- Email: [email protected]
EagleBurgmann posts a slight increase in sales
NEWS/IN BRIEF Spensall Engineering Ltd, Kitson Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS10 1NR, UK. Tel: +44 113 245 0726, Web: www.spensall.com
Flexitallic creates new jobs and improves quality and efficiency
I
nternational gasket manufacturer and sealing technology specialist Flexitallic Ltd reports that it has created new jobs and made significant advances in quality and efficiency as part of a continuous improvement programme across its manufacturing processes and operations. Through the creation of the Flexitallic Operating System, its engineering team has implemented a programme of continual development within the business, which has enhanced operations and productivity across five key product divisions, including Flexpro Kammprofiles, Sigma and Spiral Wound Gaskets. The company, which has its UK base in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, says it has achieved the savings through the standardisation of production systems and delivering new processes to manage the disposal of waste across gasket material and steel sheet manufacturing. As part of the standardisation process the firm has appointed three value stream managers to devise and implement improvements across the company’s multiple gasket production lines. Two of the managers, lean specialist Iago Radio and former production manager Joe Verity, have joined the company from the automotive industry. The third manager, Terry White, has joined the engineering department on secondment from his role as a production manager for the next 12 months. White will focus on the company’s production of specialist gasket material Sigma, which has been developed to operate in processes from cryogenic temperatures to 260°C. A further secondment to support Flexitallic’s continuous improvement programme comes from the maintenance department with team leader, Clive Brooks, implementing total productive maintenance (TPM) processes with the development of autonomous and preventative maintenance plans. Brooks is supported by apprentice engineer Cameron Hellowell. Flexitallic instigated the programme 12 months ago with the appointments of experienced lean engineering specialists to its engineering department – manufacturing engineering manager Steve Flooks and continuous improvement manager Paul Voyce. Flooks and Voyce have also created a suite of training and professional development for employees across the business to increase
July 2015
understanding of lean manufacturing processes within the Flexitallic Operating System and provide dedicated coaching for team leaders. Voyce commented: ‘Colleagues have really embraced the principles behind our drive for continuous improvement, which has enabled us to deliver improved efficiency across our manufacturing operations alongside gains in productivity.’ ‘Continuous improvement principles and processes are essential to maintaining Flexitallic’s position in the global gasket and sealing product sector. They enable the company to remain innovative and responsive to the evolving requirements of industry, whilst controlling cost and maximising productivity.’ Contact: Flexitallic Ltd, Scandinavia Mill, Hunsworth Lane, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire BD19 4LN, UK. Tel: +44 1274 300 228, Web: www.flexitallic.eu, Web: www.academyofjointintegrity.com
EagleBurgmann posts a slight increase in sales
S
ealing technology company EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg has achieved a slight increase in sales for fiscal 2014. It posted sales of E765.8 million compared with E760.1 million, reported for the previous year. The foreign share of sales amounted to 86%, with 14% achieved on the domestic market. Negative currency effects, specifically the Japanese yen, had a significant impact on these group numbers, just as in the prior year. ‘We improved our business result by focusing on the end-customer business and investing selectively in the international project business,’ commented Dr Stefan Sacré, CEO, EagleBurgmann. According to the company, the markets in which it actively participates experienced increasingly positive development during 2014. The regions of Europe, Near East, the Americas (primarily South America) and Southeast Asia registered a growing number of incoming orders. The market conditions in India recovered after the parliamentary elections, as investments are once more made in the infrastructure of the energy and refinery sector, as planned. China showed the first cautious indicators that the market for mechanical seals would improve again. The market condition in Japan continues to be restrained since the investment projects for optimising the power-station infrastructure have expired. The incoming orders in Russia showed a decline after the crises intensified and several
IN BRIEF Dana launches Chinese Victor Reinz Web-site US-based Dana Holding Corp, which develops engineered driveline, sealing and thermalmanagement technologies, has launched a Web-site specifically designed for its Victor Reinz aftermarket products in China. Dana’s Victor Reinz brand is a leading provider of sealing products to carmakers worldwide and the user-friendly site features detailed product listings, assembly and installation instructions, and a complete product catalogue. More information: Web: www.victorreinz.cn Federal-Mogul Powertrain invests in new manufacturing facility in China Federal-Mogul Powertrain, a division of US-based Federal-Mogul Holdings Corp, is planning to build a new facility for sealing and gasket products in Nanchang, China, to satisfy the growing demand from Chinese OEMs to meet stringent environmental regulations. The new 24 000-m2 facility will double the capacity of the company’s current sealing manufacturing operations in Nanchang and will be located in the Nanchang Economic and Technological Development Zone. Production is expected to begin in 2016. James Walker’s Web-site is now mobile and tablet friendly UK fluid sealing products company James Walker UK Ltd says that its Web-site is now mobile and tablet friendly. It still offers all the original content and remains searchable by product, service, application and industry, but news, events and the PDF download page are all more prominent on the home page. ‘Spotlight on James Walker’ and ‘Latest from James Walker’ are two new features that enable the firm to highlight key topics, products, industries or news stories on the home page. There is also single-click access from the home page for the recruitment section, contact us and feedback. At the very bottom of the page there is a whole new navigation section that provides quick, easy access to all the main areas of the site. More information: Web: www.jameswalker.biz Timken opens manufacturing facility The Timken Co has opened a new, 2500-m2 gear-drive manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, USA. An integral part of the Timken Power Systems Group, the plant will significantly improve production efficiencies in the manufacture of Philadelphia Gear brand highspeed drives.
