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July 2010

Turnkey controls order for major media distributor

Autotech is celebrating a major order win for a turnkey controls solution to be installed at the site of a leading media distributor in the Midlands. Working with main contractor Vanderlande, whose scope of supply will include the first UK installation of its latest zone picking technology, Autotech will begin work at the customer’s premises next month.

June 2010

Vanderlande picks Autotech for major grocery project

Leading logistics systems supplier Vanderlande UK has appointed Autotech to supply the control system for a large turnkey project for one of the country’s major grocery chains. This is the first collaboration following Vanderlande’s selection of Autotech as its exclusive controls partner for all logistics projects. The partnership follows on from successful collaboration between Autotech and Vanderlande’s baggage handling division on the project for Heathrow's Terminal 5C. Says Autotech’s Managing Director, Andy Robinson, “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract by Vanderlande and we hope very much that this will be the start of a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”

May 2010

Neil Novelli joins simulation team

We are pleased to welcome Neil Novelli to the Autotech simulation team. Neil has considerable expertise and many years’ experience, having been directly involved in a number of major launch programmes for new vehicles. Adding yet another portfolio of skills to Autotech’s busy simulation department, Neil’s appointment further strengthens the team’s ability to provide customers with the very best simulation services.

April 2010

Contract for Land Rover control solution won by Autotech

Autotech has won the contract to provide a turnkey control solution for the electric monorail system that will transport body sides for the new small Land Rover vehicle – based on the LRX concept car and codenamed L538 – at Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant on Merseyside. The contract was awarded by one of the world’s leading automotive material handling system suppliers, AFT (Automatisierungs- und Fördertechnik GmbH & Co. KG).

Says Autotech’s Sales Director, Nigel Brookes, “Following on from previously successful projects undertaken together, we are delighted that the relationship between AFT and Autotech is continuing to grow.” Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that the new vehicle will début next year under the Range Rover brand. Designed and engineered at Land Rover's Gaydon facility, the new vehicle will be the smallest, lightest and most efficient that the company has ever manufactured.

March 2010

Autotech supplies controls for Bentley's overhead conveyor extension

Working in partnership with the Durr group, one of the world's leading suppliers of systems for automotive manufacturing, Autotech is supplying the control solution for the extension to an overhead conveyor system at Bentley's production plant in Crewe.

The overhead conveyor is the modular Twin Trolley System (TTS), which is manufactured by the Durr group company CPM in Turin, Italy. This is an advanced electric monorail solution that is designed to offer high-speed operation without slip or appreciable wear.

The existing overhead system, which is used for the assembly of the GT Continental sports car, was installed by Durr/CPM and Autotech back in 2001. Now the system is being extended so that Bentley can reprocess the line in order to allow the assembly of new models.

Working with Durr's Paint and Assembly Systems division at Warwick, Autotech will be undertaking preliminary work at CPM’s factory in Turin before the equipment is shipped to Crewe for installation and commissioning during Bentley's 2010 summer closure period.

February 2010

Packaging lines installed for Cadbury's in Poland

Autotech has worked with stainless steel conveyor specialist, CKF Systems Ltd, to deliver a conveyor system for Cadbury's new factory in Skarbimierz, Poland. The system comprises packaging and delivery conveyors for the company's Curly Wurly product. Autotech delivered its control solution to an extremely tight, 10-day installation schedule, completing the project to the satisfaction of both CKF and Cadbury's.

The new, 21-hectare plant in the south west of Poland is the confectionery firm's second investment in Skarbimierz. The company opened a 120-million-Euro chewing gum factory in the town in February 2009. On becoming Cadbury’s new owner, the US giant Kraft Foods announced that it would continue with plans to close down Cadbury's factory in Keynsham, near Bristol, and move its operations to Poland, saying that the closure programme was too far advanced to be reversed.

