Category: News & Updates

After a year and a half of Covid restrictions, the DSEI 2021 show was the first exhibition that European Springs and Pressings have been able to attend. 

It was great to be back at a live show to meet and talk in person with other attendees and industry professionals. We’re delighted to have made contacts across multiple industries, including aerospace, defence and security — we spent time reconnecting with clients and were entertained by the expertise and innovation on show.

As it was our first time attending a DSEI show, we did not set typical KPI targets for the event but instead monitored sales leads generated to gauge the suitability of the event for the future. In this blog, we’ll provide a round-up of our experience at the show.

The Importance of Attending DSEI 2021 

The Defence and Security Equipment International show is the largest fully-integrated defence and security show in the world, running biennially in London and Saudi Arabia respectively. As we manufacture products for the defence, security and aerospace industries, it was important for us to attend this event for the first time.

European Springs & Pressings are always aiming to raise our profile (especially over the next twelve months) and improve the effectiveness of our exhibition attendance — promotion strategy is an integral part of this process. We decided that collaborating with Metrol on a joint stand at DSEI would enable both companies to pool our offers and gain visibility at such a prominent exhibition.

Why Does This Event Resonate with European Springs? 

DSEI is a great networking event, renowned for the strength and seniority of those that attend — this includes senior officials, industry buyers and over 3,000 international VIPs and official delegations. 

The show gave us the opportunity to exhibit alongside primes and tier 2 suppliers, top UK and international delegations and UK and international defence ministers. Others who attended the event included senior procurement staff teams, prime contractors/OEMs, pre-qualified industry visitors, SMEs, system integrators, subcontractors, major manufacturers, service providers and defence media.

Networking and future innovation are a huge part of what we do. Meeting with these like-minded industry professionals allowed us to represent our high-quality services and products, and repeatedly meet the ever-changing requirements of our customers and the market we operate within.

What Was The Atmosphere of The Event Like? 

As the world’s largest defence and security community gathering, the event had great energy and buzz surrounding it. With 8 halls, international pavilions from six continents and over 1000 companies in attendance covering aerospace, land, naval, security, joint, future technology, manufacturing, medical and space sectors, there was plenty to see and do in an optimal business environment. 

There were live demonstrations at the dockside and tours of the naval boats in attendance. We particularly enjoyed the indoor demonstrations of drone technologies and Q-UGVs (Quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicles – robo-dogs!).

Our Favourite Thing About DSEI 2021

If we had to choose one thing about the show that truly stood out, it would have to be simply being back at a live event and being able to talk directly to potential clients and suppliers.

The show was a spectacle of jaw-dropping military technology and innovative manufacturing. There were so many intriguing things to discover, even if you do not have an interest in defence and security equipment and vehicles.

We also have to mention the armed forces marching band who put on their opening day show. The pomp and professionalism of the performance was a real treat to see live; they really brightened up a muggy Tuesday afternoon.

Setting Our Stall Apart  

Our stall was focused on showing exactly who we are and ensuring our products and expertise are clearly defined and communicated. Ahead of the event, we understood that it would be difficult to compete for attention, especially when the next stand was boasting a Challenger 3 Mobile Battle Tank!

Our helpful experts and reps welcomed a lot of visitors to our bright and colourful stall. We found that most were industry colleagues making purchaser product enquiries. However, a few visitors enjoyed a lighter conversation about spring tension as a break from discussing the stopping power of an AK47.

Advice For Those Attending Future DSEI Shows

Wear comfortable shoes! The DSEI show is huge, filling the 8 halls of Excel London and its two dockside areas with equipment, vehicles and displays. You have to do a lot of walking to get around it all.

Attending the DSEI gives you access to the global marketplace. With a 95% visitor satisfaction rate, the show is essential for exploring international business opportunities.

We found considerable benefits in attending the show and networking with others to develop our knowledge and integrate with other businesses across various industries. The exhibition was a fantastic opportunity to speak with peers and industry professionals and learn from other exhibitors and sponsors.

