Investing in Equipment

To complement the existing 5 axis Mazak Machining Centre Whiteley Brooks have invested in a Nikken 5 axis attachment to one of the existing Hardinge CNC Machining Centres. The machine software has been upgraded to accommodate full 5 axis machining giving an extra facility in what is becoming an important part of the services offered. Whiteley Brooks Engineering also invested in a new Laser Marking Machine to complement the two existing Vibro Marking Machines. This is a further improvement to the traceability that Whiteley Brooks Offer as standard. It means that even coated, fragile and difficult surfaces can be permanently marked without damaging them.

A new CNC lathe has been ordered and delivery is expected in December 2010. Whiteley Brooks Engineering have chosen a Doosan Puma 2600 Turning Centre from Mills CNC. This will complement the two existing Doosan Machines and improve the output of the Turning section. Whiteley Brooks Engineering´s maintenance policy means that the older machines are still capable of turning out quality components and therefore this new machine will be an addition rather than a replacement to our plant.

Time to diversify:

Working with suppliers to the MOD and Photographic industries
The years 2009 / 2010 were difficult trading years for Whiteley Brooks Engineering and Motorsport in general. Whilst maintaining the Companies services to its traditional market Whiteley Brooks Engineering decided to diversify into other related fields. With encouragement and help from the MIA several new opportunities were investigated. Successful bids were tendered and orders have been received from the leading supplier of Unmanned Ground Vehicles to the Ministry of Defence. Also a leading supplier of equipment to the professional photographic manufacturing industry has placed orders for parts with a view to a long term technical partnership.

Quality is the way forward

Future plans for 2011 include the upgrading of the Quality Control Department. A significant investment is to be made into replacing the software used on the Company´s two CMMs. This will enable the Inspection Department to use CAD models as a base for inspecting finished parts and programming the CMMs. A decision on which software to go forward with should be made by the end of 2010.

MIA Members

In 2010 Whiteley Brooks Engineering became a member of the Motorsport Industry Association (M.I.A). The Company felt that this organisation would help to increase their profile within the Motorsport and related industries and also represent the interests of the Motorsport industry at Government level.