Autotech signs up for IMHX

Autotech will exhibit for the first time at the International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) from 16 to 19 November at the NEC, Birmingham. The firm has booked a stand within the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA) pavilion in hall 19. Says Andrew Robinson, Managing Director, "Although we also work in other industry sectors, automated handling control is a key area for us. By participating in the AMHSA pavilion, we will not only be able to promote Autotech to the show’s visitors but also to network with automated system suppliers to build new relationships and foster existing partnerships."nbsp;

January 2010

Autotech to supply robot simulation for new Land Rover at Halewood

Autotech has secured a major order from FFT EDAG Produktionssysteme GmbH & Co, the leading plant supplier to the car industry, headquartered in Fulda, Germany. The contract is for Autotech to provide the Robcad simulation, robot programming and PLC development for the complete body sides production lines for the eagerly awaited small Land Rover – based on the highly acclaimed LRX concept vehicle – which will be manufactured at the Halewood plant.

Following Autotech’s successful implementation of the complete body shop for the new Jaguar XJ, the Luton-based automation specialist has been selected to use its extensive expertise to provide a smooth transition from engineering design to full production facility delivery.    

A major investment programme has put Autotech in the unique position of being able to provide the total package of Robcad simulation, robot programming and PLC development. This project will ensure that all robot programmes are fully simulated and optimised prior to implementation at Halewood, providing a seamless link between CAD design and the production environment and thereby slashing development and implementation costs while also vastly improving quality.

December 09

Robcad simulation service launched

Autotech is investing in excess of £100,000 to launch a new robot simulation service for its clients. The company currently provides 'Automod' and 'Robot Studio' simulation for some of its customers, allowing PLC code to be tested prior to delivery to site, but the decision to invest in Tecnomatix Robcad software will allow Autotech to provide a comprehensive service that will prove robot solutions fully before delivery.

The Technomatix Robcad software is provided by Siemens and Autotech is already a Siemens Automation Solution Partner. Autotech will be the only controls company in the UK able to provide this simulation service and it will allow the company to guarantee the complete controls solution.

The scalable Robcad workcell simulation tool will allow Autotech to develop, simulate, optimise, validate and off-line programme multi-device robotic and automated manufacturing processes. These include spot welding, arc welding, laser and water-jet cutting, drilling, riveting and painting. As a result, production development time will be shortened, quality improved, manufacturing costs reduced and costly design errors eradicated.

November 09

Autotech wins paint shop project for Ford in Romania

Autotech's proven track record in controlling large installation projects overseas has been instrumental in winning a contract from Durr Limited, one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive production facilities.

Durr has selected Autotech to provide the electrical installation services for all the material handling equipment being installed in Ford Motor Company's new paint shop in Craiova, Romania. This project will entail using Autotech's substantial overseas installation crew and first-class project management team in order to bring the 3.5 kilometres of handling equipment on stream within a very challenging timeframe.

October 09

Bentley Motors' new logistics store goes live

In conjunction with TGW, Autotech recently delivered the new KLT small box store for Bentley Motors' Pyms Lane facility in Crewe. The warehouse has now successfully completed its acceptance trials and will soon be in full operation.

This store comprises 5 high-speed Mustang Cranes, featuring the very latest wireless controls to eliminate all moving electrical parts - no more drag chains and cables! The system also benefits from 'walk-about' HMIs so that maintenance personnel can monitor and activate the cranes' elements safely from any location.

Autotech to implement modifications for Corus steel plant

Corus Steel in Rotherham has contracted Autotech and Jervis Webb to integrate a new automatic hook detection system for its aluminium coil handling system. This project continues the ongoing works undertaken at the Rotheram plant by Autotech.

September 09

Romanian Coca-Cola DC now on stream

The new coca-cola distribution facility in Romania has gone live following a very rapid installation and commissioning period. Autotech has been working closely with main contractor FKI for the past 12 months to help provide the conveyor and crane control systems for the new distribution centre in Polski, Romania.

Comprising 12 cranes, shuttle cars, elevators and 2km of conveyors, this pallet handling system provides the existing production plant with a modern storage and delivery scheduling facility.

August 09

Autotech becomes a Siemens Solution Partner

Siemens, the world's largest industrial automation supplier, has welcomed Autotech into its Solution Partner Programme.

Siemens selected Autotech over other possible control suppliers due to its leading position within the UK logistics and automotive markets, in order to associate the group with a competent and established supplier. The Siemens Solution Partner status will enable Autotech and its customers to benefit from specific training and enhanced support, as well as significant cost savings.

