Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced the launch of the JC4000, a joystick designed specifically for use in the diverse environments of the Aerial Work Platform (AWP) market.
The robust joystick base and accompanying range of grips – from the Industrial division’s Penny & Giles brand family – provide options for single- or dual-axis operation making the product suitable for both scissor lifts and boom applications. Three dual-axis gates are available – round, square or plus – while the ergonomically-designed grip offers the choice of one or two top switches, as well as a person-present lever, meaning the unit can be used across a wide variety of machines. These carefully-chosen configuration options are designed to offer an optimal combination of performance and cost.
The JC4000 employs a long-life bearing system and non-contacting, Hall-effect sensing technology to achieve an impressive lifespan of over 6 million operating cycles. It is powered from a 5Vdc supply voltage and offers analog output options of 0.5-4.5V or 1.0-4.0V.
Other key features of the JC4000 include:
Commenting, Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Industrial division Kevin Rayment said: “The way we approached the development of the JC4000 was different from previous products. We focussed the specification on a particular industry and its applications, thereby ensuring we achieved an attractive combination of performance and price. Success relied on applying our long industrial heritage and setting ourselves tough targets, in order to offer our customers an industry-leading solution.”
Gloucestershire-based Arc Energy Resources, the weld overlay cladding and fabrication specialist, has acquired precision machining company CLG Engineering, based in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.
Arc Energy Resources provides corrosion-resistant weld overlay cladding services to a variety of clients in industry sectors ranging from oil and gas to defence, power generation, petrochemical, water and nuclear. Its versatile processes provide a practical combination of readily-available, cost-effective base materials and corrosion-resistant alloys to protect any critical area, providing cost savings and reductions in lead times. Its fabrication department holds ASME U and U2 Stamps, and manufactures radiographic-quality specialist equipment, including pressure vessels, spools, pig launchers, wellhead equipment and nuclear devices.
CLG Engineering provides CNC milling, CNC turning and assembly services to, amongst others, the oil and gas, automotive and rail industries. Certified to ISO 9001, and with over 40 years’ engineering experience, its knowledgeable team can produce parts from 25mm to 1.25 metres in length, and up to 18” diameter, within tight tolerances.
The acquisition means that Arc Energy Resources’ 80 employees are supplemented by CLG Engineering’s 14, to create a stronger team with a wider mix of skills. Both companies are supported by teams of experienced project managers, inspectors and welding engineers, with access to a wide range of auxiliary processes in-house, including heat treatment, NDT and CMM inspection.
Commenting on behalf of both companies, group managing director Andrew Robinson, says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both companies. CLG Engineering’s precision machining capability perfectly complements Arc Energy Resources’ cladding and fabrication offering.
“The group structure enables us to offer a one-stop-shop for all our clients’ engineering requirements, from design and material supply through to welding, cladding, machining, NDT, pressure testing, surface finishing and project management.”
He goes on to say that the cultures of the two companies are highly compatible, from a focus on quality, attention to detail and customer service, to the way they treat their staff. “I have great plans for the future growth of the group, and am looking forward to supporting our clients on new and larger projects.” says Andrew.
Arc Energy Resources was supported in the acquisition by Gloucestershire-based BPE Solicitors. Commenting for the practice, corporate partner Tim Ward says: “We were delighted to represent Arc Energy Resources at such an important time. With our head office in Cheltenham, we opened an office in Stonehouse just two years ago, so this is a great opportunity to work with two successful Stroud businesses, providing them with legal services at a very exciting time. We wish them every success.”
The acquisition follows a record trading year for Arc Energy Resources, which grew its turnover in 2015 by 14% to £6.5M and invested heavily in new equipment and facilities including a bi-cathode rotary head cladding cell, a robotic welding cell and a 6,000 square foot extension to its workshop.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced the launch of its first ever commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) valve-position sensor, which offers an optimal combination of performance, safety and cost for OEMs of vehicle hydraulic valves and systems intended for safety critical applications.
