Two re-engineered EDM machines have significantly reduced operations for complex parts from eight or ten operations down to only one or two operations for an engineering sub-contractor.

Since acquiring two Sodick re-engineered EDM machines from Sodi-Tech UK, Barrow, UK-based Strand Engineering North West has managed to significantly reduce machining operations for complex parts - items that previously required eight or ten operations can now often be completed in only one or two operations. Barrow-in-Furness, South Cumbria, is a town with a long and proud history in shipbuilding and engineering. Today, this industry has contracted considerably from its heyday, but it is still responsible for creating some of the region's most talented engineers.

Doug Martin, managing director and majority stakeholder in Strand Engineering North West is no exception.

He started as an apprentice fitter and turner at the engineering works of Vickers (as it was then known) back in 1965.

Following completion of a degree in mechanical engineering from Salford University he went on to become machines manager then technical manager of the Vicker's Engineering Works, responsible for 900 personnel at the company's peak.

However, as the shipbuilding industry gradually declined, Martin's ambitions began to take another course.

Some 13 years ago he decided to trade-in his managerial role for that of owner and founder of a small engineering subcontract manufacturer called Strand Engineering North West.

Today, his fledgling initiative has grown into a 24-employee, GBP 1.5 million turnover business serving prestigious customers in the defence, power generation, process and railway industries.

Taking a progressive approach to achieve growth, Martin has always believed in investing for the future.

For example, approximately two years ago, Strand decided to invest in EDM, a new technology area for the company.

'We wanted wire cut and die sink EDM machines to allow Strand to produce precision components of a complexity not previously possible at the firm,' said Martin.

'We asked around the industry and were advised from several users that Sodick machines were good quality products available at reasonable prices.' Duly convinced that Sodick could provide the technology required, Sodi-Tech UK set about supplying Strand with two re-engineered machines from its extensive stocks - a CNC A500W wire cut EDM and a CNC MOLDMAKER 3 die sink EDM.

'The machines have helped cut lead-times tremendously,' explained Martin, 'Particularly on prototype and small/medium batch components.

Because we need to produce precision, complex parts with tight tolerances, some components could take up to eight or more operations using traditional milling, drilling and boring techniques.

However, with EDM, especially wire-cut, this can often be reduced to a maximum of two.

When a customer requires a quick response, the Sodick machines are invaluable.

Our acquisitions have also allowed us to pursue work that would have been beyond our capability previously.

For instance, we are now actively seeking contracts within the medical sector involving EDM wire-cut and titanium welding.' Today, Strand uses its Sodick machines to process components from a wide range of materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, bronze, titanium and brass, etc The company's accumulated expertise has allowed it to nurture an impressive list of blue chip clients that include bae systems and major companies in the oil, nuclear and transport industries.

Defence projects constitute a significant slice of Strand's order book.

Recent systems and components have been supplied for the AS90 Self Propelled Gun, the 4.5 Mark 8 MoD.1.

naval gun for warships, the deep hoist system for ammunition on the Type 45 destroyer, the M777 lightweight howitzer for the US, the Terrier tank/bulldozer for battlefield engineers and the Astute nuclear submarine programme.

As well as machining operations Strand also offers fabrication, fitting, blast/paint, assembly and testing services, however, Martin said it is the company's attention to providing quality that sets it apart from its competitors - Strand is ISO9001:2000 registered.

'Accuracy is crucial to our customers,' he said.

'We are the only subcontract manufacturer in the Barrow area with EDM and computerised co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) capability.

Our Sodick machines and our CMM help us put the emphasis on quality, despite the fact that we operate in a very price sensitive sector.' Martin added that the ease-of-use offered by the Sodick machines has helped keep costs down.

He says that training was straightforward and that only one operator is required to run three machines - the two Sodick models plus a CNC mill.

And though Strand only operates a single shift system, the company sometimes leaves its wire edm to run overnight unattended, helping to gain further competitive advantage.