Modern facilities open for inspection

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 18, 2006

Automation integration technology specialist Halcyon Drives recently held a formal open day at its new purpose-built factory at Stanningley, Leeds, opening its doors to distinguished guests.

Automation integration technology specialist Halcyon Drives recently held a formal open day at its new purpose-built factory at Stanningley, Leeds, opening its doors to distinguished guests, including VIPs as well as senior customer and supplier representatives, to show off its modern facilities and demonstrate its improved and expanded technological capabilities.

Visitors included: the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Ann Castle, who performed the official opening ceremony; the Rt Hon Paul Truswell, MP for Pudsey; and senior figures from a wide circle of industries, including Ian Rennie, Division Manager, ABB Automation Technologies.

Halcyon has invested over GBP 1 million in the factory, to support growth not only in the company's established fields of expertise but in new, complementary sectors of technology.

One area where Halcyon is making an impact is in energy saving initiatives for manufacturing industry.

Over 65% of all energy used in the UK is from industrial induction motors and with electricity costs rising at between 50 and 100% in recent times it is essential that industry takes note and investigates means of energy efficiency and savings.

Halcyon provides energy audits and appraisals on electric motor applications such as fans, pumps and compressors, with potential energy savings of up to 50% for customers.

The company also offers information on how to claim Enhanced Capital Allowances, and in conjunction with the Carbon Trust, will complete all necessary documentation to apply for energy-efficiency loans.

Visitors were given an extensive tour of the premises, the highlight of which was a pick-and-place process using an ABB IRB 140 six-axis robot in Halcyon's robot demonstration area.

The demonstration area is central to Halcyon's thrust into the robot-based automation sector, the initiative complementing its drives and motors, panel building and bespoke controls expertise, to establish a capability for fulfilling complete turnkey projects within the automation sector.

Halcyon Drives was formed in 1991 and has earned a reputation for providing high quality and competitively priced solutions, the company being one of the leading AC drives technological centres in the UK.

Having outgrown its original premises, Halcyon moved into its new facilities last year, the Stanningley site providing an all-round improved working environment.

In line with the increased workshop efficiency, better ergonomics, and a larger spares storage capacity, the company has also increased its staffing levels.

Managing Director, Paul Gaines, comments: "The open day allowed us to demonstrate to our special guests what Halcyon Drives and its staff are truly capable of - now that we have these excellent facilities to operate from".

"I would like to thank all of our visitors, who took time out of their own busy schedule to support us today - and particularly the Deputy Lord Mayor for kindly performing the official opening ceremony, local MP Paul Truswell, and Ian Rennie of ABB".