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Joining the Bri-Stor Group is an Exciting Opportunity

 

Growing up in Staffordshire, just a few miles from the family business, Martin Smith spent much of his childhood watching his parents build Bri-Stor Systems Limited (Bri-Stor is an abbreviation of British Storage). Today, as CEO of the Bri-Stor Group, he reflects on his own career and the tough lessons he learned along the way.

“Growing up in the 80s and 90s I didn’t see a lot of my parents; they were always at work and I suppose looking back I didn’t really have a full appreciation of their hard work and what it meant for my future. At that time, I spent a lot of time playing sport, in particular cricket and hockey and enjoyed playing at a reasonably high level. As for school, I was a challenging lad to say the least, I was a bright kid and I loved my school, but I was quite mischievous and was often looking for clever ways to distract my mates and the teaching staff. That said, I did pretty well in my GCSEs and A Levels, and the turning point really came for me when I was 18 and took up a place on a four-year degree at Bath University, studying International Business and Foreign Languages.”

In year three of his degree Martin started a role at Peugeot, based in Paris, a turning point in his future, as he explains: “my role at Peugeot really changed my view of the workplace. I’d always done well academically but this was my first opportunity to really get stuck into something outside of education. It was an incredible experience and built my confidence no-end. It was never a given that I would work for Bri-Stor Group, far from it, my dad’s view was “you make your own way son” so that’s exactly what I did. I worked flat out at Peugeot, rarely seeing anything other than the inside of the office or my tiny flat – but it was a solid grounding.”

Graduating from Bath University and gaining experience in the world of manufacturing and engineering, Martin felt he was set for a career in the family business, he tells us what happened next: “I can recall the conversation with my dad about joining the business and he was adamant that I had to go and find out what my value was in the world of work. What he meant was, go and get three job offers and we’ll talk about a job at Bri-Stor Group.  So that’s what I did, I got offers from three global management consultancy businesses and my dad’s response? “Well done son.  You can have half the salary and you can start in the paint shop, on the night shift” – so that’s exactly what I did.”

For several years Martin worked night shifts, day shifts and a combination of the two.  He worked in all departments learning the shopfloor skills required to run the business and eventually became Production Manager in Alpha Manufacturing, he continues: “It was pure hard work, but to this day I remind people that you shouldn’t expect somebody to do something you wouldn’t be prepared to do yourself.  That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career in the Group and is a strong part of our culture today. I look at how hard the teams work throughout the business, but what really stands out is the strong team ethic that underpins it all. As we welcome new Apprentices into the business, I know we are giving them the very best opportunity to develop a successful career. In truth, if you’re wondering if an Apprenticeship will broaden your horizons, then read about Paul Clews’ career – he is the very essence of how an Apprenticeship can pave the way for a bright, successful future.”

What are you looking for in this year’s Apprentices?

“As with every cohort of Apprentices, we expect to see determination and the willingness to try new skills. For many of this year’s intake, regardless of age, they will have experienced a really disruptive education, so we are looking for Apprentices with a really strong, positive mindset.  Joining the Bri-Stor Group is the start of an exciting chapter.”

The tutors really respect us as working guys – not pupils

Nearing the completion of his NVQ in Mechanical Engineering at college, Stephan was weighing up options when he met Bri-Stor Group Apprenticeship Manager Will Davies-Hill, as he tells us: “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do after completion of my NVQ but when Will visited my college and told us about the opportunities at Bri-Stor Group as an Apprentice I was really intrigued.”

Stephan took part in the Bri-Stor Group Open Day and was struck by the scale and professionalism of the business.  Immediately drawn to the manufacturing capabilities of Alpha, Stephan applied to join as an Apprentice in 2019.  Stephan tells us more: “We got the opportunity to see all the manufacturing equipment in action and I was really impressed by the Stopa and in particular the Bend Cell – seeing the huge levels of automation really changed my perception of sheet metal fabrication.  I think in my mind I was picturing a dirty workshop with a few bits of kit but Alpha couldn’t be further away from that perception – it’s a world-class business and as a consequence we’re involved in the manufacture and production of some pretty impressive fabricated products.”

Stephan really enjoyed year one and although there is a lot of classroom time at The JCB Academy, the relaxed, informal approach to teaching was perfect for Stephan’s learning style, as he expands: “we learnt a lot in year one but it didn’t feel like learning.  The tutors really respect the fact that we’re working guys, not kids, and that makes such a difference.”

