 |
 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|||||||
 |
|||||||||
|
Ladbrook to Offer Circle Shearing Service Seriously Pressing Business Puts Ladbrook On Track for Further GrowthLadbrook Engineering Sponsors College Prize for Excellence in Engineering Ladbrook Expands Injection Mould Tool Making and Repair Facility Pressed Metal Parts Experts Look To a Bright Future Within the Window Industry Ladbrook Wins Prestige Pressed Metal Parts Contract Ladbrook Celebrate 70 Years of Pressed Metal Parts Excellence Ladbrook Engineering Wins Lifting Equipment Contract
Ladbrook Engineering Benefits as UK Manufacturers Retreat from Off-Shoring Pressed metal parts company Ladbrook enjoyed one of their best years last year with an increase in turnover and an enviable list of new customers. 2007 saw many reasons for the staff at this 70-year-old family company to celebrate. An important aspect of Ladbrook's success has been the fact that although some UK manufacturers are still seeking supplies from countries such as China and the Far East, many other companies now feel that they have 'been there, done that and got the T-shirt'. These companies are now seeking the close communication and control that can only come from a local supplier within the UK.
"We think that such issues as quality, turnaround times, tough commercial terms and extensive traveling are starting to out-weigh the benefits of the 'per item pricing', " said Mike Blowers. "It might be that the hidden costs and stresses of this kind of distant supply partner are proving to be too much. It's great news for us of course, we've won several good projects that have been brought back to the UK and we can see much more to come." Ladbrook are so optimistic about this trend that during 2007 they have invested in new technologies, taken on new staff and have expanded the range of services that they offer. For 2008, they even have plans to expand their premises. Ladbrook's new services such as circle shearing, a processes that can precisely cut metal circles and discs, are already attracting a lot of attention with several high volume projects currently in discussion. A service that they have expanded is metal spinning, a specialist process that enables the production of conical shaped metal parts. “The highly successful spinning service that Ladbrook already offers has been further expanded with the introduction of a high specification CNC/PNC metal spinning lathe that will produce conical, spherical and parallel walled components," said Mike Blowers. "It's another exciting step forward for us.”
Ladbrook's new projects have included parts for medical equipment, precision parts for scientific instruments, specialist parts for military systems and heavy pressed metal parts for hydraulic control systems. “It's fair to say that the last year or two have been turbulent times for engineering,” said Mike Blowers. “With metal prices rising and falling and with some companies still exploring off-shore suppliers, it's been a tricky period at times. Without doubt, it's been the passion and the energy of the team here at Ladbrook that has helped us achieve such great results. I feel confident that we have even better times to come.” About LadbrookFor the past 70 years Ladbrook Engineering & Manufacturing Company Limited have been working with manufacturers around the world, providing them with the best expertise available in the field of pressed metal parts. Today, they are able to provide high volume production as well as low volume pre-production and prototype samples. With a capacity for more than 150 million pressed metal parts per year and a broad range of automated machinery, they are well equipped to provide manufacturers with the best of British engineering at world market pricing. http://www.ladbrook-pressed-metal.co.uk
Ladbrook to Offer Circle Shearing Service UK pressed metal specialist Ladbrook have announced that they are now able to provide a circle shearing service, enabling them to supply metal circles, metal rings and a variety of shaped blanks with circular holes as used in the ducting and air conditioning industries. Ladbrook expect to supply engineering companies and manufacturers across Europe. They are also able to provide additional processes such as drilling, pressing, punching and folding plus complete fabrication where required. Using a computer controlled circle-shearing machine that can cut at up to 75m per minute, Ladbrook are now able to provide fast and accurate production of a variety of sheet metal components.