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As spring manufacturers, we must keep up with the latest news, movements and events within our industry. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and would like to thank everyone who visited our stall and made us feel welcome during our first DSEI event!

We’re leading spring manufacturers, so it’s no surprise that we’d suggest manufacturing as a great career choice! It’s an exciting industry to work in where no two days are the same.

Manufacturing is suited to those who enjoy ‘doing’ and have the mental strength to take on new challenges while applying innovation and problem-solving to each task. 

This blog will explore recruitment within our industry and discuss 7 reasons we think manufacturing is a great career choice for young people or those looking for a career change.

Contribution to the Economy 

When you choose manufacturing as a career, you’re making a huge contribution to global economies. Manufacturing helps improve the standard of living for both workers and consumers to keep the economy alive and booming. Many manufactures, ourselves included, are not only contributing financially to the economy but creating high-quality components and products that provide a service for critical sectors, including healthcare, the defence industry and transportation.

Exciting Sectors and Industries 

Here at European Springs, we manufacture parts for various industries, such as construction, automotive, electronics, medical and much more. Not only can you learn more about how these sectors use different products for a variety of applications, but it’s interesting to work on bespoke projects and make one-of-a-kind items for the latest developments in the aerospace industry, for example. 

Career Growth and Development 

There is plenty of room for both growth and development in our industry. With new technologies being implemented at a rapid pace, there is the opportunity to manage and control specific areas of production or machine learning so you can become an expert in your field. The maintenance of these smart technologies is also an interesting area to explore. 

If you’re looking to start out in a manufacturing role, we offer apprenticeships that follow the nationally recognised Mechanical Manufacturing Apprenticeship framework, awarding BTEC Level 3 in Engineering Operations and Maintenance certifications, with an accompanying NVQ in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering. Apprenticeships are a great way to get your foot in the door and learn trade skills on the job. Many of our certified apprentices choose to continue to progress their knowledge and skills with us for years after completing their courses. 

Work with Real Products 

In general, manufacturing is centred around the production of items that provide use in people’s lives — this gives you the chance to design, create and work with real-life products. As previously mentioned, we make bespoke pressings across many sectors, and so it’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about how your work impacts the bigger picture. 

Increased Safety 

Manufacturing omits a safety-first approach, especially with the increased implementation of smart technologies and automated machinery. Before entering into a manufacturing environment, you will be given the correct health and safety training and equipment needed. 

In the past, manufacturing plants have received stigma for out-of-date practices and unsafe protocols. However, that image is far from today’s laboratory-style facilities with streamlined production solutions and highly advanced machinery.

More than an Assembly Line 

There’s much more to manufacturing than production and assembly lines. There’s an opportunity to be involved in design, development, prototyping, problem-solving and much more. Automation has introduced so many different roles to our manufacturing facilities, and there is plenty of room for expansion in specialised areas of the business for talented individuals. 

Manufacturing always welcomes leadership, and you will find many fulfilling roles in areas like product research, marketing, business development and HR.

Work with Cutting Edge Technologies 

Technology is changing the manufacturing industry as we know it! Smart Factories and automated machinery, in particular, are currently at the forefront of digitalisation in modern-day manufacturing. Smart factories tie in technologies such as sensors, cloud computing, big data and industrial IoT (Internet of Things), combining physical and digital tasks to improve efficiency and counteract ongoing issues. 

Working with these technologies is exciting and beneficial to the growing skills gap within our industry — which is at a 30 year high. Many manufacturers are investing in people, helping them gain the experience needed to fill vacant roles and prepare for the future of digital manufacturing.

Here at European Springs, we’re dedicated to investing in the latest machinery and technologies, which have undoubtedly streamlined our business and allowed us to remain fully operational throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Installing new equipment is critical to our expansion and long-term investment in the industry. 

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As leading spring manufacturers, we need to strengthen our knowledge and introduce more diverse skillsets into our workplace, including preparing for future growth within manufacturing.

Every year, we welcome apprentices and see the direct benefits of having a development plan in place — many of our qualified apprentices continue to develop their skills as spring technicians. 