In year two the Apprentices are part of the Rotation Programme and get the opportunity to experience every operational function in the business. “I’m enjoying some departments and process areas more than others, but that’s what this is all about – seeing what you like, and how that matches up to your skills,” explains Stephan.  “By being part of every function in the business, regardless of how much you like it, you can see the total process which is important.  Understanding the impact of one process on another dramatically improves efficiency and removes mistakes.”

Would you recommend the Alpha Manufacturing Apprenticeship Scheme?  “It’s a tough world right now and I feel secure in my role at Alpha.  I know the business is successful and being part of the Bri-Stor Group gives me huge confidence that I can pursue my career here and hopefully continue to gain higher qualifications.”

When I say to people “I love sheet metal” I’m sure they think I’m mad, but I really do!

Gemma has big ambitions at Alpha Manufacturing and she has every reason to be excited about her career.  In just four years, having come through the Higher Apprentice route, she is now a fully-qualified Production Engineer with no limits to her capability and career aspirations.  This is Gemma’s story, a story that will inspire other students considering an Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship. 

When Gemma was at school, she always knew she wanted to get into business and more specifically engineering but wasn’t entirely sure what this path would look like.  She certainly didn’t anticipate that just four years into her career and still in her early 20s she’d be running the production engineering for some of Alpha’s most complex jobs.  As well as the production side of her role, Gemma has built her confidence and skills to be able to guide and direct many colleagues on the shopfloor, often working in a dynamic and high intensity environment.

Gemma tells us: “If somebody had told me four years ago that I would be a fully-fledged Production Engineer I wouldn’t have believed them. To no longer wear the badge of ‘Trainee’ is just mind-blowing, when I changed my email footer I was just overwhelmed, it’s a tiny thing but it was poignant. I’m not an overly emotional person but all that hard work just felt worth it.

“All the way through school I knew I wanted to get into a job and start my career early but I also wanted to combine it with training and ultimately a higher-level qualification such as a degree so when I learned about Alpha Manufacturing’s Apprenticeship Scheme it ticked all my boxes and more.”

Gemma spent two years at the The JCB Academy combined with her role at Alpha Manufacturing and after completing her foundation degree, Alpha sponsored Gemma to complete her Manufacturing & Production Engineering Degree at Derby University, which she completed in 2020.  Gemma tells us more: “Combining my role at Alpha as a Higher Apprentice and furthering my studies at Derby University has worked really well for me.  I guess I wanted the best of both worlds – I wanted to start my career and begin earning money but also wanted to gain the skills and education to be able to really advance my career at Alpha.  When I say to people “I love sheet metal” I’m sure they think I’m mad, but I really do!  I love the fast pace at Alpha too, I’m surrounded by brilliant people who have really helped me nurture my skills.  I’ve had to learn very quickly about how to adapt my skills to get the best out of others, but I’ve grown in confidence in a relatively short period and now I can hold my own in most situations.” 

For Gemma, her future is bright and she’s excited to see what will come next, she concludes:  “Right now, I’m loving my job, every day I come into work with a smile on my face and I look forward to the next challenge.  I’m much further ahead in my career than others of the same age and I’m glad I jumped onto the Higher Apprenticeship route – it’s put my career path right on track.”

What’s the best thing about being an Alpha Apprentice? “You learn very quickly, there are so many talented people to guide and support you.  There are tough days when you’ve got so much to take in, it can feel overwhelming but then it all just falls into place, you adjust to that very quickly.  I love working in the world of manufacturing and engineering – there are limitless opportunities for people that just want to work hard and build a career.  This is the place to do it.” 

An Apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to accelerate your career and earn a living.

“After my GCSEs I was pretty set on sixth form to be honest, but I felt like I was getting swept along with other students, rather than what I wanted to do”, explains third year Alpha Manufacturing Apprentice, Dan Gill.  “All my mates were choosing A ‘Levels and I really wanted to get away from the classroom and start earning a living.  The opportunity to get paid to learn really appealed to me so joining an Apprenticeship seemed like the perfect option.”

