European Springs Web Team, Author at European Springs

When it comes to creating stampings and pressings for our customers, we understand just how important it is to get things right. Investing in the right components to make your product robust and operate correctly is essential, and that’s why we have taken a number of steps to ensure that any pressings purchased from European Springs & Pressings are among the best in the business. We care about the future of engineering.

So, you may be wondering, what makes our pressings so impressive? Here, we take a closer look at everything from design support to our continued investment in the latest technologies that all goes in to ensuring we maintain our position among the very best pressing manufacturers in Europe.

Complete Design Support

We have a dedicated team of engineers on hand to guide you through the design process. They will give you in-depth information about the design, materials used and surface treatment of your chosen pressings or stampings to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your product.

Our engineers take into account variables such as the environment that your pressings and stampings will be used in, product life span, the repeatability of manufacture (including tolerances) and will ensure that the most economic method of manufacture is used to fit your budget.

At European Springs & Pressings, we firmly believe that it’s essential that we get the design stage right from the off to save money and time for your company. Once a design has been confirmed, we will begin making some samples and prototypes to confirm that the customer is absolutely happy with the product before proceeding on to full manufacture of the pressings.

Thanks to our comprehensive range of pressing equipment and machinery, we have the capability of offering rapid prototyping so you can make a properly informed decision on the products you’ll receive.

Investment In The Latest Technology

When it comes to investing in the right technology for the job, we believe there can be no compromise. We are proud to boast a fully equipped toolroom which offers an extensive range of tooling to suit your requirements.

Over the years, we have invested heavily in the latest WEDM machines, alongside pressing and wire forming machinery, to guarantee customer lead times are consistently hit. Alongside this, we also have our own in-house 3D CAD which can design and manufacture a comprehensive range of wire forms and pressings.

Our continued investment in technology has allowed us to take on any job, from one-off prototyping and design support, right through to stamping high volume parts efficiently and accurately. We can stamp materials to as little as 0.05mm right through to as large as 6mm thick with our 130-tonne press – all of this means that no matter what your requirements, we have you covered.

When it comes to large orders of stampings and pressings, we have an arsenal of automated production tools that can comfortably cope with high volume orders. We have several stamping and pressing machines on hand to cope with high-speed presses, including Mabu Zani, Bruderer and SMV, all of which are among the most technologically advanced pieces of pressing equipment currently available on the market.

An All-Inclusive Solution

If your business is looking for an all-inclusive pressing solution, then European Springs & Pressings have everything you could need and more. We are capable of carrying out all of the work from initial design, right through to grinding, heat treatment and even coating. All of this means that your pressings and stampings are dealt with completely under one roof, making lead and turnaround times considerably quicker.

Our production facilities include:

High Speed Bruderer/ Mabu presses
Multi Slide machines- Finzer Latour
Coiling machines- Wafios/ MEC
Laser cutting
Welding
Tapping
Grinding
Barrelling
Heat Treatment

By having all of the above capabilities under one roof, we are able to oversee the entire design and production process for your pressings and stampings – guaranteeing a fantastic end product for your business.

If you’re looking for a trusted and reliable bespoke pressing manufacturer, look no further than European Springs & Pressings. With over 70 years industry experience, we are the premier spring manufacturer in the UK, thanks to our extensive range of springs, wire forms, pressings and stampings.

Want to find out more about how we can help you? Please feel free to get in touch by using our quick and simple online enquiry form. We will be in touch to discuss your requirements in more depth shortly.

At European Springs & Pressings, we are proud to manufacture springs and pressings for a wide range of industry sectors. We love working with companies of all sizes from a variety of backgrounds, helping them to create products that boast quality components.

All businesses have experienced the trials and tribulations of being an SME at some point in their history, so we firmly believe we should do what we can to help our fellow manufacturers at this stage of their business growth.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the steps European Springs & Pressings are taking to help SME manufacturers across the UK, helping them to grow quickly and sustainably.

Our Commitment To SMEs

Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to help service SMEs who approach us with bespoke smaller orders. Despite the challenges presented to all businesses during this time, we are delighted our team have taken it in their stride, continuing to produce fantastic springs and pressings for a multitude of uses.