If you’d like to discuss the potential of joining our team or if you have any questions, then please contact us.

For over 70 years, European Springs and Pressings has achieved and maintained the highest levels of technical expertise and innovative solutions in bespoke pressings. As leading spring manufacturers, we have to keep up to date with new research and developments within our industry. 

We often update our news page with the latest stories and roundups, so check in regularly to find out what’s happening in UK manufacturing. In this article, we’ll take a look at what’s been happening in manufacturing from June to August 2021. 

Defence & Security Equipment International Show 2021 

We’re attending the DSEI (Defence & Security Equipment International) from 14 – 17 September 2021 at ExCeL London, and you’ll find us at stand number H4-634.

At our stand, you will gain insight into one of the UK’s largest stamping and spring manufacturers. We’ll be happy to answer any questions on our in-house facilities, including our products’ design, prototyping, and assembly production manufacture.

As one of the world’s largest arms fairs, the DSEI showcases arms company representatives and military delegations from around the world — it’s an excellent opportunity to gain access to the global marketplace!

If you’re interested in attending the event as a visitor, register now or find out more about the DSEI 2021 show.

Study Uncovers ‘Integration Gap’ of Industry 4.0 Technology

Many UK manufacturers are actively investing in trials of Industry 4.0 technologies. However, the ‘integration gap’ created by these investments could potentially lead to the industry failing growth or development opportunities that follow the current phase of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Engineer reported that 56% of senior-level decision-makers at UK manufacturing businesses confirmed they had achieved digital transformation in specific business functions. Although, it was also reported that many of those have not progressed in integrating technologies across various business functions.

Industry 4.0 technologies can indeed streamline processes and channel productivity, though the complex nature of applying the technology is clouding the benefits of installing them.

MAKE UK Backs Initiative to Help Manufacturers Retain Young Talent 

Make UK are an official training provider partner that has launched a new initiative to promote and develop the Engineering Apprenticeships: Best Practice Programme. This is a first for both the manufacturing and engineering sectors, aiming to give businesses the skills and tools required to run successful apprenticeship schemes.

Here at European Springs, we’re proud to take on apprentices every year, and by doing so, we see the benefits of those who choose to develop their skills as spring technicians in our press shop. As a business that invests heavily in the industry’s future, we believe it’s essential to introduce and develop skillsets and strengthen our knowledge.

European Springs & Pressings Installs New Press as Part of £700,000 Investment 

We recently installed a BSTA 410-110B2 and high precision servo feeder to increase our press shop capacity and target over £1m in new opportunities.

The high-power automated press and tool monitoring technology gives us a fully adjustable stroke between 16 and 47mm and production speeds of up to 1600 strokes per minute. There’s no doubting that the new press installation is a fantastic addition to our manufacturing facility and can be used for many of the items we produce.

Stuart McSheehy, Managing Director of European Springs & Pressings, commented saying “Our relationship with Bruderer UK goes back more than 15 years, and this will be the third new machine we’ve taken from Adrian Haller and his team.

Find out more about our cutting-edge investment.

New Low-cost Solutions Help Manufacturers Go Digital

In June 2021, The Manufacturer reported that off-the-shelf technology is helping SME manufacturers remodel their businesses with a forward-thinking, digital approach. 

The EPSRC funded Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring project that welcomed over 200 companies from across the UK and overseas. The project aims to deliver a toolbox of solutions to be used by both small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses — this will be done using a variety of cost-effective and off-the-shelf technologies.

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We have a qualified team of experts who are on-hand with 24-hour support to ensure the highest satisfaction for all of our clients. If you’d like to make an enquiry, please get in touch with us directly at ieinfo.bec@europeansprings.com.

 

Motor springs can be used instead of torsion springs, where the desired application requires several turns of torsional force. The versatility of motor springs means they can be locked onto an attached shaft using a catch or fastened to a pin or housing edge.

What is a Motor Force Spring?

Motor force springs are designed to perform like a constant force spring, meaning that this type of spring can supply rotational energy from the attached shaft.

