NEWS

Mechetronics Supports School Robotics Initiative

Mechetronics, one of the leading UK solenoid and electro-mechanical assembly suppliers, is providing equipment for Sunderland High School to encourage children to develop their engineering skills. Mechetronics, the North East based engineering company, is providing practical support to raise awareness of engineering as a career choice.

The independent coeducation school already has a majority of its students entering science or engineering based courses, but is keen to develop partnerships with engineering companies to give children a greater insight into career options.

Mechetronics has supplied five programmable robotic kits at a value of around £1,000 which have enabled a Robotic After School Club to be started, which will benefit children between the ages of seven and eleven.

Commenting Dianne Sharp Mechetronics Managing Director said:

“Having recently undertaken a recruitment drive to employ good engineering graduates in the North East, I realised we needed to encourage more students to consider a career in engineering. By providing the five robotic kits I hope to highlight the strength of British engineering and to encourage them to consider a career in engineering.”

Chinese Factory Boosts Mechetronics’ Production Capability

Mechetronics, the UK based global supplier of customised solenoid solutions and electro-mechanical assemblies, started production in Summer 2008 at a new manufacturing facility in China.

Based in Zhuhai in the Guang Dong region, South China, the purpose-built 550 metre square factory provides additional global production capacity for Mechetronics. The new unit, which has been built in addition to the company’s existing global network of production facilities, is capable of producing the Mechetronics’ full range of mechanical solenoids and electro-mechanical assemblies and includes coil winding and moulding processes.

Commenting on the expansion for Mechetronics, Managing Director Dianne Sharp said:-

“The new factory is part of the company’s growth strategy to further expand sales overseas, in particular in Asia. The move reinforces the company mission to be a ‘global force with local impact’ and enhances our capability to deliver local services, such as Kanban, in the Asian markets.“

Mechetronics’ existing production units are based in Bishop Auckland in the UK, the Far East and mainland Europe. Additionally, the company has warehousing in the US and distribution facilities across all five continents. 

Mechetronics Looks to Local Talent to Strengthen Team

Mechetronics, the global supplier of customised solenoid solutions and electro-mechanical assemblies is looking to hire local talent from the regions universities.

Mechetronics will be attending The Grad House 08 fair to be held at the Baltic, Gateshead on Thursday June 5th.

Commenting on the future new appointments, which will strengthen the company’s engineering team, Mechetronics Managing Director Dianne Sharp says:

“We are very excited about talking to new graduates at this years fair, we are looking forward to investing in people from the local area, we will be looking to get the best from local talent to continue to invest in our company. The latest additions to the Mechetronics team are part of our global growth agenda aimed at expanding sales overseas in a variety of niche industrial markets.”

Senior Appointments Support Global Growth for Mechetronics

Mechetronics, the global supplier of customised solenoid solutions and electro-mechanical assemblies, has strengthened its engineering and sales teams with the addition of Steve Bull as Engineering Manager and Alan Clarke as International Sales Manager.

Commenting on the new appointments, which strengthen the company’s international sales and support team, Mechetronics’ Managing Director Dianne Sharp said:

“The latest additions to the Mechetronics team are part of our global growth agenda aimed at expanding sales overseas in a variety of niche industrial markets. These are new recruits as opposed to replacement positions and, as such, they reflect the growing demand for our bespoke solenoid/electro-mechanical offer.”

With a lengthy track record in the aerospace and automotive industries, Steve Bull brings with him a wealth of engineering expertise. A respected engineer, Steve’s credentials include the design of components for the Beagle 2 Mars Lander and Airbus A380.

Alan Clarke joins the Mechetronics team with an eight year track record in sales within the analytical equipment market. Alan has both hands-on experience with electro-mechanical assemblies and qualifications in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

The world’s leading supplier of printers have awarded Mechetronics the contract to supply solenoids for their latest innovative new product.

Their new printer is one of a range a ground-breaking, ink-based colour multifunction printers using new technology with enhanced management offerings and a new portfolio of services and solutions to help enterprise customers optimise their printing environments.

The total market opportunity for this technology is expected to be more than $30 billion by 2009.

The new printer was design-led from the USA, liaising with Mechetronics’ UK base, its manufacturing plant in China and the printer’s manufacturing sub-contract manufacturer in Singapore.

