Castings manufacturer takes on China with new technology

A SPECIALIST castings manufacturer has won a major contract previously bound for China after investing in new production technology.

Rotherham-based PMS Diecasting, which carries out high-pressure zinc diecasting, is investing in three Frech diecasting machines and two new ABB robotic arms after securing asset finance from Yorkshire Bank’s South Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) in Sheffield.

The investment in the additional diecasting machines from the US and the robotics will allow the company to improve its manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs as well as dedicating fully-equipped production lines to specific product groups rather than having to change at the end of runs.

They will bring the total of diecasting machines and robotics operated by PMS Diecasting to ten and is the latest stage in an investment strategy which has helped the business remain competitive and win new business since its acquisition ten years ago.

Managing director Gordon Panter said: “Acquiring these machines is part of a continuous investment programme which means we are geared up for high-volume work. In this case a £700,000 order for window hardware which used to go to China has now come back to South Yorkshire at a time when people are worried about economic power going East.

“Our use of robotics makes us extremely efficient and cost effective. This, coupled with the weaker pound and increased freight charges, means this customer gets better value through the work being done in South Yorkshire rather than in China. It is also attractive to them because it reduces lead times in an uncertain economic climate and avoids stock being held up on the water.”

Yorkshire Bank South Yorkshire FSC business partner Chris Blanksby said: “PMS Diecasting is an example of a forward-thinking British manufacturer doing well globally in the current tough market.

“We’re pleased and proud to have supported the business with asset finance for these latest investments as part of our Investing For Growth strategy because this is just what British industry needs to be doing.”