Mutech announces 20% increase in staff: From left to right: Henry Wolfe, Christine Pearce and Husein Ariwala.

Mutech Ltd, one of the UK’s leading electronics design and manufacturing companies, has expanded its staff by 20% over the last six months, increasing numbers at the Manchester premises to 18.  The recruitment drive will support a burgeoning order book.

Henry Wolfe joins the Mutech design team as Senior Design Engineer, specialising in hardware and PCB layouts.  A graduate in BEng from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Henry has extensive experience in electronics design as an employee, contractor and consultant.  His expertise will contribute to Mutech’s objective of becoming a leading centre of excellence in both intrinsic safety (IS) and functional safety (FS).

Mutech announces 20% increase in staff: From left to right: Henry Wolfe, Christine Pearce and Husein Ariwala.

Two Assembly Operatives have been appointed.  Christine Pearce joins the company with ten years experience in electronics assembly.  Husein Ariwala, who was appointed to the post six months ago, has five years experience in PCB Assembly following his BTEC Diploma in Electrical/Electronics Engineering.

As part of Mutech’s objective to provide more software intelligence to customers’ product ranges Stephen Landamore has been selected for the role of Senior Software Engineer.  A graduate in BEng from theUniversityofWarwickhe has 18 years’ experience in software for electronics.

Colin Cameron, Mutech’s Managing Director, firmly believes that investing in people is key to the company’s success.  “Our recruitment drive over the last six months has been essential to meet the needs of our growing order book and customer expectations.  It has also offered us the perfect opportunity to appoint even more high calibre and motivated people as part of our strategic development.  Over the past 25 years we have invested in staffing as key to the company’s growth and the recent award of the Investors in People (IIP) Gold standard is testament to this.”

Mutech Ltd designs, builds and tests ATEX and MSHA approved products for customers in the fields of mining and other hazardous areas.  A member of the Association of British Mining Equipment Companies (ABMEC), Mutech has 25 years experience in electronics design and manufacture of intrinsic safety equipment for leading worldwide companies.

More information is available from Mutech Ltd, tel: 0161 872 0400, email: sarah.varney@mutech.co.uk , www.mutech.co.uk .

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PHOTO: Mutech announces 20% increase in staff: From left to right: Henry Wolfe, Christine Pearce and Husein Ariwala.  (Image available from Ros Nuttall, email: rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)7702 310743 / +44 (0)1204 842818, www.chapelfieldpr.com.

Willie McGranaghan of the National Coal Mining Museum for England (NCM) explains how companies and individuals can 'Buy a Brick' in its online appeal, 'Making Sense of Mining'

Mutech Ltd, one of the UK’s leading electronics design and manufacturing companies, is helping to ‘make sense of mining’ at the National Coal Mining Museum for England (NCM), based in Overton, near Wakefield.

At Mutech’s recent Open Day the NCM announced how companies and individuals could ‘Buy a Brick’ in an online appeal to support its ‘Making Sense of Mining’ project.  The £2.7 million scheme at the former Caphouse Colliery working mine will extend and revitalise the unique underground tour and conserve the historic furnace shaft.

Liz Orme, Development Officer for the NCM, explains:  “Visitors will discover new underground roadways filled with interactive and sensory displays and view the newly conserved furnace shaft both from the surface and from underground.  They will also be able to take part in and experience new interactive tours underground.”

Manchester-based Mutech, whose expertise includes intrinsically safe mining equipment, pledged its charitable support to the NCM.  The aid will enable the organisation to continue the marketing of exhibitions and events, and raise awareness of the Museum’s educational value for children and adults alike.

Sarah Varney, Mutech’s Operations Director, explains:  “Like other similar sponsored museums, funding will be reduced over the next four years.  Mutech is committed to helping to maintain the Museum’s development and expansion, so that the history of coal mining can be kept alive for future generations.”

The NCM were guests of honour at Mutech’s Open Day and a cheque for £250 was presented to Willie McGranaghan of the NCM by Managing Director, Colin Cameron.  Mutech’s Sarah Varney, explains:  “This fun event, which attracted specially invited customers and suppliers, as well as ABMEC and Business Network members, enabled us to discuss the work of the Museum, celebrate successes and to thank people for their support over the past year.”