Mechetronics chairman Mitchell Wolfe said: “For us, there are two exceptionally pleasing things about this contract.

“The first is its truly global nature, and the second is the fact that a company as huge as this has shown confidence in working with Mechetronics following the success of previous projects.”

Mechetronics have been awarded a plaque recognising its outstanding contribution to the project. Seen with the plaque here are (from the right) Ged Wright (Business Development Manager), Wayne Johnson (Business Development Executive) and Bill Bowman (Senior Design Engineer).

Mechetronics is expanding its coverage in the Asia Pacific region with the appointment of a design engineer in India.

Maddimsetty Venkat Hemanth is a graduate of both Indian (Hyderabad) and Australian (Sydney) universities where he gained both Bachelors and in Australia a Masters degree in Mechatronics.

Mechetronics Managing Director, Dianne Sharp, said: “Hemanth will be based in Chennai, which we chose partly because it is an up-and-coming part of India with good industrial links and heritage, and also because two of our largest customers (NCR and GE Power Controls) are located nearby in Pondicherry.

“Initially, Hemanth will support the design team in Bishop Auckland and help with material sourcing issues in India. He will also get involved in customer support work with our long-term intention to use the new office in Chennai as a springboard into the huge potential of the Indian market.”

Bishop Auckland-based electronics firm Mechetronics was visited by His Royal Highness The Duke of York as part of his International Trade and Industry duties.

In his capacity as the UK’s special representative for International Trade and Investment, the Duke of York was escorted on a tour of the factory in Bishop Auckland. Mechetronics is the UK’s leading manufacturer of solenoids - electronic mechanical devices used in vending machines, anti-lock braking and computer printers.

During his visit, His Royal Highness spent time talking with managing director Dianne Sharp and chairman Mitchell Wolfe about the company’s achievements, in particular a $1 million deal it has secured with a large US-based electronic domestic supplier.

In order to compete in a global economy, Mechetronics recently sought help and advice from UK Trade & Investment’s Virtual Export Manager service. An export expert was assigned to the company to help it develop and implement an export strategy to focus on opportunities in America and Europe.

As a result, Mechetronics set up a number of distributor agreements in the USA one of which found the new customer. The venture in America is just one part of Mechetronics overseas development strategy. Last year the company strengthened its business by formalising a joint venture with a leading solenoid manufacturer based in Zhuhai, China and by establishing a subsidiary company in Hong Kong.

Mrs Sharp said: “We were delighted to be selected for a visit by The Duke of York. It was a pleasure to have him here. He was very knowledgeable about the issues manufacturing businesses like ours face. It was also a great opportunity to explain how the work and links that we are establishing with the assistance of UKTI is allowing a small local business operate in the global market place.”

The Duke was introduced to staff in all departments of the firm, and showed a keen interest in the skills required on the factory floor. “Prince Andrew took time to approach several members of staff to enquire about their roles and take an interest in the products we create” said Mrs Sharpe. “He had a great sense of humour and it was a great day for everyone involved in the company. We have a great team here and we were thrilled to be able to honour them with this. After all, it’s not every day a member of the royal family comes to visit.”

On The Bottle

UK based technology firm, Mechetronics, are celebrating the production of a 6-month long bespoke development for the Scandinavian recycling market. The company, which is based in the North East, is the UK’s leading solenoid manufacturer.

Tough recycling legislation in Scandinavia has seen the increase in recycling plants across Denmark and the need to automate the whole process. 6 months ago, Mechetronics award winning Danish distributor approached them with a request for help. They had a recycling plant client with a specific problem.

Their plant specialises in sorting and processing used plastic bottles. They needed a partner to work with in the development of an automated bottle sorting process based on conveyors and sensors.

Over the 6-month project, Mechetronics worked with the Danish company to develop a bespoke directional solenoid that would be energised by the sensors tipping the bottles in specific directions dependent on size and type of plastic.

Wayne Johnson, sales engineer on the project for Mechetronics said,

“This was a great project to work on and it was thanks to the close liaison that we managed to create such a bespoke solution.”

He went on to add,

“As recycling legislation expands across Europe the application for this technology is going to grow. The potential is enormous”

Solenoid collaboration strengthens Mechetronics’ customer offering

A successful ten year partnership between UK solenoid manufacturer Mechetronics and the KGS Freewood Corporation in China has led to a joint venture share agreement. Mechetronics Asia, the new company formed as a result of the association, will supply solenoids in high volume at an extremely competitive cost.