After finishing his GSCSEs Dan visited a few firms to look at their Apprenticeship Scheme and weighed up all his options, as he explains: “I looked at a few Schemes and immediately dismissed any Scheme that was too classroom-based.  I wanted a Scheme that would feel like hands-on work, accepting that I’d also have a lot to learn.  When I visited Alpha, I was completely overwhelmed by the world-class machinery and automation of the entire manufacturing process.  My dad’s an engineer and I’ve always been fascinated by anything with moving parts – even watches fascinate me, so Alpha completely bowled me over.  Another factor that swayed me was meeting our Apprenticeship Manager, Will Davies-Hill, he’s nothing like a teacher but is a really strong mentor and I felt immediately that Alpha was exactly what I was looking for.”

Now in his third year and reflecting on year one and two of the Apprenticeship Scheme, Dan is keen to tell other students considering an Apprenticeship that the Bri-Stor Group approach is way beyond the ‘school’ approach, as he continues: “I looked at the prospectus for Bri-Stor Group and I had many questions about year one at The JCB Academy, to be honest I still had some reservations on day one, but all those were set aside after the first few hours! The teaching is so engaging and it’s so hands-on, it feels like the best DT lesson you’ve ever had, and then you come back into the business and apply all that learning to the real-world, it’s so rewarding.”

Dan is an exemplary Apprentice and has shown grit and determination to succeed from the get-go, with a promising career in Alpha Manufacturing ahead of him, Dan is keen to continue with his education and balance a career, he says: “I love the maintenance rotation and the quality department is pretty cool, I’m learning all the time and because we’re getting such a well-rounded introduction to Alpha Manufacturing it’ll make it much easier to choose my eventual career path.”

 Would you recommend the Alpha Manufacturing Apprenticeship Scheme?  “If you’re not a fan of the classroom this is the perfect opportunity to really accelerate your career and earn a living at the same time.  I made the perfect choice by coming to Alpha and I know I’ve got a bright future ahead.”

We are giving young people the opportunity to put their ambitions first

After a twenty-year career in the Army, retiring as a Warrant Officer in 2015, Will Davies-Hill was ready for the next chapter in his career.  Joining Bri-Stor Systems and securing a position in the electrics team, Will slotted straight into the fast-paced and dynamic culture of the business and was immediately struck by the firm’s attitude towards career progression and personal development, as he explains:

“Having spent two decades of my life in the military I’m well aware of the importance of discipline and personal improvement and these are two values that I recognised in Bri-Stor Group, so when the opportunity came up to advance my own career as the Apprenticeship Manager I jumped at the chance.  I’d already observed the fantastic opportunity our Apprentices were being given but I knew, with the right support, I could take the Scheme to the next level.”

Six years on and Will and the wider teams in the Group have developed a fully accredited Apprenticeship Scheme, recruiting approximately 15 students each year to join one of the region’s fastest growing businesses.  With strong ties to both engineering and manufacturing disciplines the Bri-Stor Group Apprenticeship Scheme is in high demand, Will continues: “My dedicated role is all about nurturing and developing young talent.  We attract applicants from across the county who can see the diverse and exciting nature of our Scheme and I believe that’s because we’ve embedded the real ethos of Apprenticeship into our scheme – giving young people the opportunity to put their ambitions first. 

“My own career experience in the military has given me a unique insight into what drives and motivates young people, often in challenging situations, so I have brought this experience to Bri-Stor Group and today, we are delivering what I believe is a solid blend of learning, experience and the opportunity to use initiative and self-discipline.  It has to be said though, we know how to have fun and we love the comradery amongst the Apprentices – we give them ample opportunity to let off steam and really bring their personalities to the work place.  There is space in this business for everybody, our role is simply to nurture their talent.”

While year one and two of the Scheme are focused on learning and experiencing different roles, in year three, the Apprentices are getting stuck into a role which matches their ambition, talent and the needs of the business.   According to Will, this transition can be more challenging for some than others, but Will has this to say: “whether an Apprentice is joining us at 16, 18 or even older, we understand that coming into the work place can be a daunting prospect.  In year one we spend a lot of time focusing on business etiquette and expected behaviour – these are essential skills that need to be acquired but we do it in a subtle way and by year two, they’ve seamlessly transitioned from pupil to colleague.”

