Multi-million pound refurbishment of MS Bolette unveiled

Supported by Rotec’s electrical mechanical services team, a multi-million pound refurbishment of MS Bolette has been unveiled to CLIA and Government officials.

The Bolette entered dry dock for a 13-day refurbishment, including maintenance to the ship’s Azipods and bow thrusters as well a new application of anti-fouling paint. Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, based across the South West of the UK, were responsible for the overhaul of Bolette’s eight thruster fans.

After the fans were electronically and mechanically disconnected, the vessel’s thruster fans were transported by Rotec for a full inspection. Following the inspection of all plate detail and insulation valves, the fans underwent dynamic balancing. The units were then transported back to the shipyard and reconnected, with a full works report supplied to the client.

The turnaround for the project was a mere 8 days from the ship arriving in the UK shipyard to Bolette setting sail again on 7th March. To ensure the tight deadline was met, Rotec engineers went above and beyond, working a 24/7 split shift pattern. Unplanned and additional emergent works which occurred, were quickly responded to by the Rotec team. Following the works, Mark Terrell, Electrical & Maintenance Manager at A&P Falmouth commented on Rotec’s service delivery:

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the support. The Rotec response was great and by Monday 16:00 (less than 24 hours later) the ship had passed off all 8 fans as complete and ready to return to service. Special mention must go to [your engineers] for sticking with the job through Sunday night and well into Monday!”

MS Bolette has now sailed to Newcastle to complete its spring/summer season operating in Europe. Owned and operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Bolette was formerly named Amsterdam and was the last ship of the four Rotterdam class (R class) cruise vessels.

For more information on Rotec’s Electrical Mechanical Services visit www.rotec.net.

 

Image: Aerial view of A&P Falmouth, where refurbishment of MS Bolette took place. Image source: https://www.cruiseandferry.net/

Rotec sponsors The Big Somerset Cricket Bash

In the first of its kind in Somerset, St Margaret’s Hospice is hosting The Big Somerset Cricket Bash.

Far from your usual fundraising event, The Big Somerset Cricket Bash, is a 10k charity walk fuelled by bacon sarnies, taking in the sights of Taunton leading to The Cooper Associates County Ground, where participants have free entry to cheer on Somerset County Cricket Club as they take on Nottinghamshire on the first day of the County Championship match.

Exclusively sponsored by Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, throughout the day men and women will be coming together to share precious memories of family and friends who have died. They will talk openly about their feelings and the realities of losing a loved one, the bereavement and grief that follows, as well as learning to adapt to a new way of life.

Ellie Weston, Marketing and Events Officer at St Margaret’s said,

“It’s well recognised that many struggle to talk about their feelings. In addition to the services offered by our Bereavement Support Team, we wanted to provide an outlet for men and empower them to come together and talk openly.”

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec commented,

“The Big Somerset Cricket Bash is sure to be a spectacular event, raising importance mental health awareness, as well as raising much needed funds for the St Margaret’s Hospice charity.” 

St Margaret’s Hospice supports families and carers of loved ones who are facing a life-limiting illness through bereavement support and counselling groups. £38 could pay for a counselling session with their Bereavement Team.

Entry to The Big Somerset Cricket Bash on the June 25, 2023 costs £25 for adults and £20 for children. Early booking is recommended as we anticipate a sell-out event. Tickets include free entry to the game, a hot and tasty bacon roll and a bespoke t-shirt to wear on the walk and as a memento of the day.

For more information or to buy tickets for The Big Somerset Cricket Bash visit www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/big-somerset-cricket-bash.

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.

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