Sealing Technology
7
news states established comprehensive sanctions. EagleBurgmann is reservedly optimistic about the general economic conditions worldwide for the current business year. Since the economic environment can change quickly, established and proven costs and liquidity management will be systematically continued, says the company. Optimisation for increased realisation of the spareparts business and improvement of processes that started in 2014 also will be continued. Contact: Ellen Klier, EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg, Äußere Sauerlacher Str. 6–10, 82515 Wolfratshausen, Germany. Tel: +49 8171 23 1453, Fax: +49 8171 23 1095, Email: [email protected], Web: www.eagleburgmann.com
Conferences and Meetings News Joint integrity seminar set for 4 August
F
lexitallic Ltd, which specialises in gasket manufacturer and sealing technology, is running the ‘Joint Integrity Seminar – Lunch & Learn’ on 4 August 2015, in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. With practical demonstrations using the company’s Flange Assembly Demonstration Unit attendees will see the importance of correct bolt up procedures through the use of clear, easy-to-interpret load-monitoring software. They will also have the opportunity to discuss sealing issues with Flexitallic’s engineers during the question and answer session. Contact: Kathryn Payne, Flexitallic Ltd, Scandinavia Mill, Hunsworth Lane, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire BD19 4LN, UK. Tel: +44 1274 300 228, Email: [email protected], Web: www.flexitallic.eu/news/joint-integrity-seminarlunch-learn-4th-august-2015-aberdeen
Publications of Interest Automotive gasket and seal market worth $12 362 million by 2020
M
arketsandMarkets of Dallas, Texas, USA, has published a
8
Sealing Technology
report that defines and segments the automotive gasket and seal market, with analysis and forecast of global volume and value. According to the study, the global automotive gasket and seal market, estimated at a value of around $8877.5 million in 2015, is poised to reach $12 362 million by 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.85% for the period 2015–2020. Asia–Pacific is dominated by developing countries, including India and China where the automotive industry is growing at a faster pace than other countries in the region, says the study, entitled ‘Automotive Gasket & Seal Market by Product Type (Gasket, Metallic Gasket, Non Metallic Gasket, Seals, Mechanical Seals, O Ring Seals, Lip Seals & Rotary Seals), by Vehicle Type (PC, LCV & HCV), by Geography – Global Forecast & Analysis to 2020’. Growth in the technological improvements in mechanical strength and sealing capabilities is expected to push the demand for highperformance and functional products used in the automotive industry. The automotive gasket and seal market of the Asia–Pacific region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.06% from 2015 to 2020. Europe is a major hub for several renowned OEMs that are known for delivering quality and high-performance vehicles. However, Eastern Europe still follows western European countries such as the UK, Germany, France and Italy. This gives exposure to the OEMs to expand their footprints in Eastern Europe, which is expected to foster demand for automotive gaskets and seals in Europe. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.42% for the period 2015–2020. The North American automotive gasket and seal market is dominated by the USA, which is known as an automotive hub for renowned OEMs. The materials used in gasket fabrication have improved over time – silicone rubber has become a preferred material for gaskets and seals, reveals the report. Lightweight components in cars are sealed with high-strength gaskets and seals to endure high temperatures and pressure. This indirectly helps in improving the fuelefficiency of vehicles with increasing use of lightweight materials. Furthermore, many OEMs are planning to set up vehicle production plants in Mexico and Canada which, in turn, drives the demand for automotive gasket and seal market in the region. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.33% from 2015 to 2020. This report covers the global market in terms of volume (thousands) and value ($ million) across the various regions covered. It explains qualitative and quantitative aspects of automotive gaskets and seals, and briefly explains the