NCM will launch its new ‘Making Sense of Mining’ facility to the public later this year.  To become part of history and to buy a brick in the virtual furnace shaft, please contact the NCM via the website, www.ncm.org.uk/buyabrick .

Mutech Ltd designs, builds and tests ATEX and MSHA approved products for its customers in the fields of mining and other hazardous areas.  A member of the Association of British Mining Equipment Companies (ABMEC), Mutech has 25 years experience in electronics design and manufacture of intrinsic safety equipment for leading worldwide companies.

More information is available from Mutech Ltd, tel: 0161 872 0400, email: sarah.varney@mutech.co.uk , www.mutech.co.uk .

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PHOTO: An image is available from Ros Nuttall at Chapelfield PR, email: rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)7702 310743 / +44 (0)1204 842818).

Commenting on the recently filed company results for the financial year to September 2011, Roy Butcher says of the UK’s largest independent steel stockholder: “The divisions of our business that are export orientated should more than balance out the reduction of business in the construction sector.

“Despite a weak construction market Barrett Steel’s turnover has risen and we have continued to invest. A new plasma profiling machine had been installed in the Rotherham facility, two new LT8 laser tube processing machines at Dudley, and a decoiling line at Barrett Strip & Alloys.

“Combined with our development of the Houston, Texas depot, this represents considerable outlay, but one which we believe will reap dividends over the coming years. The Houston facility, in particular, opens up new markets for us in the oil and gas sector.”

Initial indications for Barrett Steel’s embryonic Houston based business are encouraging, with targets set when the business was first planned looking to be outperformed. Other recently developed UK based businesses are focused towards export markets and export led customers in line with Board strategy to extend the group’s global reach and gain competitive advantage world wide.

Barrett Steel saw turnover grow by almost a quarter last financial year, with pre-tax profits falling from £8.1m to £6.9m, which included a one-off charge of £863,000 connected to the acquisition of High Integrity Products Group. The year saw Barrett invest £7.6m in capital projects including £2.6m on the Houston operation.

Barrett Steel also continues to reduce its carbon footprint.

More information is available from Chris Lamb at Barrett Steel, tel: +44 (0)1274 682281, email: chris.lamb@barrettsteel.com, www.barrettsteel.com.

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Photo: An image is available from Chris Macpherson, Chapelfield PR, email: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: 01204 842818.

Mutech Ltd has pledged its support for the National Coal Mining Museum

Mutech Ltd, one of the UK’s leading electronics design and manufacturing companies, has pledged its charitable support to the National Coal Mining Museum for England (NCM) based in Overton, near Wakefield.

The National Coal Mining Museum, formerly Caphouse Colliery working mine, which ceased production in 1985, preserves the heritage of coal mining in England, attracting thousands of visitors annually from the UK and overseas.  Liz Orme, Development Officer for the NCM, explains:  “With Mutech’s help we will continue to raise awareness of our exciting exhibitions and events as well as spread the word about the Museum’s educational value for both children and adults. We are delighted that Mutech has chosen to support our work and we look forward to building a long term relationship with them in the future.”

Sarah Varney, Mutech Operations Director, comments:  “As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) we wanted to support a charity that would be relevant to our expertise in intrinsically safe mining equipment and therefore close to our hearts.

“In line with other sponsored Museums, NCM’s funding will be reduced over the next four years, so the Museum needs to attract donations, sponsorship, legacies and grants to continue to develop and expand.  We are committed to helping the organisation keep the history of coal mining alive for future generations.

”Mutech is also looking forward to welcoming NCM personnel as guests of honour at our Christmas Open Day in December, and Mutech representatives will be visiting the Museum in 2012.”

Mutech Ltd designs, builds and tests ATEX and MSHA approved products for its customers in the fields of mining and other hazardous areas.  A member of the Association of British Mining Equipment Companies (ABMEC), Mutech has 25 years experience in electronics design and manufacture of intrinsic safety equipment for leading worldwide companies.

