Siemens relocates mechanical drives manufacturing
04 November 2010
Siemens Industry Automation & Drive Technologies (IA&DT) has relocated a key manufacturing plant from its old Bradford site in West Yorkshire to a larger Leeds based factory near the M1 motorway. Siemens IA&DT took over the Flender gear unit and geared motor factory – along with its German parent in Bocholt – five years ago, and since that time has been investing significantly in the mechanical drives side of the business.
The new 50,000 sq ft factory has 30 per cent more production space and a 150 per cent increase in working height, which has facilitated the installation of 25-tonne cranes plus the optimisation of production cell layouts and materials and handling flow. New warehouse pallet racking, including heavy duty options to a height of 10 metres, has also been installed, making this a significantly enhanced facility for long-term growth.
The Stourton facility provides a new UK assembly centre for Siemens Mechanical Drives, including gear units, geared motors, motors and couplings for general industry as well as emerging technologies such as wind and wave power.
Recently appointed general manager at the new factory, Simon Nadin commented on the investment: “Siemens is committed to manufacturing in the UK and the mechanical gears aspect is a key element in the ‘drive train’. This new facility will not only enhance our manufacturing capability; it will also be used to train apprentices and hold technical seminars to benefit others in the industry along with Siemens partners.”
In line with Siemens’ commitment to emerging, greener technologies, energy use at the new facility is being benchmarked, along with water consumption, waste management and recycling. Siemens products feature widely in the new factory, such as low-energy lighting that dims or turns off when a room is not is use or when natural light allows. Employees have flexible working days to avoid Leeds traffic congestion and some now cycle to work or use local public transport. All these factors are being benchmarked in order to measure future improvements.
An official opening of the new factory (Unit 5, Navigation Park, Lockside Road, Stourton, Leeds LS10 1EP) is planned for early in 2011.
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