"We can now accurately cut metal discs and metal circles up to 1250mm and 3mm thick, said Paul Goodman, Manufacturing Director at Ladbrook. "The acquisition of the process has been due to a specific order but we still have capacity available to take on additional projects and now we've seen how powerful this equipment can be, we feel sure there will be manufacturers out there who would like to benefit from this technology." Ladbrook provide manufacturing services for a range of industries such as water heating systems, automotive, medical equipment, agricultural equipment and the window industry. With a 70 year history in pressed metal parts, Ladbrook remains a leader in this field but now also provides a broad range of engineering services such as injection mould tooling design, metal spinning and product assembly. Key to Ladbrook's success has been its focus on employing knowledgeable and passionate engineers and a keen understanding of quality systems. For more information regarding Ladbrook's circle shearing services, contact Paul Goodman on 01692 402156 For the past 70 years Ladbrook Engineering & Manufacturing Company Limited have been working with manufacturers around the world, providing them with the best expertise available in the field of pressed metal parts. Today, they are able to provide high volume production as well as low volume pre-production and prototype samples. With a capacity for more than 150 million pressed metal parts per year and a broad range of automated machinery, they are well equipped to provide manufacturers with the best of British engineering at world market pricing. http://www.ladbrook-pressed-metal.co.ukSeriously Pressing Business Puts Ladbrook On Track for Further GrowthUK engineering company Ladbrook have announced that they have won a substantial new contract with Parker Hannifin, the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems. Ladbrook specialise in the production of pressed metal parts and will be supplying a range of heavy gauge brackets for use with hydraulic components. Key to Ladbrook's success in this area has been both its 200 ton pressing technology and its wealth of engineering expertise in tool development, production and quality control.
"We are very pleased to be working with Parker Hannifin," said Mike Blowers, Managing Director of Ladbrook. "It's the kind of company and product that we like to be involved in. We are quite unique in that we run a 200 ton, automated, four stage progression press which is ideal for this type of large, heavy gauge engineering and it always feels good to be contributing to products that are leaders in their field." Ladbrook has been a specialist in large metal pressing for over 70 years and currently provides pressed parts for the window industry, building industry, automotive, heating systems, agricultural equipment and the technology sector. With a large range of automated pressing technologies, Ladbrook is also able to manufacture very high volume small components such as inserts for electronics as well as lar ge components such as domestic cooker enclosures. "Last year was very good for us," said Mike Blowers. "We picked up several new major projects and developed a number of new customer relationships that I'm confident will last for many years to come. In addition to this, we are currently agreeing the purchase of new equipment that will further enhance our capabilities. We have a great engineering team here at Ladbrook and I'm confident that this has been the main key to our success”. With annual sales exceeding $10 billion, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets. The company employs more than 57,000 people in 43 countries around the world. More information about large press parts and heavy gauge pressing
Ladbrook Engineering Sponsors College Prize for Excellence in EngineeringPressed metal engineering company, Ladbrook have agreed to sponsor a prize for excellence in engineering at the City College Norwich. The Ladbrook Prize is to be awarded annually to the most promising mechanical engineering student. Ladbrook are currently celebrating their 70th anniversary of manufacturing pressed mteal parts as well as having landed several important projects during 2006, one being a large contract for the manufacture of fittings for the window industry and another for the manufacture of parts for a sports carrier for a well known prestige motor car. "An engineering ability is essential to any economy, not least that of the UK and engineering is currently enjoying something of an upturn," said David Spinks, Chairman of Ladbrook. "So we are keen to encourage and support the young people who are choosing engineering as a career.
Photo (left to right): David Devaney, Programme Manager for Engineering Technician courses (City College), Stefan Przybokski, Head of Technology (City College) and David Spinks, Chairman of Ladbrook Engineering Engineering of the future is an exciting prospect for any young person, particularly if they can understand and accept the importance of new management techniques and the new technologies. To be truly productive within product design and manufacturing they also need to be able to embrace traditional disciplines, vocational skills and artistic flair. The college plays an important role in this respect and we are pleased to have this opportunity to show our support." The City College currently trains in excess of a 100 full time students each year on their mechanical engineering courses. The courses include HNC and HND diplomas that cover such subjects as the programming of CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine tools and advanced computer aided design as well has more hands-on engineering skills. “We are very pleased to received Ladbrook's sponsorship for the engineering prize,” stated David Devaney, Programme Manager for Engineering Technician courses . “It's good for our students to know that companies such as Ladbrook value the skills that they are developing and that the UK engineering sector is good health and offers the promise of a rewarding career.” David Spinks will be attending the prize giving to personally award the Ladbrook Prize to the successful student. “I'll be very proud to make this award,“ stated David. “I have the highest regard for engineers and the contribution that they make to both the local and the national economy.”
