Established in Birmingham in 1908, Heaven Dowsett & Co. Ltd has proudly upheld its position as the foremost supplier of plastics and electrical insulations to various industries from rail to construction. This enduring prominence has been maintained through their unwavering commitment to providing efficient and tailored services that cater to the unique needs of their valued customers.
Over more than a century of operation, they have witnessed numerous advancements in materials and manufacturing technologies. To remain at the forefront of their field, Heaven Dowsett has consistently invested in training and the latest CNC equipment, allowing them to adapt seamlessly to industry changes. In doing so they successfully integrated AXYZ Tailored Router Solutions routers into its operations. This case study explores the journey of Heaven Dowsett, detailing their adoption of AXYZ machines, the impact on their productivity, efficiency, cost savings, quality improvements, employee perceptions and future plans for automation.
Adoption of AXYZ Tailored Router Solutions
Heaven Dowsett & Co. Ltd has been utilising AXYZ machines for over 10 years, they currently have two machines in their arsenal, including the AXYZ 6010 7G ATC and the AXYZ INFINITE 4008 7G ATC. The INFINITE router is the newer model, a highly configurable CNC machine that is suitable for one-off, small batch production as well as high volume and high productivity applications, including point of purchase, sign making, woodworking, plastic fabrication, engineering plastic machining and so much more.
The decision to adopt this technology was prompted by their desire to enhance production capabilities and expand their range of machinable designs and recognise the need for advanced routing technology to meet the evolving demands of their clients. “These routers have become an integral part of Heaven Dowsett's advancement in CNC machining and of our production capabilities and offer many advantages.” Said Mark Hamilton Managing Director
Heaven Dowsett operates across various core markets, including rail, automotive, electrical and construction. Their product range is diverse, spanning a wide spectrum of components and parts demanded by these industries. The AXYZ machines at Heaven Dowsett handle a multitude of tasks and processes. They utilise the machines for cutting, shaping and machining various materials including laminated materials, acrylic, polyethylene and polycarbonate for the electrical insulation industry with precision, often achieving tolerances as tight as +/- 0.15/0.2mm.
Impact on Productivity and Efficiency
“The integration of AXYZ machines has significantly improved Heaven Dowsett's productivity and efficiency.“ said Mark Hamilton Managing Director
These machines allow them to produce goods ranging in size from small components to large pieces such as their range of screening measuring up to 2 meters by 3 meters. Automation features, such as tool changers and material handling systems, have significantly reduced setup times increased overall production efficiency and have led to cost savings and faster project turnaround times.
This increased production capacity has streamlined workflow and optimised their production output, reducing lead times and enhancing overall efficiency, versatility and design capabilities making them capable of processing a wide range of materials, including wood, plastics, metals and composites thereby adding to Heaven Dowsett ability to increase their industry portfolio.
AXYZ routers provide unmatched precision and accuracy, ensuring that Heaven Dowsett consistently delivers components with tight tolerances, meeting the most stringent industry specifications.
Initial Challenges and Overcoming Them
One of the initial challenges faced during the integration of AXYZ machines was the company's lack of prior experience with CNC routers. Employees needed to learn how to operate the machines and understand their capabilities effectively. Additionally, cutting a diverse range of materials required learning optimal settings and techniques for each material. However, with the invaluable support and advice from AXYZ, they overcame these challenges and fine-tuned their processes for improved productivity and efficiency, quickly becoming proficient in the use of the machines.
Enhanced Cost Savings and Increased Profitability
The use of AXYZ machines has resulted in cost savings for Heaven Dowsett. These machines have expanded the range of machinable designs they can produce and have increased the production rate of some of their regular parts. These cost savings have contributed to improved profitability. The ability to produce high-quality products with precision, consistency and speed using AXYZ machines has raised production standards, resulting in superior products.
Improved Employee Perceptions and Job Satisfaction
The introduction of automation in the workflow at Heaven Dowsett has been well-received by employees. The machines have not only improved their job satisfaction by providing opportunities to work on innovative projects but have also enhanced their skill sets and expanded their roles, rather than leading to a reduction in the workforce.
Precision Cutting Services Increased
“The AXYZ routers allow us to offer our extensive range of stock products to be delivered in precise cut-to-size panels or billets, eliminating the need to invest in entire material units. This service is especially valuable for machinists and small-scale users, offering a strategic pricing edge over competitors. With our efficient processes, you can typically access materials on the next business day and in some cases, even on the same day. This ensures that you're well-prepared for those occasional urgent situations that inevitably arise.” Explained Mark Hamilton Managing Director
Dependable Maintenance and Support
To ensure the smooth operation of AXYZ machines, Heaven Dowsett benefits from the reliable support structure provided by AXYZ and invests in annual service plans offered by AXYZ, with in-house engineers handling minor issues. Regular maintenance and support from the manufacturer keep the machines running efficiently minimising downtime.
Future Plans for Automation with AXYZ
Heaven Dowsett has recently purchased a new AXYZ machine, “which indicates our commitment to further integrating automation into our processes and reflects our determination to stay at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.” Said Mark Hamilton Managing Director. They plan to continue leveraging this technology to enhance their capabilities and expand their market reach.
In conclusion, Heaven Dowsett's journey with AXYZ routers exemplifies how a forward-thinking company can successfully adopt automation technology to improve productivity, product quality and employee satisfaction. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and expanding their automation capabilities, Heaven Dowsett is well-positioned for future growth in their diverse markets.