World demand for large specialist machine tools and a recession driven wave of remanufacture business has amply justified the decision by Precision Technologies Group (PTG) to purchase its large machine business in 2008. The new expanded operation has now been launched as PTG Heavy Industries, and is providing strong growth prospects and a healthy order book in a tough business climate.
PTG reports that industries served by the large capacity machine tool sector such as mining, large construction equipment, oil and shipping are using the relative trading lull to reinvest in large scale plant equipment. Machine orders are strong; hence PTG Heavy Industries will start trading with a healthy order book.
Incorporated into the business are two historic brands; Binns & Berry and Crawford Swift, each with worldwide recognition and over 100 years of experience designing and manufacturing large capacity CNC lathes, deep hole boring machines and roll grinders. New machine orders have been confirmed for both the Binns & Berry and Crawford Swift brands, while additional business is also being generated by the expanding remanufacturing and large machine tool service side of the business.
Dr. Tony Bannan, PTG Chief Operating Officer comments, ‘Heavy industry has turned a corner; from the dark days of the 80’s when it was a dirty word, to today when governments have acknowledged that high-value manufacturing is vital to rebalance the world economy and provide the engine to pull us out of recession. PTG Heavy Industries retains a fantastic skills base with years of manufacturing and engineering experience being put to good use and not lost as manufacturing moves offshore.’
Machines manufactured and re-engineered at PTG Heavy Industries include heavy-duty long bed lathes with a work piece capacity of up to 250 tons. There are also a number of ongoing projects for special purpose machine tools and Crawford Swift’s award wining friction stir welding machine. Carl Griffiths, General Manager of the new operation added, ‘the experience we have in designing and building these machines sets us apart on the world stage, we can build a new machine, upgrade an existing machine or design and build machine tool solutions with the confidence that comes only from technology leadership and experience.’
PTG Heavy Industries’ machine tool brands encompass design innovations such as the Binns & Berry large capacity CNC lathes that utilize a unique modular construction with 4 guideways and centre distances of up to 66 feet giving turn through capability allowing components to be machined end to end without interruption for steady rest removal. Other machines that incorporate specialist technology include sliding gap bed lathes, offset/T bed lathes, deep-hole boring machines and thread whirling machines.
The company is a worldwide provider of complete turnkey solutions for new machines as well as reengineering and rebuild/retrofit services for large capacity machines. As a majority export business, this is another area where skills and experience put the company at an advantage.
The factory covers 38,000 square feet of engineering space with one of Europe’s largest slideway planing and grinding machines capable of machining 48ft x 11ft x 7ft in a single setup and supported by cranage with single lift capacity up to 50 tons.
About JONES & SHIPMAN
We have more than 100 years of accumulated knowledge, experience and expertise as industry leaders serving a global customer base.
Our grinding and superabrasive machines and machining systems, produce ultra precision components in a diverse range of industries including aerospace, medical, mould tool & die, power generation and high end automotive.
We have developed some of the most sophisticated, bespoke software in the marketplace boasting a simple rapid set and intuitive user interface. An investment that allows customers to operate more efficiently and effectively with faster turnaround between jobs.
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DMA Europa Ltd. : Roland Renshaw
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Company Contact
Jones and Shipman Precision Ltd. : Mike Duignan
Tel: +44 (0)116 201 3000 Fax: +44 (0)116 201 3002
Web: www.jonesshipman.com
Email: mike.duignan@jonesshipman.com
PTG USA : Sharon Garfi
Tel: +1 (860) 409 7722 Fax: +1 (860) 409 7730
Web: www.ptgheavyindustries.com
Email: Sharon.Garfi@JonesShipman.com