The all-new VPT351 valve-position sensor, from the brand family of Penny & Giles, features a measurement range of 0-10mm (±5mm) to 0-25mm (±12.5mm) in 1mm increments and, with its rugged design, is ideal for off-highway, specialty-vehicle applications including mobile cranes and construction vehicles, which require a feedback system for hydraulically-driven mechanisms.
Providing electronic feedback, the VPT351 fitted to a spool-valve system allows for the accurate monitoring of valve safe positions. The VPT351 provides a proportional electrical signal relative to the spool position – whether it is centrally positioned, at the valve stroke limits, or anywhere in between. Its features allow system designers to comply with the regulations established in the EN13849 machinery directive.
In addition to providing an increased level of safety, the feedback signal can be used by the machine’s electronic control unit to enhance the performance of the system, improving flow rate and efficiency and benefitting the machine overall, such as slowing down the hydraulic fluid flow as an actuator approaches it’s end-of-stroke.
Other key features of the VPT351 include:
Sales Inquiries: Please forward all sales and reader service inquiries to Curtiss-Wright Industrial, Tel: +44.1425.271444; email: cwig.uk@curtisswright.com.
For more information on Curtiss-Wright Industrial products, visit www.cw-industrialgroup.com or call +44.1425.271444.
About Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is a global innovative company that delivers highly engineered, critical function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense and energy markets. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing reliable solutions through trusted customer relationships. The company employs approximately 8,400 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.
Arc Energy Resources are specialists in weld overlay cladding and the manufacture of fabrications for the oil & gas industry. Weld overlay cladding provides the benefit of cost effective protection against corrosion and wear for a variety of components destined for aggressive environments.
Transition, the theme of this year’s ONS, echoes the ongoing development of the company. Within the last year, Andrew Robinson has been promoted to managing director, whilst the company has invested heavily in new equipment, including twin tungsten and robotic machinery, that has significantly boosted the size and scope of the company’s weld overlay cladding capabilities.
Integrated with a sophisticated production system, the new machines handle components that would previously have been considered almost impossible to clad. The new investments are a direct result of close consultation with clients, who have increasingly challenging weld requirements, which Arc Energy’s highly qualified engineering team are pleased to help solve.
Lowestoft-based Nexen Lift Trucks – the leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment – has supplied a 3-wheel electric X-Range lift truck to Three Oceans, a privately-owned business that, founded by Tim Rose in 1992, recognised a niche in the industry for the supply of high quality white-fish, primarily to the foodservice sector.
With application advice and support from Nexen’s Yorkshire-based dealer MH Group, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of forklifts and materials handling systems, Nexen was able to meet the requirements of Three Oceans with its new electric-powered Nexen FBXT 18 counterbalance forklift, which was supplied with additional weatherproofing and IP protection to ensure it could make trips between the customer’s two processing facilities in Hull.
The three-wheel FBXT and four-wheel FBX counterbalanced electric forklifts are Nexen’s latest additions to its range and offer lifting capacities from 1,600 to 2,000kg. Both models are available in long- and short-wheel-base formats, providing a productive and energy-efficient solution for numerous indoor/outdoor lifting applications.
To cope with the narrow aisle environment of their facilities and ensure zero emissions, a three-wheel electric lift truck was essential for Three Oceans’ food processing environment. So too was weatherproofing and IP protecting of any new vehicle, as the company had been faced with substantial maintenance bills for its previous electric forklifts. Additionally, the lift truck needed good ground clearance to cope with the steep cambers and kerb stones the vehicle would encounter on its many daily trips.
Commenting for MH Group, Andy Tuffnell says: “Working with Nexen to meet the customer’s requirements was a breath of fresh air, with the company going above and beyond what was required to ensure that cable connectors, wiring looms, motors and motor controllers were all protected from the weather and operating environments.”
He goes on to explain that, where possible, his company tries to source locally and, being a privately-owned British brand with a range of lift trucks that are manufactured in the UK, Nexen Lift Trucks is a supplier of preference for MH Group and its many customers.