The amalgamation will bring together the advanced design capabilities of the UK team with the high volume, low-cost manufacturing processes of the Chinese operation. Commenting on the collaboration, UK Chairman and Chief Executive Mitchell Wolfe said:

“Along with sharing a lengthy manufacturing pedigree, the two companies have strong synergies regarding product quality and customer service which has led to significant business gains including contracts with Hewlett Packard and Jaguar Cars. The formation of the new company further cements our relationship and a new manufacturing facility to be built in China will lead to economies in production.”

The joint venture agreement is set to increase market penetration for Mechetronics in Europe, the USA and the Far East.

North East firm wins contract with ‘top cats’

North East based technology firm Mechetronics has beaten international competition to secure a new contract with one of the world’s most prestigious car makers – Jaguar.

Drivers of X-type Jags will now open and close their glove boxes remotely and electronically with the help of a Mechetronics solenoid.

Mechetronics CEO Mitchell Wolfe said:

“This has several advantages over manual systems, including being able to reduce the stiffness normally required by mechanical locking, in what is a critical passenger impact area in the event of a collision. “

“The solenoid operated glove box also has the advantage of allowing the glove box to be integrated into the vehicles central-locking circuit.“

“This feature is of particular benefit in the U.S. market, where valet parking means that the glove box is automatically locked when the vehicle is in valet mode.”

The company hopes the contract, to supply solenoid loom assemblies, will also lead to new opportunities.

“We are honoured and delighted to be working with such a prestigious, world-leading marque,” said Mr Wolfe.

“We feel the contract reflects Jaguar’s confidence in the design skills and manufacturing quality of Mechetronics.”

Pat & Gemma help make it a day to remember

PAT McCormick’s worked there for more than 40 years – and Gemma Blackett’s been there just a couple of weeks.

So the two were chosen to take part in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of a new factory for high-tech company Mechetronics in Bishop Auckland today.

Pat is Mechetronics’ longest-serving employee, and has been making solenoids at Mechetronics since 1960, while accounts assistant Gemma, 18, is the newest member of staff.

Mechetronics, a world front-runner in solenoid technology, moved from its long-term St Helen Auckland base into a bespoke plant at South Church Enterprise Park recently.

The new factory, costing £500,000, represents a major investment in the future of the company and its people.

Customers and suppliers of Mechetronics were invited to the new factory today to join in the celebrations and take part in tours of the plant.

The official opening was performed by Technical Director Jim Summerbell, who cut a ribbon held by Pat and Gemma. He has also been with the company for more than 40 years.

Jim said: “Mechetronics has an illustrious history stretching back many years. This new factory takes us into the future by creating a world-class manufacturing environment that truly reflects the stature of our global operation.”

Solenoids are devices found in a vast range of products ranging from drinks and cash dispensers to lorry air-brakes. Mechetronics have an international reputation for the design and manufacture of cutting-edge products.

The new factory is built to highly energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly standards which will allow Mechetronics to save £50,000 per year on heating alone.

Mechetronics received backing from regional development agency One Northeast, County Durham Development Company and Wear Valley District Council for the move and the customisation of the factory.

Mechetronics Managing Director Mitchell Wolfe said: “We chose our longest-serving and newest members of staff to help with the opening because we wanted to reflect the huge part our highly-trained workforce plays in our success.

“The new plant provides the top-class environment they deserve.”

Pat McCormick, who is due to retire a year in January, gave a thumbs-up to the new factory.

“When I started here in 1960 I was only 15, and I never thought I’d spend my whole working life here!” she said.

“But it’s always been a good company for me, and I’m sure the future in this new factory will be very bright.”

High-tech firm moves to state-of-the-art new base

STAFF at leading technology company Mechetronics are settling into their new base at a top-notch new factory in Bishop Auckland.

Mechetronics, a world front-runner in solenoid technology, is moving from its current St Helen Auckland base into a bespoke plant at South Church Enterprise Park.

The new factory, costing £500,000, represents a major investment in the future of the company and its people, managing director Mitchell Wolfe said.

The move has been made following a huge customisation of the 27,500 sq ft factory. Mechetronics have received backing from regional development agency One Northeast, County Durham Development Company and Wear Valley District Council for the project.

