A Coventry-based aluminium technology company, whose cutting-edge solutions are helping to shape the next generation of motor vehicles, has ramped up production following the acquisition of a state-of-the-art robot.
Impression Technologies is the world’s first producer of Hot Form Quench® (HFQ) parts for the automotive sector. The company has been instrumental in developing HFQ technology, which is revolutionising the exploitation of aluminium.
In 2018, the company based at Lyons Park Industrial Park, developed a bespoke lubricant for its HFQ forming press that was able to cope with the extreme temperatures of the HFQ process. The application of this lubricant had previously been carried out manually and, though effective, this process was not as consistent as applying lubrication via a robot and was a bottleneck to production scale-up.
Impression Technologies secured £37,800 in grant funding for a robot system from the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Cllr Jim O'Boyle, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said: “Impression Technologies is the perfect example of how our grants for business can support an innovative company to succeed and grow. Coventry and the surrounding area is at the forefront of the green industrial revolution and innovation like this will lead to the creation of new jobs for local people.
“I’m also really pleased that Impression Technologies were able to collaborate with another local company, making it a win, win for both.”
After receiving the grant, Impression Technologies then issued a request for quotation (RFQ) for the robot system on the CWLEP Growth Hub website.
Through its extensive range of regional business links, the CWLEP Growth Hub was able to alert Rugby-based robotics COMAU UK about the RFQ. Following a competitive bidding process, Impression Technologies awarded the contract to COMAU UK.
Justine Chadwick, Account Manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said: “We were very pleased to be able to assist Impression Technologies.
“The company’s technology builds on Coventry and Warwickshire’s rich automotive history by contributing to the development of the next generation of motor vehicles.
“It is also a terrific example of the role that CWLEP Growth Hub can play in helping growing businesses in the region with their strategies for growth.
“We have links to a comprehensive range of businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire. On this occasion we were able to connect two local companies which is excellent news for the region.”
Simon Griffiths, Plant Director, Impression Technologies, said: “The company has experienced tremendous growth over the last 18 months and the robot was vital in helping us continue in this direction.
“Acquiring the robot has enabled us to meet rising demand by ramping up production of aluminium parts through our HFQ technology.
“We are very grateful to the CWLEP Growth Hub for supporting us in the acquisition of the robot. It was also very pleasing to be able to work with another Coventry and Warwickshire-based company in COMAU UK.”