And when advice or additional services are required – such as the weatherproofing for the Three Oceans FBXT 18 – Andy knows he can pick up the phone and speak directly with Nexen’s directors, or those that have played an essential role in the design and development of its material handling vehicles. “Because Nexen is hands-on with the manufacturing and production, they understand what I want and know how to supply it!” says Andy.
Commenting for Nexen Lift Trucks, sales director Pamela Oakes says: “With many manufacturers outsourcing design and build to third parties in China, India and Eastern Europe, Nexen is proud to offer a range of vehicles that can be truly designated as ‘Made in Britain’, with the research, design, development and production of our electric X-Range lift trucks being undertaken at the European headquarters in Lowestoft, rather than those the company owns in Taiwan.”
The FBXT is the latest in Nexen’s line-up of counterbalanced forklift trucks and adds to an ever-increasing portfolio of X-Range models that also incorporates diesel- and LPG-powered vehicles, with lifting capacities up to 5,000kg. All models are built to the highest exacting standards using premium quality components which, combined with Nexen’s signature X-Range fully-floating cabin design, provides exceptional operator comfort and superior ergonomics that dramatically reduces driver fatigue.
X-Range electric forklifts also feature regenerative braking to enhance battery life and improve energy efficiency; and an automatic parking brake ensures no adjustments are required, which reduces equipment maintenance requirements.
For further information, call Nexen Lift Trucks on +44 (0)1502 532211, email info@nexenlifttrucks.com or visit www.nexenlifttrucks.com.
Eastington-based weld overlay cladding and fabrication specialist Arc Energy Resources achieved a record turnover of £6.5 million, while investing £1 million in new equipment and a new building to house a sophisticated computerised robot.
New managing director Andrew Robinson says the company’s performance has been achieved against a sector background of falling oil prices, many thousands of redundancies announced by major industry leaders, and shorter working weeks.
Arc Energy Resources offers outstanding technical support in its main discipline of specialised weld overlay cladding, which is widely used in the oil and gas industries to protect huge valves, pumps and pipelines from corrosion.
“We have also increased office space, installed a highly-specialised robotic research and development facility, invested in a bi-cathode installation that will pre-qualify equipment and enable us to increase the capacity, accuracy, productivity and lead times of our weld overlay cladding output.” says Andrew.
Andrew also confirms that Arc Energy Resources has created a new 600 square metre manufacturing facility that will allow the company to increase its capacity to clad massive 30” globe valves that have become something of a speciality for its highly-trained welding teams. Additionally, the company’s previous investment in two rotating head welding machines continues to increase productivity and extend the size and scope of work the company can handle.
The company also boasts excellent management systems and an ongoing research and development programme as part of its investment, which topped £1 million across a wide range of projects.
Andrew Robinson, who last year succeeded his father as managing director of Gloucestershire-based weld overlay cladding and fabrication specialist Arc Energy Resources, has been selected as the 2016 Institute of Directors (IoD) South West Family Business Director of the Year.
Commenting for the IoD, regional director Simon Face says: “Andrew’s success is an excellent example of a second-generation leader who has evolved the business, driving their own path and strategic direction in a niche sector which has made a hugely positive impact.
“It is great to see clear thinking, positive planning and thorough business knowledge shining through towards real results.” he says.
This latest announcement builds on Andrew’s previous success with the IoD, having received the Director Development Award in 2014. This was related to his performance when studying for the IoD Certificate in Company Direction, and provided a lot of positive exposure for Andrew and Arc Energy Resources.
Presented at a prestigious ceremony at Ashton Gate stadium, the South West Family Business Director of the Year award was based on Andrew’s achievements within the business over the last twelve months. These include a brand new workshop, a strong succession plan, and record turnover of £6.5 milion despite difficult market conditions in the oil and gas sector.
Andrew has also driven a big increase in research and development spending, resulting in the acquisition of three new cutting-edge pieces of technology: a bi-cathode rotary head cladding system; a robotic welding cell; and the next generation of conventional cladding stations, designed and built in-house by Arc Energy’s experienced engineers.
Andrew joined the family firm in 2008 working in the Supply Chain department, but swiftly took on additional roles. “I went on to develop our environmental management system, take on shop floor scheduling and project management.” says Andrew.