We’ve been able to continue manufacturing orders both big and small, and have remained completely committed to ensuring that all of our springs and pressings are of the highest-quality before being shipped off to our customers.

Our flexible approach to manufacturing springs and pressings has helped to alleviate pressures on manufacturers who rely on the supply chain to provide them with the parts they require. With issues still prevalent in the supply chain, especially those that involve overseas trips, it’s essential that manufacturers work together and help out however they can.

Here For You Every Step Of The Way

As an SME, there can be times when you’re not 100% sure on what is the best course of action for your new product. This can be daunting, especially if you’re dealing with products and components that you’re not accustomed to.

That’s why our team are on hand to give you as much assistance as you require throughout the initial consultation. So, whether you’re already clued up as to the solution that you require or need a little more assistance coming up with the right design solution for your product, we’re here to help. We have over 70 years’ experience in spring and pressing manufacturing, so you can rest assured that we will help you find the perfect solution based on your needs.

We can help you decide on the shape, size, materials used and much more when it comes to your spring or pressing. We will then take the time to design a mock-up of the product if you require, all so you can be absolutely sure that you’re getting the right solution for your business. We pride ourselves on taking the guesswork out of the manufacturing process, even for smaller orders, all so you can feel safe in the knowledge that your product will function and look exactly how you wanted it to.

Building Lasting Relationships

There are some spring manufacturers who can’t or won’t provide quotes for orders that don’t meet a minimum value. At European Springs & Pressings, we firmly believe that a long-standing relationship is far better than turning away smaller orders, that’s why we are here to serve companies that require small orders, right through to those that order thousands of pieces at a time.

We understand that SME manufacturing firms are looking to grow, and if we can play a role in that growth journey, we will do everything that we can to help our fellow manufacturers. By providing high-quality springs and pressings to smaller businesses, we believe that a long-standing relationship can be forged, allowing that same company to come back to us for years to come, as their business grows.

We will continue to provide a flexible level of service, providing parts as required to any business that need them. We firmly believe in playing a part in all manufacturers’ growth, so no matter how big or small your company is, we want to help you achieve your goals by providing key components for your products.

Want to find out more about how we can help your business? We are the premier spring manufacturer and bespoke pressings manufacturer in the UK, and take great pride in ensuring that all of our customers receive high-quality products.

Please feel free to contact our vastly experienced team today if you would like to discuss your requirements with us, we’re here to help!

The team here at European Springs & Pressings were delighted to learn that the G7 summit for 2021 is to be held in Cornwall. Our Cornwall facilities are responsible for a large amount of manufacturing output each year, and we’re delighted to be taking steps to reduce our overall carbon footprint, in line with the aims of the G7 summit.

Here, we take a closer look at what will be discussed at this year’s summit, whilst also highlighting some of the steps European Springs & Pressings have taken to ensure we are doing our bit for climate change.

What Will Be Discussed At The G7 Summit 2021?

The G7 is made up of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the USA and the EU and is in place to bring together major nations from around the world to discuss key economic and environmental topics that affect a large proportion of the globe.

Leaders from around the world will come together on UK shores in June 2021 to discuss plans on how to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing us. With the likes of coronavirus and climate change set to be on the agenda, along with open trade agreements, technological change and scientific discovery, the summit will help world leaders set a roadmap for change.

With the coronavirus vaccine being rolled out in many countries around the globe, focus will be placed on how countries can bounce back following the effects of the virus, with real emphasis placed on how to make the world greener and more prosperous in the coming years.

This year’s summit will be held in Cornwall, Carbis Bay, though the neighbouring towns are also sure to reap the benefits of the area hosting the G7. It’s no secret that Cornwall is at the forefront of green innovation in the UK, and therefore the area provides an ideal setting for a summit that’s primary focus will be on building a greener future, post pandemic.