More information is available from Mutech Ltd, tel: 0161 872 0400, email: sarah.varney@mutech.co.uk , www.mutech.co.uk .

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PHOTO: From left to right: Dr Margaret Faull OBE, Director of NCM; Liz Orme, Development Officer, NCM; Colin Cameron, MD, Mutech Ltd; Ruth Bailey, Director General, ABMEC; Sarah Varney, Operations Director, Mutech Ltd. (Image available from Ros Nuttall, email: rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)7702 310743 / +44 (0)1204 842818).

Woodberry Chillcott adds online ordering to its efficient telephone sales operations

Woodberry Chillcott, a Barrett Steel Group company, has introduced a new secure online ordering system to combine all the benefits of traditional customer service values with up-to-date digital technology and speed of response.

“Online ordering is essential in this fast-moving industry, as more and more customers expect to source their business tools in the same way they do their leisure items,” says Matthew Thomas, Managing Director of Woodberry Chillcott. “And when people are on the move it makes life so much easier for them if they can order from a mobile device.

“However we also encourage our customers to talk to us at any time if they need information or have any queries. Far from replacing traditional telephone methods, the system will enhance customers’ experience in dealing with us: the online sales operation offers convenience, while we will continue to develop personal relationships with all our customers.”

Woodberry Chillcott has been a trusted UK supplier of quality tools, lubricants, fastenings and safety equipment for almost 100 years and will be celebrating its centenary year in 2012. The company supplies quality branded goods, promises to deliver them safely and on time, and provides expert technical advice and after-sales backup.

Up to 6,000 items are available from stock at any one time, and experienced personnel will quickly source specific items at no premium. The company delivers across mainland UK and Northern Ireland using distribution hubs to maximise efficiency and speed. Next day delivery is guaranteed throughout mainland UK for orders placed before 3pm.

More information is available from Chris Lamb at Barrett Steel, tel: +44 (0)1274 682281, email: chris.lamb@barrettsteel.com, www.barrettsteel.com, or from Steve Ayres at Woodberry Chillcott, tel: +44 (0)117 316 5416, email: steve.ayres@woodberrychillcott.co.uk, fax: 0117 316 5452.

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Photo: An image is available from Chris Macpherson, Chapelfield PR, email: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: 01204 842818.

Jung machinery skates from Movetech UK enable Boats by Pendlewood to enter the barge-building market.

Movetech UK is keeping new entrants to the barge-building market, Boats by Pendlewood, out of deep water by enabling the company to manoeuvre long, 15 tonne barges into new premises that are inaccessible by truck. The solution, JUNG machinery skates, has allowed Pendlewood to realise a long dreamed of ambition to create unique, bespoke vessels that break the mould of traditional narrow boat design.

The new premises presented two initial problems. Firstly there were no lifting facilities, and secondly access provision made it impossible for a truck to enter the building to off-load. The JUNG machinery skates have solved the access problem, making it possible for Boats by Pendlewood to manoeuvre the long, heavy load from the road into the premises, negotiating a slight slope along the way. The skates work on tarmac without sinking in as well as on the concrete factory floor, and are also used when the unit, now 22 tonnes in weight, is finished and moved outside for collection.

Pendlewood, a well established manufacturer of handcrafted bespoke wood and metal street furniture, school playground equipment and large architectural pieces, is now building live-aboard canal barges at the new facilities in Lancashire, incorporating individually designed interiors by BIDA award winner interior designer, Dee Wilson.

Boats by Pendlewood’s Managing Director, Alan Pendlewood, is delighted that his dream project has come to fruition: “The JUNG machinery skates have made it all possible,” he says. “Without them we just couldn’t have accessed our new production facilities.

“By using only the finest raw materials, new design concepts and low drag eco keels, we aim to break the mould of traditional barge building and, at the same time, showcase fine British craftsmanship.