market on the basis of region, product and vehicle type. It also offers an overview of the technical as well as other important aspects of the this market. This includes analysis of the industry value chain, Porter’s Five Forces analysis, PEST (political, economic, social and technological) analysis, competitive landscape and company profiles. In addition, ten key players of the industry have been profiled. Contact: MarketsandMarkets, North - Dominion Plaza, 17304 Preston Road, Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75252, USA. Tel: +1 888 6006 441, Web: www.marketsandmarkets.com
Report covers coating technology for applications in the oil and gas sector
H
ardide Plc (UK) says that it is featured in Offshore Technology Reports’ publication ‘Next Generation Coating Technology for Downhole and Topside oil and Gas Applications’. Published by Global Business Media, this report – which will be distributed at the major global oil and gas conferences and exhibitions over the next year – examines the advantages of nano-structured tungsten carbide over conventional coatings materials and takes a look at the future of these technologies. Chapter headings include: • ‘Nano-Technology: the New Frontier for Coating Technology’ • ‘The Battle Against Corrosion’ • ‘How Nanostructured Carbide Products can Revolutionise Coatings’ • ‘The Changing World of Coating Technologies’ • ‘What the Future Holds’
Contacts: Global Business Media Ltd, 62 The Street, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1AT, UK. Tel: +44 1737 850 939, Fax: +44 1737 851 952, Web: www.globalbusinessmedia.org Hardide Plc (UK), Unit 11, Wedgwood Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX26 4UL, UK. Tel: +44 1869 353 830, Web: www.hardide.com
Editor’s comment: Also see the feature article entitled ‘Use of hard metal coatings to extend the life of elastomeric seals’, which appears in Sealing Technology October 2012, page 8.
July 2015
Flexitallic creates new jobs and improves quality and efficiency
I
nternational gasket manufacturer and sealing technology specialist Flexitallic Ltd reports that it has created new jobs and made significant advances in quality and efficiency as part of a continuous improvement programme across its manufacturing processes and operations. Through the creation of the Flexitallic Operating System, its engineering team has implemented a programme of continual development within the business, which has enhanced operations and productivity across five key product divisions, including Flexpro Kammprofiles, Sigma and Spiral Wound Gaskets. The company, which has its UK base in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, says it has achieved the savings through the standardisation of production systems and delivering new processes to manage the disposal of waste across gasket material and steel sheet manufacturing. As part of the standardisation process the firm has appointed three value stream managers to devise and implement improvements across the company’s multiple gasket production lines. Two of the managers, lean specialist Iago Radio and former production manager Joe Verity, have joined the company from the automotive industry. The third manager, Terry White, has joined the engineering department on secondment from his role as a production manager for the next 12 months. White will focus on the company’s production of specialist gasket material Sigma, which has been developed to operate in processes from cryogenic temperatures to 260°C. A further secondment to support Flexitallic’s continuous improvement programme comes from the maintenance department with team leader, Clive Brooks, implementing total productive maintenance (TPM) processes with the development of autonomous and preventative maintenance plans. Brooks is supported by apprentice engineer Cameron Hellowell. Flexitallic instigated the programme 12 months ago with the appointments of experienced lean engineering specialists to its engineering department – manufacturing engineering manager Steve Flooks and continuous improvement manager Paul Voyce. Flooks and Voyce have also created a suite of training and professional development for employees across the business to increase
July 2015