With the pandemic affecting both education and workplace training for almost every business in the UK, Bri-Stor Group has adapted its Scheme to ensure Apprentices can stay on track, Will comments: “It’s been a challenging time, no question, but we have a robust plan in place to ensure year one Apprentices can continue with the three-year plan.  That’s just one of the benefits of joining Bri-Stor Group, our fully accredited Apprenticeship Scheme is highly regarded but our intake numbers enable us to flex as situations beyond our control change.  That said, I am incredibly proud of the resilience our Apprentices have shown in the last 12 months – these are incredibly challenging times and it’s testament to their attitude and team-spirit that they all continue to grow and develop their business skills.”

What are you looking for in this year’s Apprentices? “We are in tough times and we are keen to see how applicants have responded to the uncertainty of education through a pandemic.  Those that have continued to show determination to succeed will thrive at the Bri-Stor Group.”

Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever in Manufacturing.

Alpha Manufacturing Operations Manager Neal Lafford on why leadership matters more than ever in Manufacturing.

Sub contract manufacturing is always a challenging environment, with an ever-changing portfolio of parts that present their own unique hurdles to overcome. The production team must be flexible and dynamic in order to meet demand and deliver consistently. This is “the norm” in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and at Alpha Manufacturing, we have the people in our teams to constantly meet these challenges.

Since March 2020 however, the challenges faced by manufacturing production teams have been amplified as they have had to adapt to situations that could never have been expected 12 months ago due to COVID-19. From the quick adoption of new safe working practices, to the rapidly changing nature of work, to availability of material and indeed, availability of our people. Combine all this with unprecedented demand for COVID safety products and the task becomes a complicated one.

Managing all of these moving parts has been a challenge but as a team, we have managed not only to survive the situation but thrive, acquiring new customers in the process. To date, we have produced close to 10,000 sanitising and cleaning units of different types and 5000 segregation screens, since March 2020. In one project in particular, design, procurement, production and quality all came together to adapt a segregation screen design and put that new design into full production within 72 hours over a weekend in order to meet the customer’s emergency demand.

There are certainly unexpected positive outcomes that we can also take forward from the current situation. For example, the strengthening of existing relationships with customers and suppliers as we have all pulled together and adapted our methods of working. Simple things such as using platforms like Zoom in place of traditional face to face meetings, allow us to be more open and connect in a flexible way. We have also learned that remote working can be done effectively and, in some situations, actually boosts output.

Leading our teams during this period has tested us without a doubt but through strong communication and agile management I feel we’ll actually emerge stronger together. By all pulling in the same direction and adapting to changing situations as they’ve arisen, we’ve built a greater trust and understanding within our business.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neal Lafford has 17 years’ experience in engineering and manufacturing, with a deep understanding of operations and production management. He joined Alpha in 2012 as Business Improvement Manager before becoming Quality Manager. Neal has been Operations Manager for two years and leads Alpha’s Production, Planning, Purchasing, Production Engineering & NPI, Quality and Logistics teams.

 

 

What is Design for Manufacture?

Design for Manufacture (DFM) is a crucial process of optimising a part or product to make it easier, faster, more efficient and cheaper to manufacture. It enables any potential issues with the design to be identified well before manufacturing begins, this is particularly important where parts are to be produced in high volume.

The Design for Manufacture Process

When does DFM Occur?

The Design for Manufacture process is most effective early in the product life cycle as the cost of design change is significantly lower and changes are easier to implement at this stage than later on, as shown below:

Where a product design already exists, the Design for Manufacture process aims to challenge the original concept in order to identify any areas for optimisation. This involves a deep review of the product in every aspect including manufacturing drawings, material choice, processing method and any tooling involved. In sub-contract manufacturing, this would then involve suggesting any changes to the customers.

Here at Alpha, our design and engineering teams collaborate with every customer to optimise their product design for manufacture. Whether it is a new product requiring design input from the outset, or an existing design which we can review and suggest changes.

If you’d like to discuss how Alpha can reduce costs for you by optimising your product deign for manufacture, get in touch with one of our sales engineers today.

New Range of Integrated Retail Sanitisation Units Produced

The first units of a new range of integrated sanitisation stations were produced this week, ready for distribution into the stores of a leading UK retail brand. 

The products, which are an evolution of the sanitiser units manufactured by Alpha for a POS supplier in recent months, combine sanitiser dispenser, paper towel unit and waste bin into one convenient hygiene station. Manufactured primarily from 1.2mm steel, finished in the brand colour of ultra-marine blue and fully decaled, they offer a durable, smart looking hygiene solution for supermarkets.