July 09

New Jaguar XJ launched

As Jaguar launches its superbly engineered new XJ model, Autotech is celebrating its role in the new XJ production line. Autotech has been responsible for all the control systems for Jaguar's new bodyshop at the company's Castle Bromwich plant. Working closely with four different mechanical suppliers, Autotech has successfully remodelled the entire bodyshop, which now features more than 200 robots and 100 PLC systems.

Autotech's highly skilled team has worked together with engineers from VDL Steelweld, Kuka, Lapple, Expert, V Installations and Excel Automation to ensure the most successful remodelling and facility integration programme for the plant.

June 09

Baggage system at Heathrow 5C is ready for take-off

Commissioning of the state-of-the-art baggage handling system at London Heathrow's Terminal 5C has begun. Designed by IBM and Vanderlande, the new system has 11 miles of baggage conveyors. With an emphasis on speed, as well as accuracy and security, the handling system also features intelligent baggage carts that run on miles of rails. Working in close collaboration with Vanderlande, Autotech has supplied the low-level controls solution for Satellite C, which increases capacity within the existing A & B facilities yet further.

Boots system upgrade

The shared-user facility at Fort Dunlop, near Birmingham, from which e-fulfilment specialist iForce dispatches Boots.com orders, is to be upgraded. Boots.com/iForce are again working with TGW and Autotech - the firms that installed the existing handling system in 2007 - to increase productivity at the distribution facility and to allow the handling of different sized products.

May 09

Autotech undertakes full robot modelling for Cadbury

Autotech's in-house engineers have been contracted to undertake a full robot simulation of the new de-palletising facility for Cadbury Bournville. As part of the new robot and conveyor delivery system currently being engineered, Autotech is also providing full functionality and time cycle simulation to ensure that the designs will meet the customer's requirements prior to manufacture.

Autotech welcomes Darren Ashford from Honda

Darren Ashford has joined Autotech from Honda to fulfil the role of Contracts Manager. Darren, who has extensive experience of delivering complex automation facilities in many different industries, will be helping to ensure that our customers' tight timescales are met. Darren's responsibilities will include all on-site activities within the UK and mainland Europe.

April 09

First Bentley cars roll out of new automated bodyshop

After many months of intensive planning, installation and commissioning, Bentley Motors' new bodyshop in Crewe has now started to produce its first vehicles. Autotech has been working with its partner Comau since 2007 to design and deliver the 'best bodyshop in the world' to complement the prestigious Bentley marque.

Autotech attends AMHSA symposium

After 14 successful years in business, Autotech attended its first public marketing event this month when the company participated in the annual symposium of the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA). Entitled 'Driving Down Logistics Costs', the event was held at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The symposium attracted a large number of senior-level logistics delegates, who were able to network with all the key automated logistics suppliers. The latest technologies and techniques to facilitate a new logistics solution - from initial planning permissions through to installation, commissioning and support - were explained and debated in a series of presentations.

March 09

Chivas Brothers achieves record throughput

It's official - the Dumbarton facility of renowned distillers Chivas Brothers has never produced so much! Now that the new Excel and Autotech handling system - featuring conveyors, cranes, AGVs and palletisers - is fully operational, the high-speed logistics equipment has allowed the bottling lines to run faster than ever to produce the company's quality brands.

February 09

Further modifications at BMW Hams Hall engine plant

Continuing Autotech's presence at BMW Hams Hall, further modifications have been made to the existing pick-to-light systems to cope with the high demands required by BMW. The system, originally installed in 2000 by Autotech on behalf on Swisslog, has been kept up to date by continual modifications. These most recent changes allow the latest wireless technologies to be incorporated into the system.

December 08

First-class systems for Royal Mail in Swindon

Autotech has implemented eight successful systems or modifications for Royal Mail's sorting offices around the UK. The latest solution, in Swindon, has now gone live. The new conveyor systems use the latest techniques to optimise material flow and operator efficiency, in order to achieve significantly higher productivity.

November 08

Autotech flies high with Heathrow contract

Autotech has been chosen over strong competitors from eastern Europe to build the control panels for Heathrow Airport's new terminal, 5C. The new baggage handling solution for 5C, which is being designed by IBM and Vanderlande, is an extension to Terminal 5's 11-mile conveyor system.

