Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake relaunch

The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, is relaunching a tasty new fundraising campaign: Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake!

Sponsored by long-standing supporter Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, anyone is able to take part and help raise some dough for Bristol Children’s Hospital with a bake sale.

 Whether you are a novice baker or a patisserie professional, anyone can host a BIG Bake sale at any point throughout the year, with free fundraising packs available at BIGBake.org.uk.

All money raised goes towards supporting sick children and babies at Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics Ltd commented;

“It is our great pleasure to once again support The Grand Appeal. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the charity and was touched by the incredible work they do each day to support children and families from across the South West during the most difficult of times.

 

“We wish The Grand Appeal every success with their BIG Bake campaign, and are looking forward to taking part!”

The Grand Appeal®. Registered charity 1043603. ©&™ Aardman Animations Ltd 2023. All rights reserved.

Minimising Downtime: Manufacturing Press Tube Replacement

Rotec’s technical team researched and implemented an innovative method to complete replacement tube pipework whilst keeping downtime to a minimum at a large car manufacturing plant in Gloucestershire.

Following damage occurrence on one of their press lines, the world-leading manufacturer required replacement Ø75×12.5 carbon steel tubes.

Traditionally, engineers would be required to remove the damaged tube in order to gather accurate measurements before being able to provide and fit replacements. The removal and installation processes would require manufacturer to shut down the machine during these times.

Downtime for a large manufacturer in the automotive industry can have huge implications operationally and financially. Always keeping the customer at the forefront of projects, Rotec’s technical team suggested using a 3D laser scanner to measure the pipework, in order to minimise downtime.

The 3D laser scanner not only meant that the machine no longer had to be turned off, but the measurements collected were incredibly accurate and minimised the influence of human error. Furthermore, the time required for Rotec engineers to be onsite removing pipes and then measuring them would be dramatically reduced – saving the customer costs due to reduced labour costs.

Once measured accurately, the design for new tubes created using CAD design software in-house at Rotec. In total, the measuring and design process was complete within 2 days.

Continuing Rotec’s commitment to utilising technologies, the tube ends were formed using the Parker HPF system, which eliminates the need for welding of the tube. Bespoke flanges were also machined to suit the formed profile of the Ø75mm tube and accommodate the bolt pattern of the existing connections. 

For more information visit www.rotec.net.

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd named double finalist at Somerset Business Awards 2023

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is celebrating after being named finalists in two categories at the Somerset Business Awards 2023.

The well-respected provider of hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical systems is still in the running for both the  ‘Large Business of the Year’ and ‘Somerset Manufacturer and Producer’ Award categories.

This year is the 18th anniversary of the awards, which are organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce. The grand final will be hosted by BBC Somerset presenter and journalist Claire Carter at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare, on 24th March 2023.

Rotec’s business ethos and their proven ability to thrive despite challenges including the pandemic and the volatility of the marketplace, has earned them a place at the grand final in the ‘Large Business of the Year’ award category.

Named finalist for the ‘Somerset Manufacturer and Producer of the year’ category at this years’ awards is testament to Rotec’s innovative use of technology and ability to produce bespoke solutions for their clients, who year on year provide outstanding customer feedback. Rotec is proud to have a team with diverse skill sets and capabilities including specialist design engineers, allowing them to be able to deliver on such challenging projects.

Somerset Chamber Executive Director, Emma Rawlings, said,

“Despite some really challenging trading conditions, it’s been incredibly encouraging to see so many positive applications from business and charities from across the county – they are doing some great work and we are honoured to be able to highlight that through these awards.

 

“The finalists have come from across the county, representing a wide range of sectors and industries so the final will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their many achievements.”

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics, commented,

“We’re delighted to be announcing Rotec has been named a double finalist at the 2023 Somerset Business Awards. We have been named among the most innovative and forward-thinking businesses operating in the county.

 

“Being named finalist in two categories is a testament to our fantastic, and diverse team of employees who have continued to provide solutions and outstanding products and services to our customers throughout a challenging period for all businesses.

 

“We are extremely proud to have been named finalists for two Somerset Business awards. Investing in and utilising cutting-edge technologies and providing innovative solutions for our clients has always been at the heart of our business.”

To find out more, click here.

Rotec’s repair and overhaul service reduces running costs by 10% at leading manufacturer

Machine prior to overhaul
Overhaul completed, outer door refitted and ready for re-paint

Following a major failure during operation, a large flooring, MDF and OSB manufacturer asked Rotec to carry out extensive repairs on an industrial wood chipper.

Owing to the failure occurring whilst the machine was in use, the Maier Wood Chipper machine had suffered severe damage internally and so required a thorough repair and overhaul service.

After Rotec engineers stripped the machine and checked all components, it became apparent that the shaft bearing sleeves had failed, worn the housing and as the blades had come away during the failure, many internal parts were damaged and required either replacement or upgrading.

As the customer had issues with levelling up the impellor blades, Rotec checked the laser alignment and then ‘clocked’ the rear datum locating ring support pads on the machine. The support pads were found to have a 0.7mm difference in their positioning which, may have been a contributing factor to the issues leading to the initial failure. On discussion with the client, it was decided to build up the lower blocks and design and build a tool for machining the pads in-situ.

Once the chipper had been repaired, overhauled, re-painted and fitted back onsite at the customer’s facility, the client was so pleased with Rotec’s workmanship and project management that Rotec have now taken delivery of another unit from the same workshop for a complete overhaul.

The Engineering Managing of the flooring, MDF and OSB manufacturer has since reported that the overhaul and rebalancing of the machine is so good that the company is achieving a higher output rate and saving 10% on the machine’s previous running cost.

Laurence White, Business Development Manager for Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, commented;

“It has been a pleasure to be part of this thorough overhaul and repair service. Our team take pride in knowing that we have delivered a high level of workmanship and have not only helped to increase efficiency, but also have helped to reduce running costs for our client. We look forward to a long lasting relationship with our customer.”

For more information regarding Rotec’s capabilities, including the overhaul and repair service, contact sales@rotec.net or phone 01823 348900.

Rotec shortlisted in two categories at the 2023 Somerset Business Awards

The most outstanding businesses that Somerset has to offer have been recognised in the shortlist for the 2023 Somerset Business Awards.

It has been revealed that Rotec Hydraulics Ltd has been shortlisted in two categories at the awards – ‘Large Business of the Year’ and ‘Somerset Manufacturer and Producer’ Award.

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is thriving, reporting significant revenue growth over the last few years. The team have embraced new and emerging technologies, received outstanding customer feedback, and achieved a multitude of accreditations and certifications. In addition to this, the company’s investment in new equipment and their team has resulted in Rotec being shortlisted for the ‘Large Business of the Year’ award category at the 2023 Somerset Business Awards.

Shortlisted for the ‘Somerset Manufacturer and Producer of the year’ category at this years’ awards, is testament to Rotec’s innovative development of a multitude of high quality engineered solutions, including bespoke winches for the utilities market and integrated pipework systems for testing facilties.

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics, commented,

“We are extremely proud to have been shortlisted for two Somerset Business awards. Providing high quality engineered solutions and outstanding customer service has always been at the heart of Rotec’s business ethos. Being shortlisted is a testament to our fantastic team of employees who have continued to provide solutions and outstanding products and services to our customers throughout a challenging period for all businesses.”

Now in its 18th year, the award winners are scheduled to be announced at a black-tie event on 24th March 2023 at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Weston-Super-Mare. To find out more, click here.