Glenrothes-based
Fife Fabrications, a manufacturer of precision sheet metalwork, electromechanical assemblies and precision machined components, has invested a six figure sum in new technology as part of its ongoing growth plans. The company will expand its capabilities and range of services with the purchase a fifth E-Brake press brake, a SafanDarley E-Brake 130-3100 ULTRA.
The first four E-Brake machines installed at Fife Fabrications in 2013 have proven to be a great success story for the business, and this latest acquisition will ensure that the folding capacity of its operations can streamline its operations and meet future customer demand.
The original 100-ton E-Brake will be replaced by the new 130-ton machine, with tooling supplied by Swindon-based
Wilson Tool Ltd as Fife Fabrication’s preferred tooling partner. In addition to the higher tonnage, which will allow the machine to perform heavier work more efficiently, this latest machine has a number of new features such as the E-Mate Plus bending aid which will make bending of larger components simpler, easier and even more accurate.
Installed last month, the model features lifting aids as a safety feature for managing larger panels and a larger opening height to form higher height flanges or parts. Like all E-Brakes, the ULTRA will be fully integrated into the company’s ERP system utilising the dual screen of the ULTRA and the fully 3-D CNC Back gauge enables the most complicated of components to be programmed and processed with ease.
Like most businesses, having recently undergone a challenging period during the Covid-19 pandemic, the team at Fife Fabrications responded swiftly to create a strong business recovery plan with a range of security and safety measures which have ensured its compliance to Government regulations.
This has included the introduction of shift work, home working and factory process modifications to ensure the business was able to service its customers and safeguard its staff, while ensuring it could create a positive position from which the business could invest and grow.
John Penman, Fife Fabrications’ managing director, said: “Fife Fabrications has always been focused on continual investment in lean technology, people and ordering processes, which means we can provide the lowest possible overall cost to customers.
“The timing of this investment will allow for many learning opportunities for staff, trainees and apprentices at Fife Fabrications, offering clear benefits to our team, as well as to our customers. Our aim is to further build our capabilities, expertise and continue to provide customer service which is a cut above.
“It also supports our investment in developing young talent to further support the upskilling of young people in Fife. This helps to address the skills gap in our industry and in Fife more generally, as well as creating a pipeline of young talent for our business.
“This investment will ensure our services can move to the next level and increase our capability to design and deliver the highest quality products for our customers.”