In most cases, motor springs are made from stainless steel with longevity depending on the size and max torque. The provision of constant force is evident due to the motor force spring exerting a restraining force that resists uncoiling. 

Motor Force Spring Design  

Motor force springs have a torsion design but can be manufactured to provide more turns than a torsion spring — some can offer 10 to 20 turns of force. When an increased amount of turns are needed, you can attach several motor springs together.  

Torque and spring size can have a lasting effect on the lifespan of a spring. By stacking multiple springs, you can counteract any future problems that may occur when using a single spring. 

We create springs that are secured with a nylon band to improve performance. We would always recommend that during fitting, the springs are lubricated to reduce friction — if you do not lubricate the springs, you could experience up to 20% loss of force. 

Motor Spring Applications  

The electric power industry regularly uses our motor force springs in backup devices. In stainless steel forms, motor springs are intricately designed to maintain longevity even within the most demanding applications. 

Another example of constant force motor springs applications is within the operating mechanism for film cameras, power generation, timers, and cable retractors. 

These springs can be locked onto an attached shaft using a catch or fastened to a pin or housing edge. The springs with the smallest internal diameter should be placed in housing with the outer hook located around a pin. You can also fit the springs into larger housing, although the force will be lower. However, it is feasible to increase the diameter of the inner coil for placement on a larger shaft. 

The Difference Between Motor Springs and Clock Springs 

At first glance, clock and motor springs are visually similar, both resembling a spiralling circle. However, it’s important to distinguish which spring to use in a specific application for the most effective and safest result. 

Clock springs are coil friction-free and manufactured from flat wires. They have lower torque than motor springs and are regularly applied to make up the stainless steel components of watches. 

They are made to provide torsion, which means they can sometimes be used instead of more traditional torsion springs because they can rotate in circular movements. So, rather than being twisted and exerting a force (or torque) in the opposite direction, the force of a clock spring involves the axis of an object – resulting in it being pushed onto another object by the outer edge of the spring. 

Motor springs, unlike clock springs, are able to store high levels of energy, allowing them to work with high degrees of stress in applications such as windshield wipers and car engines. 

We understand that different springs are needed for specific applications, and so, no matter what type of spring you require, we can create a bespoke solution that works for you. 

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As motor spring manufacturers, we have a wealth of experience designing and producing motor springs and can supply both standard and bespoke springs as needed. 

We pride ourselves on meeting the most challenging demands. So if you require more information about our motor springs or any of our other products, please get in touch and we can discuss your upcoming project. 

As spring manufacturers, we must keep up with the latest news, movements and events within our industry.

We’re delighted to announce that we will be attending the DSEI (Defence & Security Equipment International) from 14 – 17 September 2021 at ExCeL London. The decision to proceed follows close consultation and discussions with the UK Government and industry stakeholders.

The DSEI is one of the world’s largest arms fairs. It’s hosted in London Docklands every two years and is attended by arms company representatives and military delegations from around the world.

In preparation for European Springs attending the show in September, we’ll provide you with information about the show, what to look out for this year, as well as our involvement.

If you’re interested in attending the event as a visitor, register now.

European Springs Powering Progress at DSEI 2021

Attending events and exhibits each year is important to us. We’ve been established as an industry leader for over 70 years, so we need to continue learning and building relationships to prepare for future growth within manufacturing.

Here at European Springs, we manufacture our high standard products to work with a range of customers across a wide variety of industries.

At our stand, you can expect to gain insight into one of the largest stamping and spring manufacturers in the UK. We’ll be happy to answer any questions on our in-house facilities, including the design, prototyping and assembly production manufacture of our products.

We see considerable benefits in networking with others to develop our knowledge and integrate with other businesses across various industries.

Multi-Domain Integration Focus for 2021

DSEI 2021 will centre around integration as the UK Ministry of Defence, British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and UK Strategic Command work to develop and maintain organic integration at all levels across all domains.

As British forces continue to modernise and meet the demands of the information age, they do so with the understanding that the future battlefield requires integration across land, sea, air, cyber and space. Under the theme of ‘Integrated Response to Future Threats’, DSEI 2021 will spotlight supporting this strategic shift with input from industry, academia, international partners and delegates.

