Project brief:

The challenge for the Knowledge Transfer Partnership with GL Jones was to implement a seamless link between design and manufacture. The partnership will enable the company to evolve its design and manufacturing capabilities' by embedding an integrated design for manufacture process at G L Jones Playgrounds. The objectives are to improve manufacturing efficiency, increase capacity and generate cost savings. This will enable the company to become more responsive to client needs, be able to bring new products to market quicker and will be able to grow and innovate more effectively.

Impact:

The project to develop a new range of screwdrivers has strengthened CK Tools' market share; this is reinforced with a significant increase in sales. The success in the introduction of such a unique VDE screwdriver range has enabled CK Tools to gain new markets in outlets such as B&Q

The new design has improved the ergonometric look of the previous version that makes the product so versatile and tactile whilst appealing to professional trade users.

CAM focused on dexterity, giving the screwdriver a long fine neck, smooth-round head and specially-positioned grips to enable power when it was needed most.

The dextroVDE screwdriver range is now available throughout Europe and its continuous success is a direct result of its dexterity, adaptability and ease of use.

Feedback:

"CAM's design capabilities have been invaluable to CK Tools in terms of taking new and innovative products to market. Their product design and rapid prototyping expertise enabled us to develop the Dextro VDE screwdriver – a product unlike any other available for the professional tradesman." 

Charles Whitfield
New Product Development Manager, CK Tools 

Project brief:

Axis Precision Ltd of Penygroes spent twelve months investigating the feasibility of developing a new pneumatic landfill pump product. The company focus required change from providing sub contract services to developing its own unique product, enabling the company to grow into new markets. As part of the next stages of the project they required the assistance of the Menai Innovation Centre to develop their existing prototype into 3D models, 2D detailed manufacturing drawings whilst also assisting with manufacturing implementation of the product.

Impact:

Developing the new pump in the time required by Axis Precision with an agency would have been too costly – the services provided through the ERDF Interreg IVA Vision Project were critical in the product’s success.

With the Innovation Centre’s assistance Axis were also able to implement new lean manufacturing techniques for producing the pump.

The work was completed within a 3 month period from the initial enquiry being made and Axis were able to tender for and win a substantial manufacturing contract. This enabled them to employ a new member of full time staff whilst safe guarding at least one existing position within the company.

To date Axis Precision have increased turnover by £100k per annum as a direct result of this project and are now looking to expand their premises. They are also in collaboration with another local manufacturer due to the success of the pump.

Feedback:

"Developing our product with an agency would have been far too costly - the services provided through CAM were critical in its success. Thanks to them we have sold over 150 high value units whilst now looking to export to mainland Europe." 

David Thatcher
Managing Director, Axis Precision Ltd 

Project brief:

Vistacraft created a product for seasonal letting that could be used and assembled in any location. In response to the increasing importance of sustaining environmentally-friendly, ethical accommodation; Vistacraft’s eco-cabin prototype required further development to push to market.

Impact:

CAM created three-dimensional models of the eco-cabin to illustrate its use in a variety of locations enabling Vistacraft to identify potential trial sites for the product.

CAM also generated animations illustrating a virtual tour and construction method of the cabin – further demonstrating its modular capabilities.

With these tools at their disposal, Vistacraft have succeeded in taking their product to market and developing it even further.

Feedback:

"The support we received from CAM helped us to further realise the potential for our product; Caban. Their skills in animation and photo rendering enabled us to visualise our product in real world settings and promote it to its full potential as we tendered for trial and testing sites." 

Jonathan Cooke & Tom Parker
VistaCraft  

Project brief:

Scubacraft had spent the past 10 years developing a prototype vehicle that combines surface-water and sub-aqua transportation. This revolutionary marine vehicle needed to be restyled to secure further investment for manufacturing.

Impact:

CAM generated an array of 3D CAD that was utilised by the client to market the concept to potential investors.

As part of this 3D CAD development, a range of photorealistic imagery was created of the SC3 Sport, Project Black and Volt.

Within 24 hours of these images going live on their website, Scubacraft secured a lucrative new customer.

As a result of CAM’s input, Scubacraft have secured investment through pipeline sales of £2.5m taking them a step closer to market.

Feedback:

"CAM’s 3D CAD capabilities proved to be hugely successful in terms of helping us to communicate effectively with potential investors and manufacturers. Their design and photo rendering expertise also enabled us to promote a new and exciting Scubacraft SC3, further expanding our customer base." 

Robin Harris
Managing Director, Scubacraft Ltd  

Project brief:

The challenge for the Knowledge Transfer Partnership with GL Jones was to implement a seamless link between design and manufacture. The partnership will enable the company to evolve its design and manufacturing capabilities’ by embedding an integrated design for manufacture process at G L Jones Playgrounds. The objectives are to improve manufacturing efficiency, increase capacity and generate cost savings. This will enable the company to become more responsive to client needs, be able to bring new products to market quicker and will be able to grow and innovate more effectively.

Impact:

The project has surpassed all expectations and has been able to deliver a continuous link between design and manufacture.

GL Jones is able to accurately cost out quotations to new clients quickly and efficiently which has resulted in larger contracts being secured. The implementing of a new product design process has enabled them to create new and innovative playground equipment efficiently, enabling them to secure new markets.

The implementing of product data management methodology ensures that common parts can be utilised optimising procurement of materials and manufacturing time and ensuring the traceability of each stage of design and manufacture.

The overall success of the knowledge transfer partnership has resulted in safeguarding jobs and creating one full time post. GL Jones is now able to quantify accurate costing for all products which has resulted in an increase in efficiency and profits.

Feedback:

"The Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Coleg Menai surpassed all our expectations. The implementation of a seamless process between design and manufacture has been the most important step in the development of GL Jones Playgrounds to date." 

Hefin Jones
Managing Director GL Jones Playgrounds Ltd