Mr Wolfe said: “We’ve been in our old factory for 60 years, but the owners are selling it and we have seized the opportunity to create a world-class manufacturing environment that truly reflects the stature of our global operation.”

Solenoids are devices found in a vast range of products ranging from drinks and cash dispensers to lorry air-brakes. Mechetronics have an international reputation for the design and manufacture of cutting-edge products.

The new factory is built to highly energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly standards which will allow Mechetronics to save £50,000 per year on heating alone.

“We have one of the most highly-trained workforces in the region – and indeed in the UK – and the new plant will provide the top-class environment they deserve,” said Mr Wolfe.

“We expect to have moved production to the new factory fully by the end of September.

“Mechetronics is forging ahead in a challenging global marketplace, and we relish this opportunity to move towards a bright future from a new base of such quality.”

For further details, please ring Mitchell Wolfe on 01388 660350

St Helen Auckland, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham

Aerco wins appointment from Mechetronics

AERCO has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Mechetronics, the UK’s leading solenoid manufacturer.

Based in Bishop Auckland in County Durham, Mechetronics was formed in 1918 and now produces over 1.5 million solenoids a year across almost 100 product families. These cover all types of solenoids and hydraulic and pneumatic valves

In addition to the UK facility, Mechetronics has strong manufacturing partnerships in Europe and the Far East that provide a high degree of versatility in terms of performance and price in both low and high volume quantities.

Mechetronics has no other stocking distributors in the UK and commenting on the Aerco appointment managing director, Mitchell Wolfe, said: "We have long been seeking a company that can effectively distribute our products in the UK. Aerco's professional set up, high levels of support and enthusiastic staff give us confidence that this new partnership will be good for Mechetronics, good for Aerco and, most of all, good for the customers of both companies."

Under the terms of the agreement Aerco will offer small order quantities from stock and the company’s DESIGNSUPPORT service will be in a position to design-in solenoid solutions and give valuable technical advice to customers.

Top award for great service

Mechetronics have scooped a prestigious award from a top company for their excellent customer service.

The company have been presented with the Performance Achievement Award by Pitney Bowes amid fierce competition from firms from all over the world.

And now Mechetronics have been invited to come along to the European award ceremony.

The Performance Achievement Award was collected by Mechetronics Sales Manager Ged Wright, who deals regularly with the company.

He said: “Pitney Bowes are one of the world’s leading suppliers of office equipment for mail and document management.

“They are a company at the cutting edge of their business, and we have had a valuable relationship with them for many years.

“We work with them to find solenoid design solutions for their new products. We also bring in products for them from the Far East, and make sure they have our solenoids exactly when they need them.

“That’s why they chose us for this award, and we’re delighted to receive it.”

Mechetronics managing director Mitchell Wolfe said: “Customer service is at the heart of everything we do here, and it’s great to know that one of our most valued customers has chosen to recognise us in this way.

“We look forward to the European awards ceremony.”

Printer giants choose local firm

Printer giants Hewlett Packard have chosen Bishop Auckland technology company Mechetronics as a new partner after a worldwide search.

Mechetronics, working with its partner company Freewood in China, will now supply up to 30,000 solenoids a month for the popular HP Business Inkjet 3000 printer, sold across the globe.

Solenoids are devices found in a huge range of products ranging from drinks and cash dispensers to lorry air-brakes.

Mechetronics managing director Mitchell Wolfe said: "Hewlett-Packard found us on the Internet a couple of years ago, and we have been involved in several development projects with them since."

"For this solenoid, we worked with the Hewlett-Packard design centre in Vancouver, USA, to create the ideal solution to their printer needs. We have subsequently transferred production to Singapore where the printers are assembled."

"We're delighted and proud to be working with a company of such huge international standing and reputation ­ we believe this demonstrates the ability of UK companies to help even the biggest of customers to get the best possible technical and logistics solution for their needs."

"We look forward to our relationship with Hewlett Packard continuing to grow."

For further details, please contact Mitchell Wolfe on +44 (0) 1388 771200.

Mechetronics Supports School Robotics Initiative [more]

Chinese Factory Boosts Mechetronics’ Production Capability [more]

Mechetronics Looks to Local Talent to Strengthen Team [more]