2019 Finalists

123 Insight: 123insight MRP Software

123insight eradicates the risk and expense traditionally associated with selecting and implementing MRP/ERP. Prospects attend the 2 ½ hour Evaluation Workshop to see the product’s suitability. Then, they attend the six days of no-obligation training – if they find it doesn’t work for them they walk away with nothing to pay. After that, it’s a low monthly subscription with no minimum period. Customers often massively increase turnover without any significant increase in administration staff.

ABB: Ability™ Digital Powertrain

Launched in 2018, ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain is a suite of digital solutions including devices, software and monitoring services. It provides advanced analytics to improve maintenance planning, thereby ensuring the efficient operation of powertrain equipment, including drives, motors, bearings and pumps. Users can view operational variables through an integrated, one-stop portal. The data is complemented by ABB’s cross-industry experience, enabling better and more reliable decision making.

Danfoss Drives: FlexMotion™ Multipurpose Universal Servo Drive System

Danfoss FlexMotion™ is a user-friendly and open servo motion solution. It consists of three different servo drive product lines, each with their own unique benefits, and covers both decentral as well as central solutions. But, as they are based on the same platform, the user interface is identical and programming, installation and maintenance are equally quick and easy.

Elmo Motion Control: Quartet - A Miniature 4-Axis Motion Control System

A complete motion control system with advanced multi-axis control, integrated 4x5kW powerful servo drives, and built-in Functional Safety (IEC 61800-5-2). The built in drivers are capable of delivering over 5kW each for a total of nearly 20kW for the whole miniature module. The Quartet is operated by a simple programming environment made for fast and easy implementations and helps save space, reduce cost, less (and simpler) wiring & cabling leading to shorter time to market.

Gardner Denver: iConn

iConn – a cloud-based, IoT-enabled, analytics platform for compressed air installations – delivers optimised energy usage, improved performance AND real-time, predictive data analytics to prevent downtime across any brand of compressor and downstream equipment installation. Supporting Industry 4.0 initiatives, iConn is a cognitive system, learning from data and user behaviour to deliver optimised installation performance and insight to any device. iConn – intelligent connection for the future, today.

JETCAM International: Expert CADCAM and Nesting Software

Although JETCAM Expert has been developed since 1986, v20 brought in significant new features that allowed customers to get much more out of their existing CNC machines. Features such as JET-Cut fly cutting can reduce cutting times, while JET-Optimizer optimises the cut path to ensure that the laser head does not travel over previously cut areas, reducing risk of collisions. Remote Control Processing (RCP) allows for complete integration into MRP for fully unmanned operation.

Physik Instrumente: PIRest Actuator

PIRest actuators have been developed to solve the challenges of traditional methods of precision adjustments, offering engineers a simpler, faster and more practical way to realign components with long-term stability, without needing a constant power supply. These active shims allow adjustment of components to nanometre precision, which can be performed in situ using remote access, ideal for hard-to-access locations such as astronomy applications in outer space or within complex instruments.

SMC Pneumatics: EX600W Integrated Wireless Valve System

The EX600W was developed to eliminate the need of a communications cable in a multi axis robot or multi axis pick and place cabling system. Power and air can be supplied very robustly in a robot through the robot arm but work fatigue of an industrial communication cable is a recognised issue. By adopting the wireless system customers benefit from reduced installation time and eliminate costly production downtime.

BOGE Compressors: Cranswick Foods

BOGE Compressors are pioneers in innovation, developing an energy efficient compressor using high speed technology. The HST design uses intelligent engineering and reduced components to reduce energy consumptions, with the CO2 emissions 20% lower than traditional compressors and energy usage of less than 1.9%. There is guaranteed low maintenance, low cost, no noise and low energy whilst being a sleek and smooth machine.

Brammer Buck & Hickman: Compressed Air System Audits

Up to 30% of a compressor’s output is lost through air leaks.  Brammer Buck & Hickman’s Compressed Air System Audits provide a detailed report: 1. description of the leak 2. estimated monetary value per leak 3.photographs of the leaking part/area  4. remedial list of parts or actions required.

This audit saves money by identifying ways to improve the efficiency of a customer’s compressed air system.  At Magna Exterior Systems, our Audit resulted in £130k savings over three years.

Kabel.Consult.Ing: Energy-Light Drive System

The "Energy-light" drive system significantly improves the energy efficiency of an application through the use of patented motor technology, cutting-edge process and control methods, and lightweight construction with composite fiber materials. It minimizes drive output during continuous operation, during acceleration, delays, and braking; maximizes corresponding generator output; and standardizes the drive system to become a complex total application.

