In a pre-lockdown survey, Members of the UK Gasket & Sealing Association (UKGSA) reported continuing investment and optimism for 2021.
J A Harrison have invested in top-of-the-range CNC machinery for metal machined parts including pump shafts, large leadscrews and brass nuts, which complement their PFTE and plastics machining. They have also invested in a mechanical saw and manual centre lathe.
Keith Shepherd, managing director of J A Harrison, said: “The PTFE department has to be a clean environment, so the metal fabrication machines have been located in a new dedicated unit at our Cardiff site.
“The expansion at Cardiff required increased power to the building, a new lighting system and connection to our offline CNC programming suite in Manchester, helping eliminate downtime, increasing productivity and reducing costs so we remain competitive.”
East Anglian Sealing Co Ltd have been appointed sole UK Distributor for Gambit Lubawka Sp, increasing stock and production by taking on further units at their Bulmer facility.
Steve Cant, director at East Anglian Sealing, explains: “New production equipment being installed includes a 2.1mx5.5m bed multi-axis CNC cutter router with automatic saws and sanders. We’re also installing paint and gel coat finishing and non-contact video inspection.
“Our production space will increase by 40% and warehousing by 100%! We are also looking at installing our own shredding and crumbing equipment on site to deal with waste. Our plan is to offer this service at cost to other companies in the same position, increasing recycling and reducing landfill.”
East Anglian Sealing’s new bed multi-axis CNC cutter router
Flexitallic have moved to larger premises in Aberdeen to support their growing client base which includes offshore oil & gas clients and OEMs. The new 4,600 sq ft site enables them to expand gasket stockholding, workshop capabilities, and host a dedicated Bolted Joint Integrity Training facility.
Corseal Ltd, who are a leading manufacturer and supplier of gaskets, seals and associated industrial products, are celebrating 15 years’ of trading and have recently moved to larger premises to hold more stock and materials to meet customer demands.
Munsch & Co/PTM have expanded their plastic sheet cutting service with the installation of a Robland panel saw and cutting table, accurately cutting plastic up to 25mm thick to sizes up to 1200mm x 2500mm.
Simon Winfield, chairman of the UKGSA and director of MacLellan Rubber Limited, said: “The gasket and sealing industry is a significant sector in the UK and I’m delighted to see our Members continue to expand and take on more employees during what continues to be, an incredibly difficult time.”