European Springs & Pressings Commitment To Environment

Our team of experienced spring manufacturers are committed to ensuring that we do all that we can to reduce our carbon footprint, whilst maintaining high-quality products and levels of service for our customers. In keeping with the G7 summit’s overall aims, European Springs & Pressings are proud to play a key role in ensuring our manufacturing processes are as environmentally friendly as possible.

Over the years, we have placed a lot of emphasis on ensuring we have access to cutting edge machinery that is both efficient and environmentally friendly. We have committed to continually investing in our spring and pressing machinery across both of our factories, which helps us to meet increasing customer demand, whilst also keeping our carbon footprint to an absolute minimum.

Along with this, we also play a key role in the manufacturing of various wind turbines and clean power generators – providing springs and pressings that enable these clean energy sources to operate to their maximum potential. We have a long-standing relationship with many clean energy providers, and are delighted to provide parts to any projects that play a vital role in reducing fossil fuel usage.

Made In Britain – Bringing Manufacturing Back To UK Shores

We are also proud members of Made in Britain, which means that we proudly display their mark on all of our products which are completely manufactured on UK shores. By sourcing and producing our springs, and pressing from our London and Cornwall factories, we are able to keep emissions to a minimum, whilst providing high-quality products for our customers.

You can find out more about our association with Made in Britain in our recent article or by watching the video below:

Want to find out more about our springs and pressings, or how we are committed to the environment? Feel free to contact us today and we’d be more than happy to discuss your requirements further.

What’s in a name? European Springs & Pressings (ESP), dates back to the 70s, when the UK joined Europe. If only the owners then knew what we know now!

Springs might lead the brand but it’s pressings that is the final piece in the name jigsaw and it’s this element, where the service, technology and qualifications of the experienced engineers in the Kent factory, are second to none.

With over 70 years of pressing heritage, ESPs wealth of knowledge, investment in technology and infrastructure positions the company as one of the largest metal stamping companies in the UK.

Lesjöfors, the parent company, has continually invested in facilities allowing ESP to offer the very best in bespoke stampings and pressings.

Designing and manufacturing for multiple sectors including; electronics, medical, automotive, power generation, defence and telecoms to name a few, they offer services from one off prototyping and design support to stamping high volume parts to tool making, finishing, assembly and testing.

Stuart McSheehy, Managing Director of the Kent factory says: “The phrase from ‘cradle to grave’ is my mission statement and one we’re deeply proud of and live by. Successful innovations have started here and achieved huge market success as a direct consequence of our 360 degree approach that delivers above and beyond expectation.”

What is design support? ESP’s engineers advise on design, material and the surface treatment of chosen pressings or stampings. Ensuring a product is designed and fit for function, achieving all technical and quality requirements, whilst taking into account the products working environment, the repeatability of manufacture including tolerances, product life, ease of production and the most economic route of manufacture.

Every product goes through a rigorous selection process, taking into account:

Material selection – technical requirements, price and availability
Manufacture method, identifying high-speed pressing for high volumes to single operation stamping for low volume
Capital investment for tooling
Finishing requirements – heat treatment plating, coating, packaging
Assembly requirements – automated or hand assembly
Repeatability

McSheehy continues: “In a sense, we offer an audit of every need from the pressing or stamping, determining every nuance of its purpose and therefore can offer a customer service and guarantee that delivers product confidence like no other.”

With the latest WEDM machines and in-house 3D CAD, ESP designs and manufactures progression, multi-slide, single operation and assembly tooling.

Tooling, which has a guaranteed tool life and often out last the products life, is purposefully designed to take tight tolerance requirements, capable of stamping a variety of materials from 0.05mm to 6mm thick. ESPs free tooling storage facility also adds another layer of customer simplicity and confidence to the product journey. In addition, if the customer already has tooling then ESP offers a free appraisal and transfer service.

“Our engineering and production facility is fully equipped to supply one off prototypes or low volume parts for testing”, says McSheehy.

“Our engagement with the customer on their product development journey is key to their and our success. Offering rapid prototyping and by producing a number of prototypes, several materials can be selected for testing until the perfect material and finish is proven.”