X-Design: Pneu-Saver

Pneu-Saver creates a ‘closed loop’ circuit that is connected to a pneumatic cylinder’s non-working stroke. This captures and re-cycles the compressed air that would normally be exhausted to atmosphere once used, thus resulting in a minimum 45% reduction in air consumption.

There is no limit to how many cylinders of any size that can be connected to one Pneu-Saver, which is easily retro-fitted to existing machinery with payback usually less than twelve months.

BOGE Compressors: Cranswick Foods

Cranswick Foods in Hull needed to reduce downtime and boost efficiency.  A centralised air distribution system from BOGE Compressors including three compact compressors and EasiFit distribution pipework, replaced ten unreliable compressors that caused frequent shutdowns. With enough capacity to run the plant on two fixed-speed compressors with around 25% headroom, the extra capacity gives Cranswick the opportunity to expand by up to 40% in future.

Elmo Motion Control: Elmo/AB Dynamics GST

Guided Soft Target is a pilotable target, which is a self-propelled platform chassis carrying a soft vehicle. The rugged dependable platform uses proven rugged servo drives to ensure it withstands repeated impacts whilst testing all the major automotive brands imaginable, helping companies develop products such as ABS Braking, Crash Avoidance systems and Active cruise control. Elmo's Gold Drum drive, is a super compact, high power servo drive with high efficiency ideal for such battery operation.

JETCAM International: Expert Nesting Software for Amada Laser

I-Cherng Refrigeration had been a user of JETCAM Expert nesting software to drive their range of CNC punch and laser machines since 1995. After being disappointed with the software supplied with their new Amada fibre laser they upgraded their JETCAM system to support it. As a result, programming time was reduced by 80%, machine runtime reduced overall by 13.2% and they saw an overall ROI in under 4 months.

ABB

ABB has been manufacturing electric motors and mechanical products for over 125 years and has decades of experience in pioneering the industrial applications of VSDs. Today, ABB is also dedicated toenabling users of motor-driven applications to harness the opportunities offered by the Internet of Things. In 2018, it broke new ground with the launch of the ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain, a suite of digital devices, software and monitoring services that ensure the efficient and reliable operation of powertrain equipment.

Gardner Denver

Gardner Denver is a leading manufacturer of air compression and vacuum equipment. Over a 160 years’ we’ve grown into a diversified and truly global business including numerous market leading brands. Our ultimate goal has always been the satisfaction of our customer. In recent years we‘ve invested heavily in our ‘Manufacturing Centres of Excellence’, upgrading machines, processes, assembly processes and logistics. This resulted in outstanding on-time delivery rates, extremely high customer satisfaction and industry-leading quality levels.

Physik Instrumente

PI has been developing and manufacturing standard and OEM products with piezo or motor drives for 40 years. The company’s breadth and depth of experience is unique in the industry, and over 90 per cent of its sales require some level of customisation, from simply extending cables to designing bespoke solutions. PI prides itself on employing engineers, not just sales people, and its free project consultancy service finds the ideal product for every client’s application. 

Brammer Buck & Hickman

Brammer Buck & Hickman is the UK’s leading technical specialist distributor of MRO products, as well as supplying multiple value-added services.  Branches across the breadth of the UK provide customers with quick and easy access to more than 5 million products, from bearings, mechanical power transmission and fluid power through to tools and health & safety products.  This extensive product portfolio is underpinned by specialist engineering services as well as condition monitoring repair and reconditioning. 

Greenville Electrical

We at Greenville proudly supply Danfoss Drives to more than 3,000 companies throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Thanks to our large stock holding, we can offer next day delivery on a wide range of products and with our in-house design and panel building facilities, we can efficiently handle even the most complex of customisation challenges. Greenville also offers a fast-response service for breakdowns and repairs with engineers typically on-site within 24 hours of support request being received. In addition, the company provides on-site audits to help customers optimise and where necessary, update their drive installations.

Pennine Pneumatic Services

Much more than a compressed air supplier, PPS offers market-leading design, supply, install and service. Based in West Yorkshire, PPS is Carbon Trust accredited, delivering energy audits to reduce costs and environmental impact. Our experienced engineers provide 24/7 breakdown cover and service support to minimise downtime and keep systems at optimum levels. An Atlas Copco premier distributor, we supply the latest VSD air compressors, vacuum pumps, nitrogen generators, air treatment, pipework, ducting, parts and accessories.