Autotech achieves CHAS status

Autotech has achieved the status of CHAS registered contractor. CHAS - the Contractors' Health and Safety Assessment Scheme - is backed by the UK government and the accreditation proves that Autotech understands and successfully manages its health and safety obligations when working on large-scale production sites.

October 08

Cereal Partners Poland goes live

A brand-new facility featuring products from both FKI Logistex in the UK and USA, as well as control systems from Autotech, has now been installed and commissioned for Cereal Partners Poland. The company makes Nestle branded breakfast cereals, as well as many leading retailer brands.

September 08

Boots/iForce adopt 'SmartInterface' system

Leading e-fulfilment specialist iForce, which dispatches all orders for Boots.com from its Fort Dunlop distribution centre, has solved its difficulties interfacing high-level computer systems with PLC production systems by using Autotech's 'SmartInterface' software application. Designed to facilitate complex real-time communications between individual systems, SmartInferface allows buffering and manipulation of data prior to exchange. The application allows multiple devices - such as PLCs, barcode readers and tag readers - to interface to a single host system, whilst providing advanced monitoring and reporting.

August 08

Jaguar projects for Kuka and Lapple

Autotech has been appointed as supplier to both Kuka and Lapple for their new robotic aluminium riveting systems for Jaguar at Castle Bromwich. These facilities - which will make the doors, boot lids and bonnets - will be fully assembled and proven in Germany prior to installation in the UK in March 2009. All equipment will be designed and manufactured to the latest Jaguar Land Rover specifications, using ABB robots and Rockwell PLCs.

July 08

Meech to standardise with Autotech

Specialist electrostatic product manufacturer, Meech, has chosen Autotech to develop a new standard control system for all of its high-end air knife systems. The control systems will provide variable speed drives, graphical monitoring and diagnostics in multiple languages, as well as more interfacing possibilities. The first system, equipped with GSM modem support, will be shipped to the Czech Republic later this month.

June 08

New Boots/iForce conveyor system goes live

A new TGW conveyor system equipped with Autotech distributed motor controls is now helping fulfilment specialist iForce meet the demands of the Boots.com on-line shopping operation at its shared-user facility at Fort Dunlop, Birmingham. As well as the control systems for the conveyor lines between the packing area and the loading docks, Autotech's scope of supply included tracking and logging of all products shipped to the loading docks.

May 08

Cheese conveyor system for Dairy Crest

Specialist stainless steel conveyor supplier, CKF, and Dairy Crest have benefited from Autotech's conveyor control technology, with the implementation of three high-speed buffering systems to improve the productivity from the continuous cheese manufacturing process. The systems have been installed at the Nuneaton plant of Dairy Crest, where the company manufactures a range of cheese brands including Cathedral City, Davidstow and Wexford Cheddar.

April 08

Pedal power at DEFRA exhibition

Could you produce enough power to recharge a laptop, light a 60W bulb or maybe even power a television? Autotech's controls allowed DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to demonstrate the 'power of the pedal' at a recent exhibition at London's Olympia.

The exhibit was a real hit with visitors, allowing them to pedal a power-generating bicycle whilst Autotech's controls monitored their performance and activated a graphical display.

March 08

Autotech delivers yet another project for P&G

Proctor & Gamble in Manchester has a number of control systems delivered by Autotech, working together with Swisslog Transnorm, so when the company decided to enhance their facilities further, it was no surprise that P&G turned to the same team.

The multinational manufacturer - whose product ranges include personal care, household cleaning and laundry detergent products, as well as prescription drugs and disposable nappies - has taken delivery of new crane and conveyor technology in its completed goods areas, in order to improve reliability and system performance.

February 08

BMW relies on Autotech to complete laser-cutting facility

Autotech has stepped up to the mark to ensure the success of the robotic laser-cutting facility at BMW's Oxford plant after main contractor Translift entered receivership in January this year. BMW is confident that Autotech is the right company to complete the mechanical systems, as well as controls facilities, to the group's exacting standards. The new laser technology, which has never been used by BMW before, will enable holes to be cut in painted vehicles without damage to the painted surface.


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