Alpha’s customer, a leading merchandise and Point of Sale supplier, originally got in touch in the summer of 2020 amid the first UK lockdown as demand for COVID-19 protection products surged. The initial order saw Alpha produce 3500 hand sanitisers predominantly for the leisure and hospitality sector as the UK Government planned its re-opening of UK pubs and restaurants. Alpha quickly stepped-up operations to meet the unprecedented demand and at peak production, 450 units per day were rolling off the production line.

Since then, Alpha’s relationship with the customer has developed as demand for COVID protection products has remained high, with organisations from all sectors taking action to make themselves COVID-secure. With retail brands now looking for more permanent, functional hygiene solutions for their store entries, this new unit will start to be distributed across the UK, helping shoppers stay safe.

With the first samples now signed off by the customer, Alpha’s assembly teams are ramping up production and will be completing 100+ units each day, with thousands required in total. Be sure to make use of them as they appear in your local supermarket in the coming weeks and stay safe.

Alpha’s Service Uninterrupted by Lockdown

Alpha Manufacturing will continue to operate throughout the UK lockdown recently imposed by the government, servicing the regular customer base whilst also producing vital COVID-19 prevention products.

Thanks to robust protection measures implemented during the first lockdown and further tightened during the subsequent months, Alpha and sister company Bri-Stor Systems are able to safely offer an uninterrupted service to existing and new customers. Where possible, employees are operating from home while those still on site are safely distanced and working to strict COVID-19 guidelines.

During the first UK lockdown, Alpha initially reduced its manufacturing operations to a skeleton staff to ensure that supply of parts to healthcare customers and those associated with the NHS remained unaffected. As the situation developed, a spike in demand for various COVID-19 prevention products such as partition screens and sanitisation stations meant that operations were upscaled with new, effective safety guidelines implemented across the business.

Thanks to these measures, combined with high levels of factory automation due to continued investment, Alpha are now able to quickly adapt to sudden changes in national restrictions with no loss of service level. The sales team are available to discuss any new customer requirements, with design and engineering teams also on hand to offer advice and support.

Natalie Joins the Alpha Team

Natalie Loftus recently joined the Alpha Manufacturing procurement department as a Supply Chain Coordinator.

Natalie joined from nearby Central Fasteners, based just around the corner from Alpha on Hixon Airfield industrial estate where she had worked for 12 months in a primarily purchasing which also incorporated some telesales responsibilities.

Natalie’s new role will see her take responsibility for order processing, invoice queries, purchasing and order chasing. With business at Alpha now back to normal levels, the purchasing department is as busy as ever with manufacturing materials and stock in constant high demand to fulfill new orders. Natalie will be an important link between production and purchasing, expediting orders and ensuring a smooth purchasing function.

On her experience of Alpha in her first few weeks, Natalie said:

“I knew about Alpha and Bri-Stor Systems as they’re in Hixon, near my old workplace and we had supplied them in the past. The biggest difference here is that it’s quite a lot bigger than my last place. Manufacturing is also a new industry for me so there’s lots to learn, it’s quite exciting. The whole team here has been really friendly and helpful, making it easy to settle in and learn my role.”

Outside of work Natalie is active, attending the gym regularly to keep fit and is a keen walker. While at home she enjoys relaxing of an evening with a book. A bubbly and sociable person, Natalie has quickly settled into the Alpha team is already proving to be an important member of the purchasing team. From all at Alpha, welcome aboard Natalie and good luck in your new role.  

20 Years on the Road for Dave McQueen

Alpha delivery driver has been recognised for reaching his 20-year milestone with the company.

Dave started working at Alpha back in 2000 initially as a Guillotine operator working nightshifts, back when the company was based at its old site on Hixon Industrial Airfield. He began driving on an occasional basis making night deliveries when required and enjoyed the new role instantly.

As the company grew and a regular full-time delivery driver was needed, Dave jumped at the chance to make the switch and has been Alpha’s delivery driver ever since. He has delivered to Alpha customers the length and breadth of the UK in his time, using 5 different trucks over the years.  

“The major difference from back when I started to now is the growth of the company, it’s really incredible to see where we are now. I started making occasional night deliveries and now there’s me working full time, plus all the external couriers who are constantly picking up from Alpha and delivering across the UK and Europe.”    

Dave mcQueen – Alpha Delivery Driver

Dave is the third Alpha employee to reach the impressive 20 milestones in recent months after Ben Austin and David Williams were also recognised for their long service.

