Deeside-based
DRB Group, a supplier of innovative and integrated turnkey and process improvement solutions, has recently invested in three new, high-productivity Doosan machine tools supplied by
Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland.
The machines, comprising two Fanuc-controlled Puma multi-tasking lathes with integrated Y-axes and driven tools, and a large-capacity, Fanuc-controlled VCF 850LSR five-axis machining centre, were delivered and installed at DRB Group’s 100,000ft
2 machine shop facility in late 2021.
The company is a family-owned business first established in 1976 with a focus on the repair, maintenance and supply of industrial electric motors, generators and mechanical transmission systems.
Today, the company provides a range of integrated and standalone services and solutions to a growing number of UK-based processing and manufacturing customers operating in highly regulated and demanding sectors including rail, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medical, energy and waste management.
These can include the supply of high-quality machined components and assemblies, critical asset condition monitoring, maintenance and repair of customers’ existing plant and equipment - through to the design, development, manufacture and installation of, what can often be, complex turnkey solutions that can include new plant, equipment and processes.
With a dedicated project management team working alongside highly experienced design, applications and production engineers, as well as designers, DRB Group is a proven and successful single-source solutions provider with particular skills and competencies in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and processes.
A commitment to continuous improvement has, over recent years, seen the company increase its headcount, implement an in-house apprenticeship training programme, create dedicated areas for assembly, inspection and testing, as well as developing its in-house machining and fabrication capabilities.
Matt Bennett, DRB Group CEO, said: “Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for our turnkey and process improvement solutions, many of which require the machining of bespoke components, and for our high-quality batch machining services, were on the increase and were putting pressure on our existing in-house machining resources.
“In order to avoid production bottlenecks occurring in the future, and to ensure that lead times were not compromised, we made the decision to invest in the three Doosan multi-tasking machine tools after studying the market.”
Multi-tasking machines deliver significant productivity, operational efficiency and quality benefits to manufacturers. These include: reduced part set-up and cycle times and reduced fixturing costs; increased part accuracies and repeatabilities (parts do not need to be transferred from one machine to another for completion); and the elimination of production bottlenecks and the ability to meet tight lead times and customer delivery schedules.
Mr Bennett continued: “We made the strategic decision not just to increase our machining capacity – but to increase our capabilities too. That is why we now have lathes with Y axes, C axes, driven tools and tailstocks, and why we have a large-capacity, ultra-versatile simultaneous five-axis machining centre.”
The three new machines were installed at DRB Group’s 6.5-acre facility in December 2021 and, since then, according to the company ‘haven’t missed a beat’.
The two Puma lathes have been operating 24/7 machining precision parts for two customers and the five-axis VCF 850LSR has been used, among many other heavy-duty jobs, to machine large gearbox casings.
Mr Bennett concluded: “The new machines we now have at our disposal provide a strong foundation for future business growth.”