“The new venture has also created 14 new jobs and apprenticeships, which is good news for the local economy.“

Movetech UK owns exclusive rights to distribute JUNG heavy duty lifting and moving products in the UK. The range is used world wide to move machinery such as large printing presses, medical scanners and machine tools and includes standard hydraulic jacks and machinery skates as well as a bespoke range of special transporters to fit custom loads.

More information is available from Movetech UK on t: +44 (0)1204 537681, e: industrial@movetechuk.com or from the website at www.movetechuk.com/industrial. Boats by Pendlewood can be contacted on t: 01695 557500, e: boats@pendlewood.com, www.boatsbypendlewood.com.

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PHOTO: Images are available from Chris Macpherson, email: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)1204 842818.

Upgrades to two of Movetech UK’s most popular display movements provide the retailer and exhibitor with even greater choice and flexibility

Movetech UK has upgraded two of its most popular display movements to provide the retailer and exhibitor with even greater choice and flexibility when creating an attractive and eye-catching display. Both developments have been driven by customer comment and feedback, demonstrating Movetech UK’s commitment to provide customers with products that they both need and want.

The third generation of Movetech UK’s cabinet turntable kits (CTK) sees the heavy aluminium casting replaced by a lightweight plastic moulding with facilities to fix the unit in place rather than relying on its own weight to hold it down. This reduces the possibility of the unit being dislodged when in situ. The new design has reduced dimensions, allowing the unit to be concealed within the display cabinet carcase more readily, whilst it can still be replaced easily without disturbing the cabinet display.

Designed for use in secure cabinets to display fragile or precious merchandise, the CTK’s retained powerful motor effortlessly rotates up to five glass shelves and displayed product with a total load of up to 90kg. Its reduced height also enables it to be hidden within the smallest of pelmets, creating the possibility of a larger display cabinet with increased display area.

The second upgrade is to a very popular battery powered 4kg capacity display turntable. This has been enhanced by the introduction of optional power input. If a mains supply is not available standard ‘D’ size batteries can be used; if a mains supply is available then it can simply be plugged into the electrical outlet via the mains adaptor. This gives the visual merchandiser the freedom to enhance a display with movement, and change its location, without worrying whether electrical power is available. The same unit that operates 52 weeks a year in the office reception display area can therefore be taken to an important one-off exhibition without the concern of ensuring a power socket is available.

This popular turntable offers three to four weeks of battery life if operated 24/7 for exhibition use; for permanent installation the 240 volt option gives years of service without intervention.

The enhanced units are part of a standard display turntable and movement portfolio that caters for every display need. Point of sale movement includes pendulant and oscillating motors as well as revolves from 12cm in diameter, battery and mains powered. Carousels and revolving stages can be used to create larger or, in combination, more complex displays, and a ceiling mounted range is also available. Ued by department stores, supermarkets and independent retailers they help increase footfall and sales by allowing customers to see more product from all angles.

More information is available from Movetech UK on tel: +44 (0)1204 537682, email: display@movetechuk.com or from the website at www.movetechuk.com/display.

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PHOTOS: Images are available from Chris Macpherson, email: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)1204 842818.

James Barratt of Barrett Steel opens the new Houston operation, which specialises in raw materials for the downhole tool and equipment used in the oil and gas industry

Barrett Steel has officially launched its Houston, Texas office with more than 100 people attending the event, including many members of the executive board.

Established to serve the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil, Barrett Steel Energy Products has been operating from purpose built 33,000 square foot facilities for several months. The Houston operation specialises in raw materials for the downhole tool and equipment used in the oil and gas industry, including solid bar, hollows and tubing that meet the requirements of all oil patch grades.

Group Managing Director, James Barrett, comments: “We may be new to Houston but we’re not new to steel. Although we have been trading here for a few months, this is officially day 1.

“The move is a demonstration of the Barrett Steel Group’s commitment to new markets and to cementing stronger relationships with overseas customers. We had already identified the oil and gas sectors as a new international marketplace for us, and this has been the impetus behind our expansion into Houston. We are confident that with our strong team of people, along with our new facility, this initiative will be a great success.”