Rutronik

Rutronik is a broadline distributor with a 360-degree product range that encompasses semiconductors, passive components, electromechanical components, as well as embedded and wireless products with 28 billion parts permanently available. We are the third largest distributor in Europe and top-ranked worldwide. Our broad portfolio is based on the dual sourcing approach. This enables us to offer alternative versions of every component, thereby guaranteeing excellent availability.

Thorite

Thorite, are one of the largest distributors and installers of compressed air, pneumatic and fluid power products in the UK spread across 11 locations from North to South. We provide cost saving automation solutions into a diverse cross section of UK’s manufacturing industry including mechanical engineering, chemical and process, transport, food & drink and print & packaging.

ABB : Drives & Motors Training

ABB offers more than 40 free-to-attend training courses designed to improve the performance, reliability and productivity of motor-driven applications across all industries. Training is delivered at customer premises or an ABB facility, including its dedicated variable speed drive training school in Coalville, Leicestershire. In the last few years alone, ABB and its authorised value provider network have upskilled several thousand engineers, managers, apprentices, energy champions and maintainers.

AEMT: Course for the Repair, Overhaul and Reclamation of Hazardous Area Equipment

The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) has trained engineers from all over the world in the repair, overhaul, and reclamation of hazardous area (Ex) Equipment. 86% of all IECEx certified service centres have been trained on the course in the UK, middle east, and south east asia. Following training, we help candidates towards competency with a dedicated technical helpline, ensuring the world stays safe when handling Ex equipment. 

BPMA: Pump & System Training

The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) training programmes have been created by the industry, for the industry. These courses have been designed simply to offer independent knowledge and training for people who are engaged in all aspects of the pump industry. The BPMA offers e-learning pump courses, lecture based or on-site training anywhere in the UK. Courses are open to members and non-members & all courses are independently accredited. 

IMI Precision Engineering: IGNITE Training Team

IMI Precision Engineering’s IGNITE training program was introduced to develop the sales force, both in terms of selling and product knowledge. The dedicated IGNITE team have worked hard to develop and quickly mobilise 40 training modules covering both product and selling process,  and have so far trained over 600 employees world-wide, receiving outstanding feedback from delegates. The program is starting to be rolled out to distributors to strengthen relationships and upskill their teams. 

JETCAM International: JETCAM University

To aid its dealers and customers, JETCAM’s General Manager Martin Bailey developed the JETCAM University – an online video tutorial library. Available on desktops, tablets and mobiles, users can watch hundreds of short videos covering core features of their product range, with the system keeping track of videos watched. All spoken narrative is displayed on-screen, allowing the browser to translate to local languages. Users can also request new videos, which are added within 7-14 days.

Thorite: ThoriteAcademy

The Thorite Academy is a learning division of Thorite one of the largest distributors and installers of compressed air, pneumatic and fluid power products in the UK. Offering a unique learning experience for industry professionals we provide a personalised practical hands-on participation using experienced instructors and up-to-date teaching aids. 

Kabel.Consult.Ing: Juan Carlos González Villar

Juan Carlos Gonzalez Villar (50) is proprietor of Kabel.Consult.Ing, M ö n c h e n g l a d b a c h , Germany, a provider of consulting, development, and modernization services for the manufacturing industry. He has 25 years of professional experience and has worked with numerous manufacturers of production machines. Following his graduation from studies in mechanical engineering at Niederrhein University in Krefeld, he joined machine manufacturers FRISCH GmbH as a mechanical engineer. He previously completed vocational training and worked for five years as a machine technician at a manufacturing company in Mönchengladbach. He also took a postgraduate course in industrial engineering at Niederrhein University in Mönchengladbach, with specialization in production technology.

L.A.C. Conveyors & Automation: Cory Hoggard

L.A.C. Conveyors & Automation realised that it needed to train the next generation of engineers and Cory Hoggard is the companies’ first electrical apprentice. Working under the close supervision of a highly experienced electrical engineer and with the help of Nottingham College on a day release program Cory is proving to be a real nugget. With his skills and knowledge developing at a rapid rate the company has high hopes for this young person’s future.

L.A.C. Conveyors & Automation: Moses Bradley

Moses Bradley perfectly fits L.A.C. Conveyors & Automation’s requirements in his role as an electrical design engineer. Moses is diligent in his work with a keen eye on quality, a fast learner and a great communicator. As his knowledge and skills develop it won’t be too long before Moses starts to take on project management and team leading duties.

Winner announced on the night of the Awards

Winner announced on the night of the Awards