Hungerford-based Jacquet Weston Engineering Ltd (www.jweltd.com) has designed and manufactured an aluminium anodising line for GSM Graphic Arts Ltd in Thirsk, which has some 40 years’ experience of producing high-quality labelling products, ranging from labels and name-plates to bar-codes, fascias and control panels.

Peter Young, Site Manager at GSM, said: “Anodising has long been one of the key processes we offer, but increased demand prompted us to commission new equipment that could underline the quality of our products in a more efficient way.”

He added that because the anodising process effectively opens the pores of the substrate, it optimises ink printing ahead of sealing.

The process line supplied by JWE comprises five dip tanks plus load and unload stations. Aluminium sheets are suspended on a cantilever transporter, which then takes each load through the process stages under computer control.

“The new line provides not only a faster rate of throughput, but also better process control, enhanced monitoring and reporting, and more effective manpower deployment.”

Mr Young said that JWE was able to install the new line with the minimum of site disruption, so that the company’s other processes were not affected.

“JWE was recommended to us by one of our suppliers; its technical capability and professionalism have been impressive. We now have an extremely efficient anodising facility that not only matches our recent growth but will help us develop and grow further — well into the future.”