The Houston management team is headed by Tim Ryan, President, and Scott Schwandt, Vice-president, a team that brings together oilfield specialists with a wide range of complementary skills that combine technical expertise and knowledge with a painstaking approach to customer service and quality that promises to set the company apart from competitors.

Tim Ryan comments: “The new team in Houston is proud to be the first representation of Barrett Steel in North America.

“I have no doubt that Barrett’s proven track record of customer service, operational efficiency and impeccable quality controls will be welcomed by the oil and gas equipment manufacturing community in the region.”

More information is available from Chris Lamb at Barrett Steel, tel: +44 (0)1274 682281, email: chris.lamb@barrettsteel.com, www.barrettsteel.com or from Tim Ryan, President, Barrett Steel Energy Products, tel: +1 (0)281 219 1000, email: info@barrettsteelep.com, www.barrettsteelep.com.

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Photos: Images available from Chris Macpherson, Chapelfield PR, tel: +44 (0)1204 842818, email@ chris@chapelfieldpr.com.

Left to right: Colin Cameron, Managing Director, Mutech Ltd; Kevin Mellor, IIP Assessor; Sarah Varney, Operations Director, Mutech Ltd; Fred Stone, Chairman, Mutech Ltd.

Mutech Ltd has been awarded the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Gold standard.  One of the UK’s leading electronics design and manufacturing companies, Mutech joins the select group of 1% of IIP organisations nationally to achieve Gold status.

IIP Gold represents the achievement of world-class best practice.  It shows that the company operates at the very highest levels of people management practice, demonstrating a commitment to the learning and development of employees.

Kevin Mellor, the company’s IIP assessor, explains the significance of the award:  “Mutech is an outstanding organisation that has come a long way in its journey of business development.  It also recognises that there will always be improvements and changes to be made, as it continually strives to improve.”

Operations Director, Sarah Varney, explains: “The award represents a huge achievement for Mutech.  It has shown that not only should quality be defined in terms of design and manufacturing, but also, very importantly, in terms of our people.”

A triumphant Colin Cameron, Mutech’s Managing Director, who started the company 25 years ago, comments: “I am proud to have a team of 15 professional, motivated and valued staff.  IIP Gold proves that investing in people is the key to the company’s future and to becoming a centre of excellence for our chosen markets.  We believe that IIP is an essential part in our success and hope that our achievement will inspire other companies to work towards the standard.”

More information is available from Mutech Ltd, tel: 0161 872 0400, email: sarah.varney@mutech.co.uk , www.mutech.co.uk .

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PHOTO: An image is available from Ros Nuttall, email: rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)7702 310743 / +44 (0)1204 842818.

A stunning refurbishment has been completed at Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa’s award winning restaurant, The Lawns

Design and fit-out company, Altitude Studio Ltd, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Northern Design Awards. The company reached the finals with two projects undertaken at the Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa on the Wirral.

A stunning refurbishment has been completed at the hotel’s award winning restaurant, The Lawns. Altitude Studio’s designs have helped to create a first class fine dining experience, by blending a modern interpretation with a traditional look. The bespoke design package includes furniture, flooring, ceilings, lighting and ornaments.

Harmony and calm are key to the second scheme to be shortlisted, the refurbishment of the hotel’s luxury relaxation room. Features include interior lighting that changes colour and a ‘flowing’ carpet design, which adds to the soothing qualities of the therapy treatments.

Sharon Snape, Director of Altitude Studio, whose expertise spans the entire spectrum of design activities, from space planning and interior design to complete fit-out and project management, describes the significance of the shortlist:

“It was a tough job getting to the finals of the Northern Design Awards. I know the quality in the region is high and the competition fierce. It’s an honour for our team to be considered.”

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 24 November at the Lowry, Salford. The panel of judges include such respected names as Sir Terence Conran and Wayne Hemingway.

More information is available from Altitude Studio, tel: +44 (0)1254 56109 / +44 (0)7906 687279, email: sharon@altitudestudio.co.uk, www.altitudestudio.co.uk

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PHOTO: Images are available from Ros Nuttall, email:  rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)7702 310743 / +44 (0)1204 842818, www.chapelfieldpr.com.