understanding of lean manufacturing processes within the Flexitallic Operating System and provide dedicated coaching for team leaders. Voyce commented: ‘Colleagues have really embraced the principles behind our drive for continuous improvement, which has enabled us to deliver improved efficiency across our manufacturing operations alongside gains in productivity.’ ‘Continuous improvement principles and processes are essential to maintaining Flexitallic’s position in the global gasket and sealing product sector. They enable the company to remain innovative and responsive to the evolving requirements of industry, whilst controlling cost and maximising productivity.’ Contact: Flexitallic Ltd, Scandinavia Mill, Hunsworth Lane, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire BD19 4LN, UK. Tel: +44 1274 300 228, Web: www.flexitallic.eu, Web: www.academyofjointintegrity.com
EagleBurgmann posts a slight increase in sales
S
ealing technology company EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg has achieved a slight increase in sales for fiscal 2014. It posted sales of E765.8 million compared with E760.1 million, reported for the previous year. The foreign share of sales amounted to 86%, with 14% achieved on the domestic market. Negative currency effects, specifically the Japanese yen, had a significant impact on these group numbers, just as in the prior year. ‘We improved our business result by focusing on the end-customer business and investing selectively in the international project business,’ commented Dr Stefan Sacré, CEO, EagleBurgmann. According to the company, the markets in which it actively participates experienced increasingly positive development during 2014. The regions of Europe, Near East, the Americas (primarily South America) and Southeast Asia registered a growing number of incoming orders. The market conditions in India recovered after the parliamentary elections, as investments are once more made in the infrastructure of the energy and refinery sector, as planned. China showed the first cautious indicators that the market for mechanical seals would improve again. The market condition in Japan continues to be restrained since the investment projects for optimising the power-station infrastructure have expired. The incoming orders in Russia showed a decline after the crises intensified and several
IN BRIEF Dana launches Chinese Victor Reinz Web-site US-based Dana Holding Corp, which develops engineered driveline, sealing and thermalmanagement technologies, has launched a Web-site specifically designed for its Victor Reinz aftermarket products in China. Dana’s Victor Reinz brand is a leading provider of sealing products to carmakers worldwide and the user-friendly site features detailed product listings, assembly and installation instructions, and a complete product catalogue. More information: Web: www.victorreinz.cn Federal-Mogul Powertrain invests in new manufacturing facility in China Federal-Mogul Powertrain, a division of US-based Federal-Mogul Holdings Corp, is planning to build a new facility for sealing and gasket products in Nanchang, China, to satisfy the growing demand from Chinese OEMs to meet stringent environmental regulations. The new 24 000-m2 facility will double the capacity of the company’s current sealing manufacturing operations in Nanchang and will be located in the Nanchang Economic and Technological Development Zone. Production is expected to begin in 2016. James Walker’s Web-site is now mobile and tablet friendly UK fluid sealing products company James Walker UK Ltd says that its Web-site is now mobile and tablet friendly. It still offers all the original content and remains searchable by product, service, application and industry, but news, events and the PDF download page are all more prominent on the home page. ‘Spotlight on James Walker’ and ‘Latest from James Walker’ are two new features that enable the firm to highlight key topics, products, industries or news stories on the home page. There is also single-click access from the home page for the recruitment section, contact us and feedback. At the very bottom of the page there is a whole new navigation section that provides quick, easy access to all the main areas of the site. More information: Web: www.jameswalker.biz Timken opens manufacturing facility The Timken Co has opened a new, 2500-m2 gear-drive manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, USA. An integral part of the Timken Power Systems Group, the plant will significantly improve production efficiencies in the manufacture of Philadelphia Gear brand highspeed drives.
