IMfT Group’s Visit to Smith Bullough
The Industrial Metal Forming Technologies (IMfT) group recently had the privilege of visiting the Smith Bullough bolt manufacturing facility located in Hindley Green, Greater Manchester. This visit provided IMfT members with an invaluable opportunity to explore the intricacies of bolt manufacturing,
As the group toured the facility, they were introduced to the various stages of our fastener production. Smith Bullough’s dedication to precision and quality was evident at every stage, from selecting the right materials to bolt forming and threading.
A highlight of the visit was the demonstration of custom-designed production tools, which IMfT members, with engineering and technology backgrounds, found fascinating. These tools, tailored to specific customer needs, showcased Smith Bullough’s flexibility and innovation in improving efficiency and product quality.
The bolt forging process, a critical component of the manufacturing cycle, was another area of keen interest. Observing the transformation of raw metal into precise, durable bolts provided invaluable insights into the complexities of metal forming.
Smith Bullough Welcomes Barry Yates as Quality Manager
Exciting news at Smith Bullough! Barry Yates, formerly Warehouse Manager, following the retirement of David Seddon, has recently been appointed as our new Quality Manager.
With a proven track record in maintaining high quality standards, this new role is a natural progression for Barry, who brings a wealth of experience and meticulous attention to detail. His transition underscores our dedication to excellence and ensures our fastener manufacturing processes meet and exceed expectations.
As we welcome Barry to his new position, we look forward to a future marked by continued success and a commitment to quality under his leadership. Here’s to the next chapter at Smith Bullough!
Introducing our Keyence Optical Measuring Machine
Smith Bullough constantly strives for excellence in manufacturing and customer satisfaction. Our latest advancement is the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Keyence Optical Measuring Machine. This addition to our quality assurance process is set to revolutionise the way we ensure quality in our fastener manufacturing.
The integration of the Keyence Optical Measuring Machine into Smith Bullough’s quality department significantly enhances our capabilities, promising positive impacts on our product offerings and providing added value to our customers.
Precision and Accuracy
The Keyence Optical Measuring Machine brings unparalleled precision to our manufacturing process. Using advanced optics and sophisticated software, this machine can measure our products with exceptional accuracy, ensuring our products consistently meet and exceed the stringent dimensions and tolerances required in various industries.
Speed and Efficiency
With the Keyence machine, measurements that previously took hours can now be completed in minutes without compromising accuracy. This boost in efficiency not only enhances our productivity but also allows us to respond more swiftly to customer orders, reducing lead times and improving overall customer satisfaction.
Enhanced Quality Control
With the ability to perform detailed and accurate measurements, we are now able to detect even the minutest deviations in our fasteners, ensuring that every piece we deliver adheres to the highest quality standards. This helps to prevent equipment failures and downtime for our customers, ensuring reliability in their operations.
Customisation Capabilities
The Keyence Optical Measuring Machine’s versatility allows us to cater to specific customer needs with greater ease. Whether it’s custom sizes, unique shapes, or specific tolerance requirements, our enhanced measuring capabilities mean we can confidently fulfil bespoke orders with the same high standards of quality.
Building Customer Trust
Investing in advanced technology like the Keyence Optical Measuring Machine reflects our commitment to delivering the best to our customers. By embracing the latest innovations within the industry, we not only improve our product quality but also strengthen the trust our customers place in us as a reliable and forward-thinking supplier.
Stay tuned for more updates on how we are leveraging technology to serve you better, and don’t hesitate to contact us for your fastener needs. At Smith Bullough, we strive to build partnerships with our customers based on quality and trust.
Quality Manager David Seddon Retires
After a 49-year career with Smith Bullough, David Seddon, our Quality Manager, has retired. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards have left an indelible mark on the company.
David Seddon joined Smith Bullough in its early years from Bullough Fasteners at Bag Lane, Atherton. Originally a trainee in the Maintenance department, working in several manufacturing positions, he quickly became an integral part of the company’s success story. He was eventually asked by Albert Bullough himself to take over the position of Quality Manager. He retained this position when Bullough Fasteners merged with Thomas Smith and Sons, to become Smith Bullough.
Under David’s meticulous eye, Smith Bullough’s quality control department became synonymous with excellence. He demonstrated an unparalleled passion for ensuring that every product leaving the factory met the stringent quality standards set by the company.
Throughout his tenure, David played a crucial role in implementing cutting-edge quality control technologies and methodologies. His forward-thinking approach not only improved the efficiency of the manufacturing process but also positioned Smith Bullough as an industry leader in delivering top-tier products.
As David Seddon embarks on a well-deserved retirement, Smith Bullough expresses its gratitude for his tireless efforts and enduring commitment. The company is poised to carry forward the legacy of quality and precision that David instilled over the years.
Smith Bullough Quality at Christmas!
Christmas has come early for Smith Bullough’s Quality department and all of our fastener customers!
Smith Bullough featured in FastFix Technology Magazine
In June 2020, Smith Bullough was featured in FastFix Technology Magazine.
The article details recent expansion of the manufacturing range, including increase of forging length to 750mm long, addition of bar fed machining and a new drilling section, as well as internal broaching to form hexagon sockets in steel and stainless.
Click the image below or click here to read the article.
Smith Bullough featured in Fastener & Fixing Magazine
Smith Bullough was featured in the May 2020 issue of Fastener & Fixing Magazine.
The article details recent expansion of the product range, including increase of forging length to 750mm long, addition of a new drilling section and implementation of a full works order tracking system that has allowed us to streamline the entire manufacturing process.
Click the image above to view, or you can read the article here.
Supporting our key workers – Fastener manufacture continues at SB
Supporting our Key Workers
With many of our customers still open for business, we recognise the importance of our role in the supply chain, and we are working tirelessly to make sure we continue delivering to you the products and services you need, when you need them.
In recent open letters, the UK Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, has praised supply chain members to the Manufacturing sector – we are one of them. On behalf of the Government, he asked for our ongoing and continuous support in the supply of business-critical products to the NHS and to companies operating in Critical National Infrastructure sectors.
Some of the Key Sectors we are servicing during these difficult times are:-
NHS
Construction
Energy (Oil & Gas, Renewables, Nuclear)
Defence
Transport
Repair & maintenance
Food & drink
We continue with business as usual, therefore, we are in a great position to meet whatever requirements you might have.
As we continue to navigate through these difficult times, we would like to reassure you that, whilst we are open for business, we have adopted numerous measures to keep our employees, suppliers, and customers, safe.
On behalf of the Smith Bullough team please take care, stay safe, and thank you for your continued support.
COVID-19: Manufacturing & supply continues at Smith Bullough
Nut and Bolt manufacturing and supply continues at Smith Bullough under Government coronavirus guidelines and restrictions. Priority is being given to producing parts for key industry demand.
Smith Bullough at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
Smith Bullough was represented at a recent visit to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre which is one of the seven Catapult Centres that have been set up in the UK. The AMRC is in the network of world-leading research and innovation centres and the site in Rotherham is run by the University of Sheffield.
The programme commenced with an overview presentation of the facilities and was followed by tour of the 2050 Factory. The 2050 factory specialises in digitally assisted assembly, component manufacturing and machining technologies and is capable of rapidly switching production between different high-value components and one-off parts.