Sheetmetal
bumper protectors, chassis extensions, tow balls, socket plates and much more. With a continually expanding business and a position as the UK’s marque towbar manufacturer, the company has invested heavily in the latest technology and automation – this includes a multitude of machines from Bystronic. As the CEO of Tow-Trust Towbars, Tom Miller says: “We manufacture over 3000 part numbers and ship hundreds of thousands of units every year. The manufacturing process starts at two different times, we have the hollow stock section and the sheet steel divisions. The sheet steel division runs the very latest in technology “The company has come a long way since 1991 when it was founded”
with laser cutting and automation. From here, we pass the products through press braking and welding sections to the ‘work-in-progress’ holding area.” The sheet steel division is home to a wealth of technology from Bystronic with the area having three Bystronic press brake machines, the Xpert 40, Xpert 80 and Xpert 200 all lined up next to a Bystronic ByStar Fiber laser cutting machine. Adjacent to the four machine line-up is another ByStar Fiber laser cutting machine, this machine is continually processing sheet steel credit to the Bystronic ByTrans 3015 Extended automated sheet metal loading facility that minimises operator intervention. The company also has a ‘hollow section’ division. Discussing this area, Tom continues: “This department also runs the latest technology. Here, we have the automated Bystronic ByTube 130 for cutting round and square tube material stock and alongside this is a custom-built AMOB CH120 semi-automated machine for tube bending. This gives us complete control over our product, which is essential as we work to very tight tolerances and we require the ultimate in quality.” “When all the products have passed through our manufacturing phase, and the hollow section and sheet steel division complete their parts, components are then moved to the work-in- progress area. Here, we construct sub-assemblies and undertake our quality control process. This feeds our welding shop where we have 10 manual welding bays for small intricate parts and low-volume production parts. We also have four robotic bays for high-volume production.” Above the production shop floor resides the Design Centre and Test Division, it is here that the Tow-Trust team work closely with customers, vehicle manufacturers and its network of national dealers. Alluding to the role of this department, Tom adds: “Our in-house
Machinery & Manufacturing 45
Powered by FlippingBook