Pulling out all the Stops to Meet Customer Demand

Alpha Manufacturing were recently challenged by a customer to help them with a rapid turnaround of COVID-19 protection screens.

Westgate are a supplier of temporary and permanent internal hoardings and have seen unprecedented demand in recent months for social distancing screens test centre hoarding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They had originally approached Alpha during the UK lockdown to assist in the production of their product, as businesses from all sectors across the UK began to put social distancing measures in place.

One particular enquiry came to Westgate with a large scale, urgent demand and a quick turnaround of social distancing screening. Westgate, in turn contacted Alpha again for assistance in meeting the extraordinary requirement and Alpha were keen to help. The challenge however, was that the existing methods of manufacturing the screens, particularly the box section legs, was a much longer process than was needed to meet the customer’s deadline.  The original method required bespoke sized box section to be outsourced with a lengthy lead time, before the base was CNC machined and the finished leg galvanised. All time-consuming processes.

Alpha and Westgate then quickly came together to create a new, innovative solution which would allow for the same product to be manufactured in a fraction of the time. The result would be a first batch of CNC punched, laser cut, folded, welded, painted and assembled parts produced and delivered within 72 hours:

Over the course of 72 hours from initial enquiry, Alpha recognised the challenges involved in the project, consulted with the customer, devised a new design and manufacturing process, estimated and nested the part and manufactured, assembled and delivered the first batch of products.

“Working with Alpha Manufacturing has been a pleasure.  Their ability to pull out all stops in an unprecedented time has been outstanding. This has enabled us to meet our client’s deadlines and play our part in helping businesses deliver COVID safe environments. Their level of service from design stage to delivery has been incredible which is resulting in a longer term business partnership.“

Ben Gates – Project Manager

This project is another example of the flexible and committed approach that Alpha have to their customers, pulling out all the stops in order to help meet demand through innovative engineering solutions.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Technology & the “Smart Factory”

Origins of Sheet Metal Fabrication

Metal working in one form or another can be traced back many centuries, with ancient jewellery cold formed from precious metals such as gold and silver. The discovery of melting metals expanded applications of metallurgy significantly and metals began to be used much more widely in the production of everyday items, particularly for military use. Metal would be heated and then hammered into flat sheets before being wrapped around wooden shields or applied to objects as armour.

The major breakthrough for sheet metal came around 1480 with the invention of the first metal rolling mill, which allowed for sheet gauge to be set using two cylindrical rollers with parallel axes to modify its thickness. Around the same time, cold machining of ductile materials was explored and by the 1600’s, machinery was capable of cutting and forming metal using animal or Hydraulic force, used for example, to form coins.

Fast forward to today and the basic principles of sheet metal fabrication have not changed. Different types of metals are rolled flat into sheets of varying thickness and used for many different purposes depending on the metal’s properties. Machinery is used to form, perforate, cut and join the sheet metal together in different sizes and shapes.

The technology used to perform these processes has obviously advanced significantly and machines are now faster, more accurate, more reliable and more efficient than ever before. It is also possible to automate and connect these machines in a way that allows for them to communicate. This is where sheet metal fabrication now begins to utilise not only technology, but other principles and practices to optimise its production.

Lean Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on minimizing waste within manufacturing systems while simultaneously maximizing productivity and uses principles such as Kaizen or continuous improvement. Waste is seen as any manufacturing process that a customer would not believe adds value and would not be willing to pay for.

There are seven main wastes identified by the lean manufacturing methodology:

Utilising the advanced technology now available within sheet metal fabrication, it is possible to design a “smart factory” reliant on automation, machine connectivity and MRP to address all of the above manufacturing wastes, creating a more optimised and cost-effective service to customers. One such example is Alpha’s large scale automated STOPA storage system which acts as a central hub, around which all manufacturing processes are linked.

Factory Automation Example – STOPA Storage System

The STOPA storage system was installed as part of a strategic plan to create an optimised automated smart factory. It achieves this in 9 key areas:

The Future of Sheet Metal Fabrication – Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is the biggest topic of discussion at the moment not only amongst manufacturing business leaders but also those involved in supply chain and logistics.

Industry 4.0 refers to the anticipated fourth industrial revolution as a result of technological advances in areas such as wireless, device inter-connectivity, robotics, machine learning and cloud storage. The integration of these technologies into what is described as a “cyber physical system” has the potential to ultra-streamline productivity, reduce costs and optimise logistics, thereby causing a revolution in global manufacturing.

