With a busy order book and work in the pipeline, the last thing that Havant-based EMP Tooling wanted was a problem with a machine tool – in fact it suffered double the problem when two of its existing machines developed serious issues. Fortunately, the team at Design & Technical Services (UK) was on hand to provide a solution.

Founded some 42 years ago by the father of the current directors, brothers Paul and Alan Barker, both skilled toolmakers, EMP Tooling has developed from what was originally just a mould polishing business into a fully-fledged one-stop-shop for mould and toolmaking, including the use of laser welding for the repair of worn tools. Over recent years this diversification has resulted in a growth for the business which is now housed in a modern factory unit in Havant, near Portsmouth. Part of that diversification involved an increase in machining capacity for the production of the injection mould tools, blow moulds, die-cast and compression tools for a customer base across the UK and Europe.

However, as business flourished the demand on machining capacity increased and when problems arose on two of its existing machines a solution needed to be found – and found quickly.

Initially EMP investigated the purchase of a second hand machining centre to act as a stop gap, but a conversation with Ray Vockins, sales engineer for Chorley-based Design & Technical Services in the south of England, that option was discarded.

“We knew we needed a quick answer to this problem and second hand seemed like the only option at the time in order to keep up with deliveries,” says Paul Barker, managing director of EMP Tooling. “However, after we spoke to Ray and explained our situation he suggested the alternative of a new Johnford machining centre.”

Following this conversation, and discussions with other users of Johnford machines in the south of England, Mr Barker points out that ‘common sense prevailed’ and an order was placed. “The price differential between the cost of the available used machines, with the capability that we wanted, and the new Johnford were not that great and the fact that the Johnford could be delivered in the timeframe that met our needs sealed the deal.

“Throughout the entire process Design & Technical Services has been very responsive – we were kept fully up to date via email at every stage and our questions and requests for service or support have been answered promptly and efficiently,” he adds. “The machine is used on a range of components including hardened steel where it has performed very well thanks to the high spindle speed, machine rigidity, and feed control, which are allowing us to achieve the levels of surface finish that we need to reduce the amount of polishing that has to be done.”

Design and Technical Services (UK)
www.destecltd.co.uk