Development of a dedicated, state-of-the-art de-coiling, levelling and cut to length facility is taking shape at the Birmingham (UK) Service Centre, complementing a new 1,850mm wide coil slitting line which commenced full production earlier in the year.
A Schnutz leveller and automatic sheet handling facility has been added to the 1,650mm wide cut to length line, which was installed two years ago, enhancing both quality and speed of output. In addition, two modern BHP blanking lines are now in the final stages of ramp up following complete refurbishment, with the addition of precision drives to accommodate new punching and notching tooling. The manufacturing cell will be completed with the addition of a modern Cattaneo narrow de-coil and cut to length line, capable of producing blanks up to 6mm in thickness.
Operations manager Adrian Palmer has overseen each stage of the programme: “The development of comprehensive, dedicated cut to length facilities with precision levelling and in-line first stage manufacturing operations naturally complements Vetchberry’s dominant position at the forefront of wide and narrow coil processing in stainless steel and aluminium,” he observes.
“Let‘s not forget, this is in addition to edge dressing, traverse winding, coil polishing and temper rolling, offering the most comprehensive solution to coil fed production in a wide range of markets.”
Billy Kingsbury, divisional director at Vetchberry Steels added: “The ongoing investment programme is key to securing Vetchberry’s position as the UK’s premier service centre for stainless steel and aluminium, at a time when opportunities are presenting themselves.
“In our view, thyssenkrupp is unique in its global supply chain reach and financial strength, and we provide a natural choice for companies looking for stability of supply and reliable partnerships. We are excited by the possibilities our ongoing investment programme offers, and look forward to stepping up and helping our customers realise their full potential.”
Vetchberry Steels www.thyssenkruppmaterials.co.uk