About Ladbrook
Ladbrook Expands Injection Mould Tool Making and Repair Facility Ladbrook Engineering have announced that they have expanded their facilities for the development and manufacturing of injection mould tooling for the production of plastic and metal based components such as zinc and alloys. Ladbrook have recently undertaken a range of projects for the window manufacturing industry, developing injection mould tools for window catches and internal frame fittings.
"We've always had a strong tool making facility at Ladbrook and we are pleased to be growing this side of our business," said Mike Blowers, Managing Director of Ladbrook. "Our engineers have a lot of experience in this type of tool making and understand the important of developing injection moulds that perform well in the production environment and are easy to maintain. Whether it's a simple mould or a complex mould with many sliding parts, I'm confident that we have some of the UK's leading expertise, here at Ladbrook." Ladbrook's injection mould team can work from component drawing in a "It's exciting to be a part of Ladbrook's expansion," said Andrew. "Ladbrook are very forward looking and passionate about engineering, so it's a great environment in which to be developing and machining complex injection tools. Whether it's a rapid prototype or a tool for the production of millions of parts, we have all the skills, experience and technology we need to meet the demands of European manufacturers." The expanded injection mould engineering facility at Ladbrook also provides services for the maintenance, refurbishment and repair of injection moulds and will accept enquiries from companies across Europe. "Ladbrook have been in business for 70 years, so you can imagine that our understanding of injection mould tooling is extensive," said Mike Blowers. Metal Pressing Experts Look To a Bright Future Within the Window Industry
'The window market has been an important source of business for Ladbrook,' said Mike Blowers, Managing Director. 'We've helped several companies develop innovative window and door technology over the years and even at this time, we are working on some new development projects and expecting to grow our business in this sector.' Ladbrook are confident that this remains a healthy market and expect to grow this side of their business. With environmental issues becoming ever more important, they are expecting to see a continued increase in investment in the development of advanced window technology to meet future legislation for new build property and the replacement window market. Ladbrook's expertise and competence in this market has recently been rewarded with a significant long-term contract with one of the market leaders, WHS Halo, a Bowater Building Products Company. Ladbrook will be supplying a broad range of pressed and cast metal parts and assemblies for WHS Halo's modern manufacturing facility in Sutton Coalfield. 'We are very pleased to have landed the WHS Halo contract,' said Mike. 'Substantial contracts such as this give us a lot of stability and will enable us to further develop our metal pressing production technology and invest in our future.' Ladbrook are also looking to start work with manufacturers in Europe and the US. They are confident that with their considerable expertise in this field and the their automated manufacturing equipment, they are now able to produce high volume parts at world market prices and will be well placed to win this kind of export business. Another important project for Ladbrook's has been the window installation hoist design called the Harnser. This innovative product has received much acclaim within the industry and has been nominated for three health and safety awards. The Harnser is a small portable hoist that can be fitted into the window cavity and used to crane the pre-glazed window frame into position. Not only does it drastically reduce installation time and cost, it also reduces the considerable risks of working at height with such heavy building components. 'At Ladbrook, we have a diverse customer base that includes, power stations, power showers, automotive and even railway infrastructure,' said Mike Blowers. 'The window industry has been a big part of this diversity and after producing over one millions parts for this sector, its exciting to think that we are on our way towards the second million.' Ladbrook Wins Prestige Pressed Metal Parts Contract UK pressed metal experts, Ladbrook Engineering have announced that they have won a contract to manufacture pressed metal parts for SCL, an important supplier to the global automotive sector. These parts will be significant components within a sport carrier design for a very well known prestige car. "This project is for the very top end of the market and we needed a supplier we could trust to help us deliver a top class product," said Jim Hudson, Managing Director at SCL. "It soon became clear to us that Ladbrook had the necessary expertise and their responsive nature would make them an ideal partner. We have been very pleased with Ladbrook’s contribution." Ladbrook Celebrate 70 Years of Pressed Metal Excellence UK pressed metal parts specialists, Ladbrook Engineering, will be celebrating their 70th year as a leader in the field of pressed