Enfield-based Rimex Metals (UK) is well-known for its range of polished, embossed and coloured stainless-steel sheet products. Industry developments such as INCO coating and PVD colouring have opened up new opportunities for the company in the transport, interior and exterior architecture, catering, industrial and nuclear sectors, and it recently decided to invest in a bespoke Timesavers 72 Series 1600-HL ‘hairline’ finishing system — supplied by Dorset-based Ellesco Ltd (
www.ellesco.co.uk).
Rimex sales director Nick Barnes said: “While many of our European customers prefer the satin finish on sheet for internal architectural features, hairline is extremely popular in the Asian markets.
“We have previously been able to supply hairline products, but we had to modify/reset existing machines to do it, which added time and cost.
“The decision to invest in a bespoke Timesavers machine to achieve this finish has streamlined the whole process.
“The addition of a dedicated hairline production capability is another string to our bow.
“It perfectly ties in with our existing product portfolio, and the ability to offer hairline processed sheet in combination with our INCO and PVD coloured stainless steel material has the potential to increase sales in all of our markets.
“With the Timesavers machine we can supply consistent quality from order to order; that consistency is vital, as our products are in constant view — from elevator projects to building exteriors — so any discrepancy will be easy to spot.”
Rimex production director Richard Watson said: “This hairline machine is the fifth Timesavers machine we have installed over a 30-year period. In that time, we have built an excellent relationship with the people at Ellesco and Timesavers.
“Of course, we consider other suppliers when looking to invest, but we always end up back at Ellesco, as we know we can rely on the service and applications support, plus the quality of the Timesavers machines.”