Facilities include an ever-expanding production area, fully equipped with the latest technology. From single operation presses to assembly and high-speed presses, ESP’s 130 tonne presses from Bruderer and Mabu sit alongside Finzer and Latour multi-slides, Wafios coilers, laser cutters, welding, tapping, grinding and barrelling functionalities as well as heat treatment ovens.

McSheehy concludes: “In a period where Covid and Brexit have added unforeseen challenges, our resolve and commitment to being the best at what we do hasn’t faltered. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer a fully finished solution from design concept to fully assembled product, delivering on our ‘cradle to grave’ mission, every time.”

The manufacturing industry in the UK currently supports the employment of 2.7 million people, with the average person earning around £32,500. Despite this, we are now facing a skills gap in both the manufacturing and engineering industries. One of the best ways we can solve this is by offering sustainable and fulfilling apprenticeships to direct the next generation towards a brighter future in engineering.

With National Apprenticeships Week starting today, we thought that now would be the perfect time to discuss some key facts facing manufacturing employers and apprenticeships, including nationwide facts and how we can all improve at the business-level.

Facts on Apprenticeships in England

Apprenticeships in the UK are currently on the rise as part of wider initiatives to tackle the skills gap. In fact, according to the House of Commons Library Briefing Paper, the number of new employees on apprenticeships has increased by over 60,000 between 2016/17 and 2017/18.

Of all the new starters, 83% of them were covered by four subject areas, with the third most popular sector being Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies. Unfortunately, our sector is down by 16% from 2016/17 to 2017/18, showing that we need to be doing more in this year and the next to address the nationwide lack of engineers and manufacturers.

Our Government’s Aims for Apprenticeships

Since 2015, the government has been working towards making apprenticeships more fashionable and attractive for younger generations. One of the biggest problems faced by the industry is that many of its potential workers are committed to academic pursuits, when in reality, a fulfilling and paid apprenticeship may train them for life in a real working environment, applicable skills with real hardware and more about the industry at large.

In 2015, the government announced its commitment to create 3 million new apprenticeships by 2020. They are expected to submit regular reports regarding the performance and successes towards this objective, such as in March 2015 when Degree apprenticeships were launched to help university graduates attain skilful work, and the Institute for Apprenticeships in April 2017 which ensures that apprenticeships are of high-quality and therefore making meaningful improvements to our workforce.

How Your Business Will Benefit with Apprenticeships

If you think that nobody understands the skills that your company is looking to employ better than the employers themselves, then you should be introducing your apprenticeships. An apprentice is intimately connected to your company; they’re more than just a trainee and extra hours worked for your company, they are an investment.

Every apprentice that you train is a potential member of staff, and you will have a long time to decide whether they’re the type of individual that you want to keep in your company for the long term. This is more likely to lead to a higher retention rate in your company, as knowing whether your new hires will fit into their team and role is exceptionally important. With an apprentice, you can be sure that they are fit the job well in advance, and they’ll be trained to meet your specific standards.

Paragon Surveys conducted a study of how undertaking apprenticeships affected businesses, and 70% agreed that they improved both product quality and service. Employing apprentices not only enhances your business at the output level, but they also improve the morale of current staff.

Taking on apprentices shows current employees that you are directing your company towards a brighter future. Training up an apprentice to suit a specific role, or to alleviate pressure amongst your staff, will show staff that you are addressing concerns with a tailored skillset.

If you’re still not sold on the idea of spending time training up an apprentice when you could search for an experienced worker, you should consider the fact that, on average, each apprenticeship brings a gain in productivity of more than £10,000 per year. This could be down to several factors; another study released asserted that 8/10 customers preferred buying from companies employing apprentices, or it could be that employing young apprentices helps businesses to modernise, therefore helping them to compete on the market.

If you are looking to purchase from a spring manufacturer that employs apprentices, then you should consider us. Not only do we construct standard torsion, tension and compression springs, but we are also bespoke spring manufacturers who can craft a product to suit your precise needs.

With Brexit already having an impact across all industries, many manufacturers have taken steps to move their production lines back to the UK, and many more are set to do so in the coming years.