Having taken on more and more enjoyable responsibilities, Andrew realised in 2012 that he should be treating his role in the company as a serious aspiration. “I completed management training and subsequently directorship training with the IoD and, in 2013, was appointed to the Board of Directors. In 2014 we finalised our succession plans in which I became managing director, and I published my six-year business plan.” he says.
Since then Arc Energy Resources has expanded profitably into new markets, increased the capacity of the premises and been awarded the prestigious Investors in People Silver award, plus Health and Wellbeing. On a personal level, Andrew’s activities outside the business have included engaging with local schools and careers events.
“The biggest long-term issue facing our sector is a lack of young skilled workers and I believe industry has a significant role to play in encouraging young people to consider a career in engineering.” says Andrew. “It’s such an exciting place to be and with so many opportunities, we need to let children, parents and teachers know what is available to them.”
Andrew is a member of the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing sector group and, alongside representatives from companies including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Sellafield and other major nuclear operators, sits on the Advisory Board to the National Skills Academy for Nuclear.
“It’s a real honour to receive this award and great to be recognised for my hard work.” says Andrew. Looking to the future, he adds: “My success in the recent IoD awards also qualifies me to represent the South West region in the National Director of the Year awards in London, in October. So there is much to look forward to!”
Gloucestershire-based Arc Energy Resources – a specialist in weld overlay cladding and fabrication services for the oil & gas, nuclear and water industries worldwide – has been awarded a prestigious Investors in People Silver Award, an upgrade to the Bronze Award it has held since 2013. The Company also received the Good Practice award for Health and Wellbeing.
Announcing the new awards, company director Rosemary Robinson says: “The Investors in People award recognises that businesses go above and beyond expectations in the way they develop, support and motivate staff. Since winning the Bronze Award standard, with each subsequent assessment we have been able to demonstrate real improvements to our systems.” She adds that Investors in People is not something achieved by simply ticking a box or preparing for an audit, it is something that is central to a business. “We live it.” she says.
Commenting on the news, Rosemary’s son and Arc Energy Resources managing director, Andrew Robinson says: “It is exciting to have this accreditation as it demonstrates that we go above and beyond expectations to ensure that our staff are well managed, trained and developed.”
For the new award, an additional 20 assessment objectives were considered within the IIP Framework, including 92 additional evidence requirements and an initial assessment against the IIP’s Health and Wellbeing Award.
As Rosemary explains, the Health and Wellbeing Award is special because it shows that, in addition to the IIP Silver requirement, the company is investing significant resources into the ongoing health and wellbeing of its staff, which is good for them and for the Company.
She adds that the way this affects staff was demonstrated when, in 2015, one of our employees, Charlie Fryer, won Employee of the Year in the Cotswold Life EMI awards, and Arc Energy Resources won the Stroud Life Family Business of the Year and overall Business of the Year.
The Investors in People framework, which is suitable for organisations of any size and in any sector, transforms business performance through people, helping companies to achieve their objectives by targeting specific priorities within the organisation.
Arc Energy Resources was first accredited as an Investor in People in May 2004 and successfully reviewed in 2007, 2010 and 2013.
Summarising, Investors in People Practitioner Mary Walsh says that all of the core requirements were met and she was therefore delighted to confirm that Silver level accreditation has been awarded. She was further delighted to confirm that all of the requirements of a further Health and Wellbeing Award were also met and the new Award was added to Arc Energy Resources’ achievements, together with a clear understanding of the success and the costs of company’s health and wellbeing strategy.
The IIP review also noted that strategic planning has improved significantly, learning and development continues to be well structured and staff describe a longstanding open culture where people are listened to and constructive feedback is encouraged.
Mention Gast Group and its JUN-AIR range, and you’d be forgiven for thinking of air compressors that are perhaps best known for being specified for industrial, process, pharmaceutical, laboratory or dental applications.
However, via its French distributor Enerfluid, the Gast Group – a leading designer and manufacturer of precision air products and member of IDEX Corporation’s Health & Science division – has supplied and installed a JUN-AIR OF1202 compressor for “Le grande orgue de Notre Dame de Paris”, the main organ at Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral which, receiving over 14 million visitors each year, is the most visited location in the city.
