Bowers Group hit top gear at its Metrology Open Day, hosted in collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton Racing (UWR). The event, held at the university’s engineering hub located at its Telford Campus, brought together industry professionals from over 20 companies for an action-packed day of precision measurement, live demonstrations, and motorsport innovation.
Martin Hawkins, Managing Director at Bowers Group, commented: “Precision and accuracy are at the core of both high-performance engineering and competitive motorsport, making our relationship with UWR the perfect model to present an engaging and insightful Metrology Open Day. The event was a tremendous success, with attendees from a wide range of industries joining us to get to know more about the true value of our metrology solutions. It was fantastic to see so many meaningful connections being made, and I must give full credit to my team for their dedication and hard work in making the day such a success. The relationships built and strengthened during the event are something we’re excited to develop even further in the future.”
Attendees had the opportunity to experience Bowers Group’s connected metrology solutions first-hand, with exclusive product demonstrations showcasing the latest in connected measurement technology, including the all-new Figura contour and roundness measurement machines and the company’s new mobile metrology showroom.
A highlight of the day was the live machining and inspection demonstrations, where visitors saw metrology in action, ensuring precision components meet the stringent requirements of modern manufacturing. Bowers Group specialists were on hand to provide expert insights into the latest measurement techniques, while the UWR team offered a behind-the-scenes look at how metrology plays a crucial role in the design, development, and performance of race cars. Guests also had the chance to put their racing skills to the test on the UWR racing simulator, with a bit of friendly competition adding to the excitement.
With metrology playing a crucial role in achieving peak performance, whether on the track or in manufacturing, the event successfully showcased just how vital precision measurement is in driving success.
Bowers Group’s Financial Controller Mike Turner represented Team GB at the 2023 Europe Triathlon Championships.
The much-anticipated day arrived as Mike stood alongside Europe’s top triathletes in his age category. The arduous race entailed a 750 metre swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. However, unforeseen challenges emerged when the race format had to be altered to a duathlon due to water quality concerns, replacing the swim portion with an additional run.
Undeterred by the challenges, Mike’s unwavering commitment and training shone through as he pushed himself to his limits, leaving everything on the course. Fuelled by his dedication and the unwavering support of Team GB, Mike approached the finish line to a thunderous applause, a testament to the incredible display of athleticism and determination he exhibited throughout the race.
Crossing the finish line, Mike not only accomplished an impressive feat in Madrid but also fulfilled a lifelong personal achievement. Reflecting on his experience, Mike said “The whole experience was amazing, from representing my country, wearing the GB kit with my name on it, and the immense satisfaction of receiving a medal at the end. Adapting to the altered race format proved to be more of a challenge than I was expecting, particularly considering that running is my weakest discipline. Nevertheless, the electric atmosphere filled with anticipation, nerves, and overwhelming support, really brought home the significance of achieving my dream to represent my country in a sporting event.”
Precision engineers M. Thornton Engineering Ltd. are the latest company to see the attraction of magnets. They are now benefiting from integrating both Eclipse Magnetics magnetic lifters and magnetic filters into their manufacturing processes.
Based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, the family-run business provides sub-contract precision services such as CNC turning, CNC milling, and wire erosion. They serve a wide variety of markets, manufacturing steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and nickel alloy components for sectors such as environmental, transmission, hydraulics, and 3D printing.
They first approached Eclipse Magnetics when they were looking for a safe, efficient method of moving steel blocks and tools on a hoist system around their workshop. They were supplied with two Ultralift+ 250-kg magnetic lifters. The Ultralift+ requires only single-face access to the load and only single-person operation using the standard engage/release handle. The integral safety mechanisms mean the load cannot be released while in mid-lift, which was an appealing factor to the health and safety-conscious company.
They also recognised that the key to achieving improvements was cleaner machine tool fluids and decided to trial the Eclipse Magnetics Micromag magnetic filter. Micromags were installed on two Hartford Power-Centre Pro 1000 vertical milling machines. The filters were fitted on the return from the tank to the machine just before the through coolant pump and cartridge filter.
Both Eclipse Magnetics and Bowers Group are working towards towards achieving net zero, transforming into a sustainable organisations that work to protect our planet. Both companies within the Spear & Jackson Group are committed to building their businesses through sustainable growth to ensure they have a lasting positive impact on our environment and society. As a result,they have both begun their journeys to Net Zero and continue to build the roadmap toward a sustainable future.