The pandemic has highlighted the instability of producing goods abroad that cannot make it to UK shores in the event of a crisis. Brexit already looks set to make transporting goods from the rest of the EU more difficult and/or costly.

Here at European Springs & Pressings, we are proud to be a British-based manufacturer, as demonstrated by our official Made in Britain accreditation. Here’s a look at the Made in Britain organisation and what we can expect from the manufacturing industry over the next years.

What is Made in Britain?

Made in Britain is an organisation that brings the British manufacturing community together under one registered collective mark. This mark can only be used by members of Made in Britain that meet the criteria of being a British manufacturer. The mark helps consumers and buyers identify products that are made in Britain.

The Made in Britain mark is used by accredited businesses that sell goods that have been manufactured or undergone a final substantial change in Britain before going on sale. It is an internationally recognised trademark that helps to promote the very best in British manufacturing.

We are proud to be one of the thousands of manufacturers that are part of the Made in Britain organisation. The mark assures our customers that our products are British-made and that all of the labour that goes into the creation of our products is in Britain.

What are the Benefits of Reshoring?

The challenges brought by COVID19 and the concerns over Brexit has increased the importance of bolstering the UK manufacturing industry, ensuring that supply chains are ready for an uncertain future.

Manufacturers moved production to countries like China to produce their goods more competitively. Still, as the overseas price advantage dwindles, more focus is being put on local products, face-to-face personal contact, and quality assurance – and that is driving business back to the UK.

The recent crisis has illustrated how many companies struggled to get crucial components from existing supply chains when their offshore suppliers were unable to ship them out. It’s highlighted that UK manufacturers need to be more adaptable. Suppose the UK moves more towards domestic production. In that case, it will reduce the likelihood of shortages caused during a crisis, which will be necessary for the future resilience of the UK economy and the manufacturing industry.

Reshoring can also benefit delivery times, as businesses will not have to factor in waiting times for deliveries across the globe, which can be anything from a few weeks to months. Due to the small size of the UK, fast delivery times are almost guaranteed, and issues like returns can be resolved much more quickly.

Lower labour costs from offshoring was an attractive prospect to many businesses. Still, a British manufacturing survey conducted by Lloyds Bank found that 71% of companies intending to bring their operations back to the UK were doing so as they wanted to improve the quality of their goods. It’s a good indication of the high standards upheld by British manufacturers, and it has positive implications for the UK manufacturing industry and supply chains.

Reshoring can improve a company’s ability to be flexible, due to there being less order quantity limitations. There’s also more scope to develop a relationship with local suppliers, which is easier to do from the UK than with a seller overseas. Reshoring manufacturing can improve the UK economy, the job market and the overall quality of products produced.

Is Reshoring Happening Right Now?

The pandemic has highlighted just how reliant UK manufacturers are on overseas supplies, so re-establishing UK production is more critical than ever.

The Lloyds Bank survey showed that 37% of UK manufacturing firms said that they were planning to move manufacturing operations back to the UK that had previously been offshored. More and more manufacturers are joining Reshoring UK, a collaboration of industrial engineering associations that assist manufacturers with connecting to suppliers in the UK to help them transition their business operations back to British shores.

Industrial hardware specialist Albert Jagger re-shored to the UK after conducting a risk assessment of their supply chain and evaluating the financials of the process. They found that once they factored in shipping, handling and the environmental impact, the overall terms were better for the customer, and the outgoing costs would be cheaper for them. They invested in the equipment needed to manufacture in the UK and reskilled their workforce. The benefits for them moving operations back to the UK was that they could take complete control of their products from start to finish; they expect a significant increase in the number of units they produce each year and they saw a substantial rise in sales.

We can expect more manufacturers to make similar changes over the years as the instability of the pandemic and Brexit causes people to think more about the future.

Here at European Springs & Pressings, we are expert spring manufacturers offering a bespoke spring and pressing design service that is manufactured in our factories in Cornwall and Kent. Contact us today to find out why we are the largest manufacturer of springs in the UK and discover what we can do for you.

Author: European Springs Web Team