Gilberts’ “knock-out” customer care
Independent air movement specialist Gilberts is delivering a 'knock-out punch' in delivery of customer needs.
As part of its continued commitment to optimising its manufacturing resources to deliver the best balance of quality and value, Gilberts has invested in advanced metal processing technology with the installation of a new combination CNC laser punch press.
“The new machine merges two technologies combining the speed of a laser cutter with the punching capability of a punch press, which means we can give our customers even better quality and accuracy of components, and reduced lead times, even on ‘specials’,” explained Gilberts’ Blackpool operations director Chris Clarke.
The new machine can process aluminium, steel and stainless steel sheet up to 2.5m x 1.25m and 8mm thick with extreme precision, optimum edge smoothness and surface finish.
Some forming capabilities are also available which can reduce the number of subsequent operations
Adds Chris Clarke, “Not only does this machine give us extra capacity but many of our products are made up of large sheet metal parts with a large number of holes, slots and small forms. Having a combined CNC punch and laser enables us to give customers even greater accuracy and quality of finish of components, potentially faster! It also means we have the capability to produce bespoke parts in reduced lead times and cost as we no longer have to develop and produce special order tools.”
Further enhancing the overall customer service, Gilberts simultaneously upgraded part of its manufacturing programming software for all its CNC machines, dedicated laser, CNC punch presses and CNC press brakes. As a result of this software upgrade, efficiency can be maximised, manual programming errors can be eliminated, and operating time optimised.
Observes Gilberts managing director Jonathan Haslam, “Over six decades we have evolved from a modest producer of domestic warm air heating grilles to become a multi-product based company that is today one of the UK’s largest commercial air distribution manufacturers. We have a reputation for delivering best value. The investment in our production capability enables us to continue to deliver quality, capacity and repeatability, at competitive prices.”
