8 October 2014

And showcases its Quartzcoil bar assembly and coil forming operation

On Wednesday 29th October, Quartzelec, a leading independent UK electrical engineering group, hosted the autumn meeting of members of the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT). Then in the afternoon it opened the doors to its new Rugby HQ, providing AEMT members with a fantastic opportunity to see the superb cutting edge technologies used in its new coil winding and high voltage maintenance and repair workshop facilities.

Over 35 AEMT members attended the day which commenced at nearby Brownsover Hall, a Grade II listed Victorian Gothic mansion, with a series of Quartzelec led presentations including one by Mick Richmond, Design Manager of Insulation Systems, entitled: “Quartzcoil - Coil Technology and manufacturing processes”.  This highlighted Quartzcoil’s current world class insulation systems and HV coil manufacturing processes including a brief view on what, where and why different solutions are applicable.

Richard Gill, Electrical Engineer of Condition Monitoring and Technical Products at Quarteq then introduced members to the company’s new Lifeview® monitoring system. The presentation discussed how condition monitoring can be a key component in reducing the total cost ownership over the lifetime of a high voltage machine.

Of particular interest on the afternoon tour was the state-of-the-art electrical loop winder facility, part of a £1.25m investment programme. Designed to meet growing customer demand for high precision coil and bar products, the Roebel bar assembly and coil forming equipment is a key component of the Quartzcoil operation and was commissioned during Q2 of 2013.

“Investing in high technology manufacturing equipment has enabled Quartzcoil to achieve an efficient production process and become a dominant, independent coil manufacturing business in Europe,” stated Mick Richmond. “In turn this has enabled Quartzelec to increase overall market penetration and provide clients with a consistently high quality turbo and stator bars at up to 6m in length for the power generation, hydro-electricity and other industrial markets.”

On finishing the tour, Timothy Marks, Secretary for the AEMT added: “Quartzelec has clearly demonstrated that we still have a thriving electrical engineering sector here in the UK and one that can proudly wave the flag and export the skills and services we collectively have to offer global customers. With limited world raw materials resources and over 60% of industry's power being used by electric motors, our members play a leading role in ensuring that maximum energy efficiency is achieved and that equipment is repaired and appropriately maintained so it was also gratifying to learn about their apprenticeship programmes and how they are training the next generation of specialists to ensure we protect the environment but still retain our market leading position.”