As part of the organ’s pneumatic system modernisation – which started in September 2013 – the pneumatic stop tie machines were completely restored and a register system, motorised by high-pressure pneumatic actuators, was supplied to replace the old “Cavaillé-Coll” system that had been used in the organ since its original installation in 1865.
An oil-free JUN-AIR OF1202-40MQ3 compressor was specified for the new pneumatic system thanks to its combination of low operating noise and for providing a supply of clean compressed air – that is free of oil, water and dust – to the air cylinders, which are opening sets registers to ring the pipes installed in the organ.
The JUN-AIR OF1202 compressor serves as the compressed air source for the control system for the instrument, with the amount of air supplying air cylinders which are activated depending on which sound is desired from the organ. For this type of control, a set of pneumatic cylinders have been installed above the Cavaillé-Coll system and provide a force of 200N on an adjustable stroke of up to 6cms and with a working pressure of 1.2bar. This allows for the full Cavaillé-Coll system to remain in place.
Commenting for Orgues Quoirin, engineer Laurent Mesme says: “The JUN-AIR compressor has been installed in the north tower room next to the organ and has actually enabled us to use a very similar technology that Cavaillé-Coll has used for 150 years. It’s just more modern and miniaturised.”
Very little in the transmission of the draw of the original games elements has changed and the operation of the assembly is as quiet as that of the original Cavaillé-Coll pneumatic machinery. Additionally, because the JUN-AIR compressor is enclosed in a soundproof box, it is virtually inaudible.
As Mr Mesme continues, the JUN-AIR equipment has also solved a servicing problem for the customer as the OF1202 compressor can run for several thousands of hours without maintenance, which is essential for this installation.
The JUN-AIR OF range of oil-free, ultra-quiet compressors provides clean, dry air for a wide range of applications. It has an output of up to 260 l/min at 8 bar and the 50/60Hz dual-frequency also provides greater flexibility for exporting OEMs, as it can operate anywhere in the world without the need for modification. Versions are also available to operate at 10 bar maximum pressure.
Like all oil-free compressors from the Gast Group, the OF range is extremely quiet, operating at just 65 to 79dB(A) as free standing units. When housed in optional silent-running cabinets noise levels are reduced to between 46 to 63dB(A).
For further information on the, call +44 (0)1527 504040, email sales.gast@idexcorp.com or visit www.jun-air.com.
Andrew Robinson, Managing Director of Gloucestershire-based Arc Energy Resources, has been shortlisted for the Institute of Directors (IoD) South West regional Director of the Year Awards.
Andrew has been at the helm of the Eastington-based family business since 2014, during which time the company has delivered record turnover and strong profits. This has been achieved through workshop expansion and procurement of a number of new cutting-edge technologies that have put the company in a strong position against its commercial competitors. Their prime customers are in the oil and gas industry but Arc Energy Arc Energy Resources also supplies petrochemical, power generation, defence and nuclear sectors. In addition, some twenty percent of its work is also exported.
Following his appointment as Managing Director of Arc Energy Resources, Andrew developed an ambitious six-year business plan emphasising 15% year-on-year growth. As a result, in 2015 the company achieved record turnover of £6.3m and maintained a strong profit level. He also initiated a number of exciting projects, including expansion of the workshops and procurement of three new cutting-edge technologies. This level of investment, coupled with the company’s technical prowess and strong client relationships, puts Arc Energy Resources ahead its competitors.
Commenting on the value of the IoD Awards, Andrew says: “Having received very positive exposure from winning the IoD SW Developing Director of the Year award in 2014, I am now applying for this year’s IOD award to celebrate my results as Arc Energy’s MD, as well as those of everyone in the business; and I wanted to build on our efforts and prove we could all could all achieve more.
“This is a good time to apply for the award, as it showcases the link between my directorial input and the tangible results the business has achieved, which also gives confidence to Arc Energy’s staff that the company is in safe hands, after passing onto the next generation.”
