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Precision engineering continues to be the heart of British manufacturing
Ref: DAW053
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Potters Bar-based specialist engineering company Dawson Shanahan held a factory open day at its manufacturing facility on Thursday 13th October attended by a number of experts, journalists and VIPs, to demonstrate its production and plant equipment, as well as exciting expansion plans that would see its turnover doubled by 2020.
The event opened with Managing Director Les Reeves giving a pithy presentation, explaining how the use of high precision cold forming process is providing cost and environmental benefits for major companies in markets such as medical, power generation and aerospace.
In contrast to so many companies in this difficult economic climate, Dawson Shanahan has grown significantly in recent years, with exports to Europe, North America and the Far East that representing over 80% of its turnover. The company is one of only three in Europe to specialise in precision cold forming for the manufacture of highly complex components made from copper, aluminium and ferrous compounds and has also pioneered the use of stainless steel for cold formed parts. These bespoke products serve the increasing demand from a range of high-tech industries worldwide, including the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors.
The guided tour was conducted by David Dawson, Chairman and Joint Managing Director, and Mark Jennings, Engineering Director, and focused on production activities carried out at the company’s 2,800 m² purpose-built plant. All stages of the manufacturing process from prototype and production tooling design, through to manufacture, quality control and inspection were explained and observed.
This included demonstrations of new key equipment including a grinding cell with a custom built high speed slot (up to 4000 rpm), groove and centreless grinding machines. The robotic loading turning cell alone represented a £500,000 investment on new technology and the production area for medical and aerospace components had established itself as a leading division in the group.
Les Reeves explained, “We wanted to raise awareness of how producing high precision components using the efficient cold forming method is both possible and cost-effective, offering significant savings in reducing waste metals. We also wanted to demonstrate that through working with our customers we have been able to devise innovative manufacturing techniques that have satisfied their requirements”.
Local Conservative MP for Hertsmere, James Clappison added, “It makes a change to see a company thriving in the manufacturing industry today, and, what’s more, offering highly skilled employment for young people through its trainee apprenticeship programme. For me it’s doubly pleasing to see such a shining example of manufacturing excellence in my own constituency. This is exactly the sort of business we need to support and it is therefore fitting to celebrate their accomplishments.”
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EDITORS NOTES
With over 60 years’ experience, Dawson-Shanahan Limited is the leading global specialist in cold forming and machining of high precision, customer specified copper, aluminium, ferrous and assembled components. Established in 1943, the company is based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire and currently employs 55 people in its 2800 m² purpose built factory. Dawson-Shanahan offers a complete solution, with everything from prototype to production, being designed and manufactured in house to reduce both manufacturing lead time and costs for its customers.With over 80% of its business being exported, the company’s products meet the demands of a wide range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, electronics, laser, medical, packaging, plasma, power distribution, telecoms and welding.For more information visit the company’s website at www.dawson-shanahan.co.uk.
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