As the only event to integrate each pillar of national security and defence, DSEI connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the entire defence and security supply chain on a global scale.

The exhibit will be split into zones for aerospace, land, naval, security and ‘the joint zone’ which will feature the latest products and innovations servicing the whole Defence and Security Community. The show offers a valuable networking opportunity, as well as a unique platform for business through live-action demonstrations.

You will also have access to four hubs, including the new future tech hub, manufacturing hub, medical and space hub.

Why should you visit the DSEI?

Attending the DSEI gives you access to the global marketplace. With a 95% visitor satisfaction rate, the show is an essential opportunity to explore international business opportunities.

Here at European Springs, we believe the exhibition is a great opportunity network with peers and industry professionals and learn from other like-minded exhibitors and sponsors.

It’s no surprise that 94% of visitors say DSEI is important for their business. You can meet with suppliers and talk one-to-one with industry experts, as well as gain access to equipment, products, and the latest technologies.

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You can find more information about how to attend DSEI and what to expect on their website. We hope to see you there!

As part of the Lesjöfors Group, Metrol Springs will also be attending the event.

 

As spring manufacturers, we must stay ahead of the curve and invest in the right areas. The nature of day-to-day job descriptions is shifting, and so upskilling is more important than ever.

Upskilling your workforce allows you to build on your team’s existing skills, increase productivity, and streamline your working processes.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of developing and training your employees.

Productivity and Motivation

When you spend time nurturing and developing the skills of your workforce, you’re also improving motivation and productivity levels. In general, your employees should feel more comfortable in their role and be more invested in helping the company do well.

You should spend some time identifying current or projected gaps within your team. This data can then be used to map out a timeline for development and the equipment or resources that you need.

By showing your employees advanced working practices, you can increase productivity. It has been proven that a positive attitude from management coupled with good working conditions and access to the correct tools and equipment can raise productivity.

New Skills, Ideas and Services

Upskilling allows you to accommodate new skills within your workforce and brings the opportunity for new services.

Upskilling can also help your employees become more knowledgeable of client requirements, allowing them to keep ahead of competitors and in line with industry standards. Your staff will be motivated by engagement with new technology, software and working techniques.

It’s essential to listen to your staff and give them the freedom (where appropriate) to develop. When you give your employees the responsibility to choose their own path, you can start to work collaboratively as a team on new innovative ideas and business opportunities.

Every person is different, and when people are in control of their personal development, they can make informed decisions on what works best for them. For example, some will learn better from short video demos, while others will perform better on an intense course.

Cost-Effective Investment

Upskilling or reskilling your employees is a much smaller investment than recruiting and hiring a new staff member. When you reskill, you can create a well-rounded, multi-skilled workforce capable of increasing efficiency and product quality.

Setting achievable goals with your employees and having a dedicated study space at work is a great way to encourage development and learning. By allocating training time and introducing personal development plans (PDPs), you can keep a record of progress and offer help where needed.

People are motivated by training and development opportunities, so you can expect to attract new talent through word-of-mouth. It’s common nowadays for staff to act as brand advocates, which can be valuable and influential for your business — you now have access to a whole pool of diverse talent through your employee network.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

When staff are motivated and productive, they will generally produce better work. Employees who are happy at work will radiate their energy to your customers, in turn providing a more efficient service.

You may also find that your established clients are prepared to pay more to work with a knowledgeable, multi-skilled and proactive team. So by giving your workforce time to learn, manage and understand new skills and projects, you can improve your overall customer service and build rapport.

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With over 70 years of experience as a spring manufacturer, we’re proud to invest heavily in our workforce and develop our people for the future.

By welcoming apprentices each year, we’re able to see the benefits first-hand of having a development plan in place, and many of our qualified apprentices continue to grow their skills as spring technicians.

If you would like any more information about any of the services or products that we provide, please contact European Springs Ireland with your enquiry. Our experienced team will be happy to answer your questions.