Automatic choice for Thompson

Thompson Automation Systems, which is part of the Kuka group and supplies automated production solutions for industries that include aerospace and nuclear power, has strengthened its engineering team with two new appointments. Project manager Neal Owen has some 20 years’ experience in the robot systems business and has been responsible for developing and delivering numerous projects for customers including car makers BMW, Ford and Nissan.

Meanwhile, David Merchant has been appointed as technical sales and projects engineer. He served an apprenticeship in the machine tool industry and has worked for many years in the manufacturing sector.

Thompson Automation Systems was recently chosen by two research organisations to supply robotic production cells for investigating new processes for the high-technology manufacturing sector. These are being built for the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, and the National Composites Centre in Bristol.