Bowers Group have partnered with Inspired PLC to measure their carbon balance sheet and set their Net Zero target. Reviewing the level of their Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions will then form part of their long-term objective to be Net Zero by 2050. Eclipse Magnetics are working towards achieving net zero for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and for scope 3 emissions by 2040.
Behind the success of every company is a dedicated and committed workforce, and Eclipse Magnets have recently celebrated one of their longest-serving employees, Dave Meakin, as he reaches an impressive milestone of 50 years of service within the Spear & Jackson Group.
Dave, an Assembly Technician for Eclipse Magnetics, has enjoyed an exciting career since joining Moore & Wright in 1971 and has grown with the group as it evolved over the last half a decade, seeing many changes and continued growth throughout his tenure.
Having left school at 15, Dave’s journey, began following a recommendation from a family friend. Looking for employment, he hand-delivered a letter to the gatehouse at its Moore & Wright site in Handsworth, Sheffield. Following an interview, he was offered the job of Trainee Machine Setter, thread grinding Micrometers, with a starting wage of just £3.75 a week.
Dave began his career with Moore & Wright on 13th April 1971. Interestingly, on that day, Edward Heath was Prime Minister and Hot Love by T-Rex was number one in the UK charts. Over the years, he gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in thread grinding, cylindrical, centreless and surface grinding that, in 1988, saw him promoted to Chargehand of the Moore & Wright hand tools production area.
As the group evolved, Micrometer production moved to the Bowers Group site in West Yorkshire. Enabling a successful transition, Dave spent some of his time at its Bradford site, teaching the production team to grind Micrometer parts.
In 2006, Neill Tools moved to the current Atlas Way site and were joined by Eclipse Magnetics. In 2009, a vacancy became available for a skilled grinder and Eclipse Magnetics welcomed Dave to the team, where he remains an invaluable member.
Speaking of his outstanding service, Dave said: “I’ve seen quite a few changes in ownership, locations and products over the years, but on the whole, I’ve enjoyed working for the Spear & Jackson Group, and former ownerships , I’ve been delighted to work with some excellent people”.
Operations Manager, Andy Reeve, commented: “On behalf of everyone at Eclipse Magnetics and the Spear and Jackson Group, we wish to congratulate Dave on this momentous achievement and thank him for his fantastic service over the years. 50 years is a truly remarkable achievement “.
Ellie Skinner, Corporate Office & ETG Marketing Communications Manager, is taking part in a trek to climb Mount Toubkal in November 2019 in aid of MIND. At 4,167m, Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and the highest mountain in North Africa!
Over a 5-day challenge, Ellie will starts in the foothills of the High Atlas, before descending into the Mizane Valley, hiking across deep gorges and mountain passes to the Berber villages perched in the mountains, before climbing to the summit!
Find out more and how you can sponsor Ellie on her Justgiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/ellies-mount-toubkal-trek
Andy Reeve, Operations Manager at Eclipse Magnetics has successfully completed the ‘Way of the Roses’ Coast to Coast cycling challenge to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
Andy was part of a 6 person team who embarked on this epic cycling challenge. After 3 days hard riding, the team completed the route and arrived in Bridlington on Sunday 14th April, clocking up 180 miles, an 10 extra “bonus” miles further than the official route!
So far, the team has raised over £2,000 for the British Heart Foundation, and is hopeful of exceeding £2,500 over the next few weeks!
Find out more on the Teams Virgin Money page: virginmoneygiving.com/Team/TeamEITB
We are delighted to announce that the Spear & Jackson Group is taking part in a corporate challenge to run the Asda Foundation Sheffield 10k on September 22nd. A team of 9 people from the Sheffield Atlas site will be taking part in the challenge, raising money for St Luke’s Hospice.
Based in Sheffield, St Luke’s Hospice care for people aged 18 and above who have terminal illnesses. They aim to control their symptoms, alleviate pain, and give them the best possible quality of life, all free of charge.
The Spear and Jackson Group’s UK sites took part in an Easter egg raffle this year, each raising money for their chosen charity.
We are delighted to announce that the Sheffield Atlas site raised a total of £109.50 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Bowers Group Bradford raised £64.00 for Marie Curie, and Bowers Group Camberley raised £50.00 for Prostate Cancer Research. Every little helps!
