the-art UK-based production lines , each designed to manufacture the next generation of trains . KM Tools is helping OEMs to meet the demand for advanced rolling stock with a turnkey , bespoke engineering service for production machinery .
Based in Cheadle , Staffordshire , KM Tools has rapidly built a reputation as the go-to machine specialist for the rail industry . A turnkey engineering business offering design , prototyping , testing , manufacturing , fabrication , installation and maintenance services – KM Tools has supported leading rail OEMs such as Alstom and Hitachi .
The company ’ s full electromechanical engineering capability ensures that all aspects of machines , from frames to control systems , can be designed and delivered in-house .
SMARTLINE JIGS
A popular KM Tools innovation is the SmartLine Jig . These jigs are designed to allow welding , assembly and preparation of rolling stock as part of a lean production flow . Onboard hydraulics , custom fixtures and controls allow for multiple processes to be carried out with a reduced footprint . This maximises production efficiency and minimises the movement of parts and personnel . The jigs are enabling rail OEMs to follow the lead of the automotive industry in implementing lean production strategies .
Neil Harrison , Sales Manager at KM Tools , expands : “ Our SmartLine Jigs are currently operational at Alstom ’ s Litchurch Lane site and Hitachi Rail ’ s Newton Aycliffe production facility . The jigs are directly supporting the production of modern rolling stock destined for the UK rail network and beyond .
“ Our turnkey , bespoke engineering service means that we can deliver custom designs to meet the requirements of each OEM production line and process . Rail OEMs can therefore optimise their machinery to unlock new production efficiencies , improving productivity and adding value .”
KM Tools is a turnkey engineering business offering design , prototyping , testing , manufacturing , fabrication , installation and maintenance services .
124 PECM Issue 53