Sealing Technology
7
news states established comprehensive sanctions. EagleBurgmann is reservedly optimistic about the general economic conditions worldwide for the current business year. Since the economic environment can change quickly, established and proven costs and liquidity management will be systematically continued, says the company. Optimisation for increased realisation of the spareparts business and improvement of processes that started in 2014 also will be continued. Contact: Ellen Klier, EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg, Äußere Sauerlacher Str. 6–10, 82515 Wolfratshausen, Germany. Tel: +49 8171 23 1453, Fax: +49 8171 23 1095, Email: [email protected], Web: www.eagleburgmann.com
Conferences and Meetings News Joint integrity seminar set for 4 August
F
lexitallic Ltd, which specialises in gasket manufacturer and sealing technology, is running the ‘Joint Integrity Seminar – Lunch & Learn’ on 4 August 2015, in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. With practical demonstrations using the company’s Flange Assembly Demonstration Unit attendees will see the importance of correct bolt up procedures through the use of clear, easy-to-interpret load-monitoring software. They will also have the opportunity to discuss sealing issues with Flexitallic’s engineers during the question and answer session. Contact: Kathryn Payne, Flexitallic Ltd, Scandinavia Mill, Hunsworth Lane, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire BD19 4LN, UK. Tel: +44 1274 300 228, Email: [email protected], Web: www.flexitallic.eu/news/joint-integrity-seminarlunch-learn-4th-august-2015-aberdeen
Publications of Interest Automotive gasket and seal market worth $12 362 million by 2020
M
arketsandMarkets of Dallas, Texas, USA, has published a
8
Sealing Technology
report that defines and segments the automotive gasket and seal market, with analysis and forecast of global volume and value. According to the study, the global automotive gasket and seal market, estimated at a value of around $8877.5 million in 2015, is poised to reach $12 362 million by 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.85% for the period 2015–2020. Asia–Pacific is dominated by developing countries, including India and China where the automotive industry is growing at a faster pace than other countries in the region, says the study, entitled ‘Automotive Gasket & Seal Market by Product Type (Gasket, Metallic Gasket, Non Metallic Gasket, Seals, Mechanical Seals, O Ring Seals, Lip Seals & Rotary Seals), by Vehicle Type (PC, LCV & HCV), by Geography – Global Forecast & Analysis to 2020’. Growth in the technological improvements in mechanical strength and sealing capabilities is expected to push the demand for highperformance and functional products used in the automotive industry. The automotive gasket and seal market of the Asia–Pacific region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.06% from 2015 to 2020. Europe is a major hub for several renowned OEMs that are known for delivering quality and high-performance vehicles. However, Eastern Europe still follows western European countries such as the UK, Germany, France and Italy. This gives exposure to the OEMs to expand their footprints in Eastern Europe, which is expected to foster demand for automotive gaskets and seals in Europe. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.42% for the period 2015–2020. The North American automotive gasket and seal market is dominated by the USA, which is known as an automotive hub for renowned OEMs. The materials used in gasket fabrication have improved over time – silicone rubber has become a preferred material for gaskets and seals, reveals the report. Lightweight components in cars are sealed with high-strength gaskets and seals to endure high temperatures and pressure. This indirectly helps in improving the fuelefficiency of vehicles with increasing use of lightweight materials. Furthermore, many OEMs are planning to set up vehicle production plants in Mexico and Canada which, in turn, drives the demand for automotive gasket and seal market in the region. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.33% from 2015 to 2020. This report covers the global market in terms of volume (thousands) and value ($ million) across the various regions covered. It explains qualitative and quantitative aspects of automotive gaskets and seals, and briefly explains the
market on the basis of region, product and vehicle type. It also offers an overview of the technical as well as other important aspects of the this market. This includes analysis of the industry value chain, Porter’s Five Forces analysis, PEST (political, economic, social and technological) analysis, competitive landscape and company profiles. In addition, ten key players of the industry have been profiled. Contact: MarketsandMarkets, North - Dominion Plaza, 17304 Preston Road, Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75252, USA. Tel: +1 888 6006 441, Web: www.marketsandmarkets.com
Report covers coating technology for applications in the oil and gas sector
H
ardide Plc (UK) says that it is featured in Offshore Technology Reports’ publication ‘Next Generation Coating Technology for Downhole and Topside oil and Gas Applications’. Published by Global Business Media, this report – which will be distributed at the major global oil and gas conferences and exhibitions over the next year – examines the advantages of nano-structured tungsten carbide over conventional coatings materials and takes a look at the future of these technologies. Chapter headings include: • ‘Nano-Technology: the New Frontier for Coating Technology’ • ‘The Battle Against Corrosion’ • ‘How Nanostructured Carbide Products can Revolutionise Coatings’ • ‘The Changing World of Coating Technologies’ • ‘What the Future Holds’
Contacts: Global Business Media Ltd, 62 The Street, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1AT, UK. Tel: +44 1737 850 939, Fax: +44 1737 851 952, Web: www.globalbusinessmedia.org Hardide Plc (UK), Unit 11, Wedgwood Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX26 4UL, UK. Tel: +44 1869 353 830, Web: www.hardide.com
Editor’s comment: Also see the feature article entitled ‘Use of hard metal coatings to extend the life of elastomeric seals’, which appears in Sealing Technology October 2012, page 8.
July 2015