metal engineering this year. During this time they have produced components for Lotus sports cars, Heatrae Sadia power showers, precision parts for Hamlin electronics and critical components for power stations. Remarkably, Ladbrook remains a family owned business. Started in 1929 by Jack Spinks, under the name of Century Stampings, the company initially pressed parts for vacuum cleaners, and made press tools for various London and Birmingham engineering companies. In 1936, the company moved location and changed its name to the same as the road on which it then stood: Ladbrook Engineering Co. It was here that Ladbrook became a major supplier of 'L-Plates' for learner drivers, making them by the thousands. In 1939 Ladbrook was acquired by the war effort and was required to manufacture such articles as bomb carriers and soldiers' mess cans. After the war, the company was involved in making parts ranging from wheels for toy cars to special boxes and keys for night watchmen. In 1947 Ladbrook moved to its current location of North Walsham in Norfolk and went on to create a large modern factory and become the highly respected modern engineering company that it is today. It is at this factory that Ladbrook have produced parts for Lotus sports cars, the power industry, double glazing manufacturers and fire protection companies, just to name a few. In fact, with its constant investment in technology, Ladbrook has produced over 150 million parts in a single year at the North Walsham site. East Anglia engineering company, Ladbrook, have won an important contract to help develop and manufacture an important new piece of lifting equipment for the window installation industry. The Harnser portable window lifting crane from Eazi Lift has received considerable acclaim from installers and safety professionals. The Harnser, fitted into the window reveal is designed to lift and position even pre-glazed frames, quickly, safely and efficiently, without the need for costly access equipment, helping fitting teams comply with Work at Height regulations by eliminating the need to carry frames up ladders. Currently celebrating 70 years of engineering excellence, Ladbrook are well positioned to take on such projects. The quality of the finished product reflects their expertise in a broad range of engineering disciplines as well as their attention to detail and their ability to apply the requisite quality systems essential to critical safety equipment. "We are very proud of the quality of this product," said Mike Blowers, the Managing Director of Ladbrook. "It's a very refined design, offering strength and reliability, yet very light, portable and functional. We are very pleased by the very positive response of the window industry, orders are already ramping up". Ladbrook provide a complete manufacturing service for Eazi Lift. The manufacturing processes include precision turning, fabrication, presswork, assembly and testing. Being a CE marked product, management systems, quality control and traceability of parts has been an essential aspect of the project. Jeff Crowder the Managing Director of Harnser Systems Limited, the parent company of the UK distributorship Eazi Lift, is the person behind the concept of the Harnser Window Crane. His experience in the window industry helped him identify a demand for such a lifting device, especially as Health and Safety regulations where becoming increasingly stringent. He took his concept to a patent expert in order to protect his idea. It was this patent expert who recommended Ladbrook on the strength of some of their previous projects. "Ladbrook has been an excellent choice for helping us develop and manufacture the Harnser," said Jeff. "The quality of the finished product is excellent and their support and expertise throughout the project has enabled us to get to market faster than expected. We are very pleased that we chose Ladbrook as a partner for this project and look forward to working with them on future products". Not Just a Paint Roller Tool… It's a Work of Art! "Apart from needing to be robust for the professional decorator market, there were many other design issues that we needed to consider," said Mike Blowers, Managing Director of Ladbrook. Although the main frame of the tool benefits from Ladbrook's long experience with press tools technology, their engineers applied the latest 'Solid Works' 3D development software to create the attachment mechanism for the handle. "An important key to the product's success is that it can fit easily to wide range of extension poles used by decorators," said Mike. "This was achieved by developing a small, strong, yet light-weight casting that has a dual purpose fitting, i.e it can fit both screw and taper fit poles. From an engineering perspective, this was quite a challenge and from our perspective, it's a work of art." "We are very pleased with the outcome of this project," said Amanda Harris of Hamilton Acorn. "We take the professional decorating market very seriously and we understand the needs of our customers. We aim to provide only the best quality products that can enhance the efficiency of the decorators and can satisfy their needs. |
||||||||
 |
|||||||||
 |
|||||||||
 |
 |
||||||||
Photography by Sally of Energi. 
Photography by Sally of Energi. 