Alpha’s Sister Company Launches New Powder Coating Website

Atlas Coating are delighted to have launched their new powder coating website this week, which offers customers a host of useful powder coating tools and information.

The Atlas Coating website launch follows the recent website updates of both Alpha Manufacturing and Bri-Stor Systems in recent times and mean that all three companies within the Bri-Stor Group now boast leading online platforms within their respective industries. The focus of all three websites was to offer existing and potential customers a unique resource which addresses their specific needs. The Alpha Manufacturing website became a hub of technical manufacturing knowledge and advice, whereas the Bri-Stor site was developed to improve and streamline their customer experience through a dedicated online portal.

The new Atlas site aims to simplify the powder coating process from the customer perspective with detailed powder coating FAQ’s and technical information to answer the most common customer queries. The most impressive feature of the new platform is the unique powder coating calculator, designed to simplify the process of costing any powder coating requirement. It allows customers to build an estimate for their project in under a minute, using only item dimensions, quantity and colour, which is selected at the touch of a button through a simple colour palette.

Established in 1989, Atlas have built a wealth of powder coating experience and know-how, which the new website aims to share in a simple, accessible way. Atlas are trusted by large-scale manufacturing customers of Alpha and leading UK fleet brand customers of Bri-Stor, as well as their own sub-contract customer to base, to offer the highest quality finishes to their products.

Atlas Coatings Manager Ian Buckley was delighted to see the new site go live:

“We’ve been powder coating for twenty plus years now and work with so many largescale companies from all sectors such as agriculture, retail, telecoms, construction. We powder coat components of all shapes and sizes and know the process inside out, so quality is never in doubt. What this new website gives us is the opportunity to reach a wider base of potential customers who perhaps aren’t the blue chip companies were used to but still have a sizable powder coating requirement. I think it simplifies the process of finding, costing and ordering your powder coating, particularly through the online calculator”

The Atlas Coating website and calculator are now fully live and operational, so if you have a powder coating requirement, visit http://www.atlascoating.co.uk/  today to get your free, no obligation estimate.

Alternatively, you can email enquiries@atlascoating.co.uk or call on 01889 271 002 with any queries.

20 years with Alpha for Quality Manager Ben Austin

Ben Austin was recently recognised by Alpha Manufacturing for reaching his twentieth year with the company.

Ben joined Alpha back in 2000 as a programmer and has since gathered a wealth of experience in sheet metal fabrication, having worked in a variety of roles across the business. He quickly rose into management as Programming Manager before becoming NPI (New Product Introduction) Manager. The most recent of his roles being Quality Manager, which he became in August of this year.

His vast engineering knowledge and understanding of sheet metal programming, processes, machinery and quality makes him a truly valuable member of the Alpha team. Operations Manager Neal Lafford last week presented Ben with a gift of high street vouchers in recognition of his outstanding service over the past two decades.

“It’s with great pleasure that we can reward Ben with this gift for his long service. To have someone with such strong knowledge in our field, and also of our business is a massive benefit. Ben’s profile is testament to the way Alpha develop individuals and create a family of people heavily invested in the business to allow us to grow. With a further two long service awards to announce this month it definitely gives me confidence that we are doing things right!”

Alpha currently boasts an impressive group of veteran employees with fifteen years plus at the company, who have grown with the company as it has evolved. Alpha’s long service scheme aims to recognise and celebrate the importance of these key members who have contributed to Alpha’s evolution over the years.

Ben now takes his place in an exclusive but ever-growing club of employees with twenty years plus service. He took a moment to reflect on his time and the changes he’s seen.

“The growth of the company from where we were when I started is incredible really. We were on a different site until 2006 when we moved to our current facilities and the development in terms of capabilities and technology since then is amazing. Even after 20 years working in sheet metal fabrication, I’m still challenged every day. There’s always some kind of innovation or an engineering solution for the team to come up with. The funniest thing is that I see some of our young apprentices who are just starting out in their engineering careers, who weren’t even born when I started with Alpha!

Ben is currently focused on utilising his twenty years’ experience in his new role as Quality Manager, where he hopes to build on the good work done previously and maintain Alpha’s Quality standards across the board.

Current Alpha Employees with 15+ Years Service: