News: Dormer celebrates milestone

Engineering firm, Dormer Tools will celebrate its 100th birthday next month.

Dormer Tools, which started life as The Sheffield Twist Drill Co. on 4 September 1913, is marking its 100 years with a programme of key activities to celebrate their on-going contribution to the global engineering industry.

Growing at a site on Summerfield Street in Sheffield and now based in state-of-the-art headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham (both pictured), Dormer is one of the world's foremost producers of solid carbide and high speed steel rotary cutting tools, exported worldwide with subsidiaries in 25 countries.

Dormer has adopted the slogan "Your trusted partner since 1913" for its centenary and memorabilia and artefacts from the company's history have been collated at the AMP, including items donated from the prestigious Ken Hawley Collection in Sheffield.

The items are currently on display as part of new-look training room, where new and experienced engineers can review the evolving development of cutting tools. 

A new centenary website www.Dormer100.com, has also been launched featuring news and images of celebrations by Dormer employees and customers around the globe, alongside archive images and footage. A new corporate video is also being created, including a specific feature on the centenary. 

This follows the discovery of archive footage from Dormer UK in 1960s and 70s at the Yorkshire Film Archive. The videos have now had more than 2,000 views on YouTube.

John O'Donoghue, managing director of Dormer Tools UK, said: "It is important to celebrate and recognise a centenary of achievements and developments at Dormer, but we are also keen to look ahead at the next 100 years.

"We have grown from a successful Sheffield company to a major global organisation, with staff located in key global markets. The use of social media this year has brought together employees, customers and Dormer advocates from around the world, while also being able to showcase and reflect our heritage.

"As we enter a new century in the company's history, we continue to look at the latest technology in product development and improved customer facilities, all working to strengthen Dormer's global position for a new generation."

A key member of the giant Sandvik group in Sweden, the start of 2013 saw the formation of the new Dormer Tools Ltd, marketing and selling two brands - Carboloy for indexable inserts and tools, and Dormer for round tools. The move is part of a major strategic initiative within Sandvik Machining Solutions to broaden its offer within the cutting tool industry.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer raises profile with new appointment

Dormer Tools has appointed Amy Crofts to its corporate marketing team.

Amy becomes marketing co-ordinator for Dormer Tools' group marketing function as the firm celebrates 100 years since it began life as The Sheffield Twist Drill Co. in 1913.

Now based in state-of-the-art headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Dormer is one of the world's foremost producers of solid carbide and high speed steel rotary cutting tools and now has subsidiaries in 25 countries.

Amy's role will include a wide range of tasks to support Dormer's sales units around the world, including the production of new product launch material and catalogues.

She will also be looking at Dormer's online presence and the company's social media output.

Originally from Leicester, Amy has returned to South Yorkshire after she graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2008 where she studied French.

She takes up the new role with four years of publishing experience gained working as international marketing and publicity coordinator at Random House Group in London.

Her appointment to the position comes as part of Dormer's plans to expand its global marketing operations, with particular emphasis on raising the company's profile during its centenary year.

Amy said: "Part of my job will be to improve the company's online existence and channel business through digital platforms which is an area where the company is investing heavily and working hard to expand.

"Dormer is a market leader in their field with a long-held reputation for innovative and high quality products, so I am looking forward to the challenge of upholding these virtues through the various communication media that my role will encompass."

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer’s trademark celebration

A significant milestone in the history of one of the world's most respected cutting tool manufacturer's will be recognised next month.

Dormer Tools, which started life as The Sheffield Twist Drill Co. in 1913 is marking its 100 years with a programme of key activities to celebrate their on-going contribution to the global engineering industry.

Now based in state-of-the-art headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Dormer is one of the world's foremost producers of solid carbide and high speed steel rotary cutting tools and now has subsidiaries in 25 countries.

Dormer's famous "Dovecote" trademark was created in June 1917 and, in subsequent decades, became the recognisable symbol of quality and craftsmanship typically associated with the company's products.

This catalyst for the trademark was a period of rapid early growth after formation in 1913 as the Sheffield Twist Drill Co. The Dovecote came about after a Dutch agent casually suggested a windmill with a Dormer window, making a play on the name of the then joint managing director Mr Harry A. Dormer.

The Dormer name itself was originally introduced as a brand for the company's drilling products. Trademarked in 1924, it eventually replaced the original company name as overseas expansion gathered pace.

John O'Donoghue, general manager at Dormer Tools, said: "The Dovecote trademark symbolised a spirit of innovation which has been synonymous with Dormer since our inception.

"The company's early foresight to specialise in cutting tool manufacture, coupled with a singular vision for developing quality products, fuelled rapid growth.

"It has been this passion and drive for excellence which has enabled Dormer to remain at the forefront of the global cutting tool industry for the last one hundred years.

"While the trademark is no longer used, the company's belief in continuing to produce innovative products, delivering quality service and remaining the industry’s trusted partner, continues to this day."

As part of the celebrations Dormer has provided a number of artefacts to the "Rustless" exhibition at Sheffield's Kelham Island industrial museum, which celebrates 100 years since the discovery of stainless steel by Harry Brearley.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer prepares for centenary

Dormer Tools, which started life as The Sheffield Twist Drill Co. in 1913 will be marking its 100 years with a programme of key activities to celebrate their on-going contribution to the global engineering industry.

Now based in state-of-the-art headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Dormer is one of the world's foremost producers of solid carbide and high speed steel rotary cutting tools and now has subsidiaries in 25 countries.

The landmark celebration coincides with two significant Sheffield anniversaries - 200 years since the birth of Sir Henry Bessemer, who revolutionised the manufacture of steel in South Yorkshire, and the centenary of Harry Brearley's discovery of stainless steel.

Simon Winstanley, marketing co-ordinator at Dormer UK, said: "The last 100 years has witnessed previously unimaginable advances in the technological and scientific world: the mass production of motor vehicles, powered flight and space travel, the birth of the nuclear age and the development of the telecommunications industry.

"Dormer's products have helped to write the history of this industrial progress and it is here, in the millions upon millions of components that have been drilled, reamed, cut, threaded or otherwise shaped by the company's tools, that the real history of Dormer lies.

"There is a certain pride, too, in the fact that our centenary falls at a time when Sheffield is celebrating the achievements of two industrial giants, Bessemer and Brearley."

Back in 1950, the company was the first drill manufacturer in Europe to introduce the Steam Temper treatment, with its characteristic blue finish, to their products. This treatment proved highly successful and received widespread acclaim from the engineering industry.

As long as 46 years ago, Dormer was showing its initiative for embracing emerging technologies when it acquired a new computer, leased from IBM, at a cost of £135,000. It needed its own air conditioned room and performed 30,000 calculations per second.

And in 1984, the company was one of the first in the industry to make it possible for customers to electronically order products on line at a time when the internet was virtually unknown outside of the academic world.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer helps speed up crystal production

Experts at Dormer Tools International in Rotherham have helped to speed up the production of precious crystals in the Middle East and cut thousands of pounds from operating costs.

The company, based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), is working closely with Cairo-based Asfour Crystal, one of the world's biggest crystal manufacturers, to fine-tune important production line processes and increase output.

One Dormer innovation has slashed by half the production time of an operation to drill holes in a cast-iron mould used to create the crystals. One solid carbide drill from Dormer now does the jobs previously done by three separate drills.

John Eustace, regional business area manager at Dormer Tools International, said: "The solid carbide CDX drill entirely eliminated the need for pre-centring and also the need for pecking. The innovation is all part of the strong, ongoing partnership between Dormer and Asfour Crystal and we are continually working to refine their processes in order to reduce production times still further and maintain increased output.

"Asfour Crystal have been using Dormer's tools for about nine years and we are proud of our contribution to their success."

Asfour Crystal is the largest single manufacturer of full-cut lead crystal in the world, as well as one of the biggest chandelier manufacturers in the world, exporting its production to key international markets all over the globe.

Because Asfour Crystal's engineering management promote the need for "productivity maximisation", they have nominated Dormer as an international field test partner for new products.

The relationship between Asfour Crystal and Dormer has developed over several years and central to it are Dormer's Egyptian distributors, Dawlia. They are just one of more than 250 active Dormer distributors in more than 40 markets around the world.

Dormer Tools International on the AMP sells more items than any other Dormer Tools location around the world, apart from the United States, and makes up a fifth in quantity of the group's overall global sales.

Dormer Tools International website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer export specialist lands diploma

An international business specialist at Dormer Tools in Rotherham has passed a diploma with flying colours – after doing most of his studying on aeroplanes.

John Eustace, regional business area manager with Dormer Tools International on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, has been awarded the Institute of Export's Diploma in International Trade (DIT) to add to his Advanced Certificate in International Trade (ACIT).

He studied four subjects over three years for the diploma and in one of them, Management of International Trade, scored the highest marks in the country. John received the Diploma at the Mansion House in London, home of the Lord Mayor of London.

John, who has worked for Dormer for 23 years, said: "It's been hard work finding the time to study and a lot of the work has been done on aeroplanes while travelling to visit customers in different parts of the world.

"The course takes you through all aspects of international trade from indirect exporting to wholly owned subsidiaries and gives real-life scenarios that call for decisions to be made, so it's been really useful in my day-to-day work.

"It also brings enormous confidence to know you have the knowledge to fall back on. Much of the course is about developing new business in virgin markets and that has proved to be very helpful.

"Dormer's international business continues to go from strength to strength and I am sure that the ACIT and DIT have been significant factors in our success."

The course was funded by Dormer and its parent company, Swedish-based Sandvik Group.

Lesley Batchelor, Institute of Export director general, added: "John's achievement is well deserved and reflects the accessibility and flexibility of the Institute's distance learning packages and the expert support from our tutors."

Dormer Tools International sells more items than any other Dormer Tools location around the world, apart from the United States, and makes up a fifth in quantity of the group's overall global sales. They have more than 250 active distributors in more than 40 markets around the world.

Last year they placed more emphasis on delivering bigger volumes of its general purpose, solid carbide and high speed steel cutting tools to distributors, particularly across the Far East.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer raises international profile with appointment

Dormer's commercial export arm, Dormer Tools International (DTI) in Rotherham, has welcomed a new team member.

In response to increasing global demand for its solid carbide and high speed steel cutting tools, Julie Heathcote has been appointed marketing and communications coordinator.

Julie, from Sheffield, takes up the new role with 18 years of experience and knowledge gained from working in Dormer's corporate marketing function.

Her appointment to the position comes as part of Dormer's plans to expand its global operations. DTI, based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, will place more emphasis on delivering bigger volumes of its general purpose, solid carbide and high speed steel cutting tools to distributors, particularly across the Far East.

Julie said: "This role is in answer to an increased need for structured communication due to expansion in key markets, particularly in the Far East. Many end users specify Dormer, so distributors around the world are very keen to work with us.

"Part of my job will be to strengthen those international links, as well as build new ones. We are especially enthusiastic about working with our distributors in existing markets in the Philippines, primarily in Manila, further increasing our presence via marketing campaigns, in order to capitalise on our market position.

"The strength and quality of our relationships with distributors is vital to driving international sales. Having a local presence in our target markets is an important part of maintaining and developing this.

DTI has more than 250 active distributors in more than 40 markets around the world. A recent addition to this number is a new distributor in Turkey. Julie added: "We are currently helping them to develop their website and are supplying them with point of sale material."

Plans are also underway to build relationships with Sub-Saharan African nations.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Sandvik celebrates 150 years

Sandvik, the Swedish high-technology engineering group with sites in Rotherham has celebrated 150 years in business.

The company was founded on January 31, 1862 in Sandviken, Sweden by Göran Fredrik Göransson, who was first in the world to succeed in using the Bessemer method for steel production on an industrial scale.

This was Sandvik's first link to South Yorkshire as it was in Sheffield that Henry Bessemer established his own steelworks using his own steel making process.

Sandvik quickly became one of the world's leaders in its industry. The group currently has 50,000 employees with operations in 130 countries and annual sales of approximately SEK 83 billion (£7.7 billion).

In addition to organic growth, Sandvik's expansion has also involved a series of company acquisitions over the years.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Sandvik has successfully operated and evolved by continuously being innovative and identifying new opportunities in the markets and through various shifts in technology.

"With the talent, experience and commitment of 50,000 employees across the globe, we now cast our gaze to the future and continue our journey."

Rotherham is home to the global headquarters of Dormer Tools. The firm is part of the Sandvik Group and has developed from a traditional cutting tool manufacturer to one of the world's largest producers of solid carbide and high speed steel cutting tools. Their tools are used in cutting edge industries including the tooling designed specifically for cutting composite material in the aerospace sector.

Opened in 2009, the purpose-built facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park incorporates a state-of-the-art training suite and a major research and development facility - one of only four such facilities worldwide.

Rotherham is also home to the state-of-the-art Sandvik European Centre of Excellence (SECoE).

The 112,500 sq ft facility at Beighton Link Business Park became fully operational in early 2010. The £4m centre has brought together all the finish processing and supply management activities for the production of medical products from Sandvik's Sheffield facilities.

It has an area dedicated to rapid production and prototyping for the development and manufacture of orthopedic implants, instruments and medical material.

Sandvik website

Images: Sandvik

Read more...

News: Dormer expanding international operation in Rotherham

Dormer Tools International (DTI) has announced an expansion in its global operations with a strong emphasis on securing large export orders.

DTI, Dormer's commercial export-arm based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotehrham, will place more emphasis on delivering bigger volumes of its general purpose, solid carbide and high speed steel cutting tools to distributors, particularly across the Far East.

DTI sells more items than any other Dormer Tools location around the world, apart from the United States, and makes up a fifth in quantity of the group's overall global sales.

John Eustace, regional business area manager for DTI, said: "We have grown rapidly in recent years and our turnover has doubled compared with five years ago. To support our continued growth we will work with our extensive assortment of distributors to purchase Dormer products in large volume.

"In past years we have concentrated on supplying the high-end range of cutting tools. Our objective now is on providing multi-application tooling to allow distributors to again become "Kings of Stock" on a minimum range of products to focus their sales and promotional activity. This suits the market in the Far East and we are hopeful it will significantly increase turnover."

DTI has more than 250 distributors active in more than 40 markets around the world. Dormer sees the relationship with these contacts as vital to driving sales in key locations.

John added: "An important area is Singapore, which is a huge market for Dormer and a fantastic trading hub for key locations across the whole of the Far East region.

"Having a local presence in our target markets is very important. The distributors become the face of Dormer and manage all relationships on our behalf. They have a strong knowledge of their specific region, ensure a lean operation and can ensure the end-user receives the cutting tools they need to perform the job.

"Customers want good quality but they also want versatility and Dormer has a strong name and reputation around the world in providing good multi-application cutting tools. It is well known in the Far East because of the historic links we have in this part of the world.

"With our team of technical sales engineers we will be working with the distributors to exploit this further in the coming year, with partnerships being established in Vietnam and Hong Kong."

DTI is also keen to target other locations around the world with a new distributor gained in Turkey, while relationships are being made in Sub-Saharan African nations.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Collaboration is key to success for aerospace company

Dormer Tools in Rotherham has worked as part of successful collaboration to support a UK aerospace business in reducing its machine run time on a project by half.

The expertise of Dormer Tools, Heller Machine Tools and Open Mind has benefited Midland Aerospace in turning a 40-hour run time for a component to less than 20 hours.

Midland Aerospace was working on a high-end structural component for a leading aerospace organisation, but needed to make the project more efficient.

Eamon Lyons, managing director of Midland Aerospace, said: "The run time we previously had in creating the component was not acceptable and we needed to massively reduce it.

"After speaking with Heller Machine Tools at the Farnborough Air Show we quickly looked at how their new FT4000 5-axis machine could do the job for us.

"Together with the cuttings tools from Dormer and Open Mind's software, we were able to reduce the run time significantly. All three were true to their word and delivered on what they said could be achieved.

"By having the right machine, using the appropriate cutting tools and software to reduce the run time on this component has enabled us to win additional business to work on more projects. We look forward to working with them again in the future."

The component for Midland Aerospace was engineered at Dormer's productivity centre, within the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham. The facility is fast becoming a unique workshop with the capacity to meet a variety of machining needs.

Matt Johnson, applications engineer at Dormer Tools, added: "We have been very pleased to help Midland Aerospace reduce their run time on the component quite significantly. This is an example of how the collaboration of expertise we have developed in the productivity centre at Dormer can create a cost-effective return for businesses."

Dormer Tools and Sandvik Coromant are staging open days on July 5 and 6, where businesses from around the country can visit their fully serviced productivity centre at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

All of Dormer's partners will be in attendance at the open days including Heller Machine Tools, Kelch, Open Mind, Delcam, System3R, and Hexagon Metrology.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer open doors of Rotherham facility

Dormer Tools are hosting an open house event at their state-of-the-art facility in Rotherham.

The firm is part of Sweden's Sandvik Group and has developed from a traditional cutting tool manufacturer to one of the world's largest producers of solid carbide and high speed steel cutting tools. Their tools are used in cutting edge industries including the tooling designed specifically for cutting composite material in the aerospace sector.

The purpose-built facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park incorporates a state-of-the-art training suite and a major research and development facility - one of only four such facilities worldwide. Both areas have played a significant role in providing customers across the UK with the right cutting tools for their applications.

The open house event on July 5 & 6, will cover CAD/CAM Solutions, Tooling, Work Holding Automation, Machining, Measuring and Inspection.

The research and development centre of excellence is tasked with identifying, devising and delivering new products and machining solutions. Products are only created if there is a market need.

The centre uses the latest machinery and a recent addition is the Heller FT 4000 five-axis machining centre, one of the most powerful machines of its type. Dormer experts will showcase their latest milling technology by performing product demonstrations at the event.

John O'Donoghue, general manager at Dormer Tools, said: "The two open days will provide a perfect opportunity for people from across the country to view our new-look productivity centre.

"Visitors will be able to witness the capabilities of our latest cuttings tools, as well as the performance of some of the world's best machines – a partnership which we feel will offer significant benefits to a host of sectors."

Dormer believes its decision to place greater emphasis on training staff and customers on their products is leading to an upturn in the amount of tools being sold to blue chip organisations as well as small and medium sized enterprises.

Following the move to the AMP in Rotherham, the firm saw a significant increase in sales of more than 20 per cent for 2010, reaching the pre-recession levels of two years ago.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer Tools launch iPhone Apps

An iPhone App capable of calculating the exact diameter of drill required for precise thread-creation operations has been developed by Rotherham-based cutting tool specialist, Dormer Tools.

The "Dormer Tools Threadsize Calculator" has been designed by Dormer to help engineers and machinists quickly and accurately select the optimum drill diameter needed to create a thread.

Thomas Junfors, senior project manager at Dormer Tools, said: "When you want to create a screw thread using a tap, you first need to pre-drill the hole.

"There are formulae that can be used to calculate the recommended tapping drill diameter, but as there are numerous different types and standards of taps available, the recommended dimensions can vary, so it is crucial to get this right. The App takes the user through each of the various steps and factors to calculate the right diameter for you.

"The user inputs the size of their desired thread, selects the process and relevant standard and the calculator determines the correct drill size to use."

Unlike similar applications currently available, Dormer's Threadsize Calculator is free to download from the iTunes App store and is the first in a series of Apps set to be launched by Dormer.

A "Product Selector" App which will promote increased productivity and efficiency by giving users personalised advice on the best cutting tool and operating parameters is currently in development and is due to be launched in 2012.

Thomas said: "At Dormer we are committed to helping our customers carry out their machining processes in the most efficient way possible.

"We invest significantly in research and development at our Advanced Manufacturing Park base, so that we can share our expertise with industry partners and customers alike.

"This App and the Apps to come all fit in with that ethos. It's about selecting the right tool for the job in order to get the best results."

Dormer Tools website

Images: dormertools.com

Read more...

News: Dormer invest in Rotherham facility

Dormer Tools has made a significant investment at their productivity facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham with the installation of the state-of-the-art Heller machining centre.

The FT 4000 is one of the most powerful machines of its type and will ensure Dormer has the leading technology to offer first-class demonstrations for a wide range of engineering and manufacturing sectors.

This not only provides Dormer with the opportunity to demonstrate their significant product development but also allows Heller to showcase the power and flexibility of the machine.

Heller's impressive five-axis high-torque machining technology is already being used at Dormer by international organisations such as Bosch and Goodrich, where a number of projects are being undertaken and Heller continue to field a number of enquiries following a very successful Farnborough Airshow.

John O'Donoghue, general manager at Dormer Tools, said: "This is a considerable development for Dormer as it will further enhance our reputation of providing innovative solutions in milling, threading and drilling applications. It allows us to provide expert consultancy and the ability to validate cost savings and process efficiency in a state-of-the-art facility using Heller's excellent five-axis machining technology.

"Bringing a world-leader such as Heller on board will provide Dormer with the machining capabilities to demonstrate how successful our cuttings tools can be. The F Series' qualities render it ideal for use across a wide spectrum of industries, including automotive and aerospace.

"It is a perfect partnership at the perfect time, allowing us to penetrate the market with our latest milling technology by performing product demonstrations on one of the most powerful machines of its type."

Geoff Lloyd, managing director of Heller, added: "We have a number of demonstration machines across Europe, but we have chosen the Dormer facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park as the key location to house our UK machine."

Dormer website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer shapes the future of engineering

Leading engineering firm, Dormer Tools, is helping to shape the future of the industry by introducing the next level of its technical training programme.

Dormer currently offers engineering companies a series of expert training opportunities from their state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Park facility in Rotherham.

The level one training programme - "An Introduction to Cutting Tools" has successfully trained more than 700 people since its launch in 2009.

Level two of the training is set to begin in mid-March and will focus on tool selection, machining strategies and live machining demonstrations.

James Butler, technical sales engineer at Dormer, said: "Our new level two training programme is more advanced than the introduction to cutting tools course. It will give trainees the chance to learn new machining techniques.

"They will be given an actual component and asked to devise the most productive way to manufacture the product.

"After deciding on the best procedure, selecting the right Dormer tools and inputting the machining data, the process is then carried out virtually using the latest CAD/CAM system - allowing the trainee to see how it works before machining takes place."

During the one day course, trainees will also be shown the different machining strategies used by Dormer, giving them the chance to draw on the company's expertise and pick up new methods for use with their customers.

James said: "Once the training has been completed, companies can visit their clients and offer them new machining techniques which can be delivered either by themselves or by the team here at Dormer."

Engineering supply company, MSC/J&L Industrial Supply is first in line to undergo the new training programme, having completed the Introduction to Cutting Tools course with Dormer in 2009.

Denise Clark, Training Manager at MSC/J&L said: "As a company, we are committed to training and constantly developing the skills of our workforce and Dormer has played a major role in this.

"We have a close working relationship with Dormer and the level one training was invaluable, so we can't wait to get started on the next stage."

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Advances in machining

AEM Yorkshire are hosting an event this month that will bring together some of the leading exponents in the field of machining in the advanced engineering and materials sector.

The AEM Yorkshire Network was established in January 2010 and is run by NAMTEC (National Metals Technology Centre) in Rotherham. The network is a membership body that is aimed at companies and agencies involved in research and development and provides access to well researched information and insights into emerging technologies and markets.

The event includes representatives from leading organisations such as BAE Systems, Messier Dowty and Rolls Royce discussing their activities and view of future machining technologies, and from leading machine and machine tools suppliers such as Mazak, Dormer Tools and Sandvik Coromant.

Representatives from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in Rotherham will discuss the latest technical development and the assistance they can offer and representatives from the University of Huddersfield's Centre for Precision Technologies will cover the latest advances in machining accuracy and measurement.

The event takes place on January 27 at Mid Yorkshire Golf Club, Pontefract.

AEM Yorkshire website

Read more...

News: Dormer Tools sees better than expected results

Dormer Tools is enjoying better than expected results two years after moving to their facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

The firm is part of Sweden's Sandvik Group and has seen a significant increase in sales of more than 20 per cent for 2010 and is likely to achieve pre-recession levels of two years ago.

Dormer's premises at the AMP incorporate a state-of-the-art training suite and a major research and development facility - one of only four such facilities worldwide. Both areas have played a significant role in providing customers across the UK with the right cutting tools for their applications.

Dormer believes its decision to place greater emphasis on training staff and customers on their products is leading to an upturn in the amount of tools being sold to blue chip organisations as well as small and medium sized enterprises.

The increase has also been supported with the recent launch of new a branding strategy for its high performance tools - Spectrum and Elect - which simplifies the decision making process for Dormer’s client base.

Chris Herring, business development manager at Dormer Tools, said: "We have seen a significant increase in the amount of high performance tooling being sold during 2010. It is a case that we are not only selling more products, but we are selling more of the right products.

"A couple of years ago we re-wrote our strategy to shift more focus onto research and development and training to handle any effects of the recession. Since moving to the AMP we have underlined the importance of customer's application requirements and we are now starting to see the benefits.

"Our research and development centre of excellence is tasked with identifying, devising and delivering new products and machining solutions. Products are only created if there is a market need.

"As soon as a product is launched we provide an extensive amount of training for our national sales staff and distributors to help them identify what products to sell to what customers.

"Increasing their knowledge and understanding of the machining process has enabled them to identify the optimum product for each customer's requirement. This has then lead to positive results for the client, building Dormer's reputation as an expert supplier."

Dormer's export team are also based on the park and supply markets in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: AMF at the cutting edge

The Advanced Manufacturing Forum returns in December with an exclusive look at cutting tools and supplies for exotic and difficult-to-machine materials.

The AMF is the technology network for manufacturing businesses and run by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing. The regular AMF events cover a range of topics of relevance to manufacturing businesses, offering insight into current and emerging technologies and supply chain issues.

Hosted by Dormer Tools on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, the next event will show how cutting tool companies and suppliers are innovating to improve the performance and increase the life of their products.

Leading companies in the aerospace, defence, medical and energy markets are increasingly demanding difficult-to-cut materials such as titanium and nickel alloys and carbon-fibre composites. This presents new technology challenges to their manufacturing suppliers and tool providers.

Working closely with specialists at the forefront of technology, Dormer has acquired valuable, in-depth expertise in the field of aerospace component machining. Partnerships with leading universities and research centres around the world have provided a unique perspective into the latest technologies and processes.

Dormer's cutting tools are designed to be used in aerospace applications where superior performance and quality are demanded, often in the drilling of rivet holes. Ricky Payling, Dormer's key account manager, aerospace and composites, explains: "This is the most common aircraft manufacturing procedure and is typically undertaken in a number of steps.

"Dormer's rivet drills, have, however, been designed to promote precise, "one-shot" drilling of countersunk holes, enabling significant cost-per-hole benefits through increased tool life and productivity."

The event is on Tuesday December 7 and other speakers include Sandvik Coromant, Technicut, Nikken Kosakusho, and Houghton.

AMF website
Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer's challenge reaches £250,000 milestone

Dormer Tools has helped engineering companies across the country save more than a quarter of a million pounds as part of its "Value Challenge" initiative.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, the business has been inviting firms to challenge them to save significant amounts of money and time by offering cost-effective cutting tools and machining solutions.

Since the challenge was launched in February 2010, more than £250,000-worth of savings have been made and following the success of the UK challenge it has now been rolled out by Dormer's global partners in Europe and America.

Geoff Robinson, sales engineer at Dormer Tools, said: "The challenge is an opportunity to showcase to customers that using Dormer's tools can really help them make a significant cost saving. Instead of buying cheaper tools the client is buying better quality tools which are assisting them to manufacture their products at a lower cost.

"There is a lot of money being put into research and development to improve the tools Dormer are developing to make them better than anyone else. The type of coatings, design and joining can enable a tool to run faster and harder reducing the cycle time, which is one of the biggest costs in manufacturing.

"We've had some great successes with one of the best being a saving of £54,000 for just one customer during a year's manufacturing. The company produced wind turbine slewing rings and used a solid carbide deep hole drill from Dormer, reducing the cycle time for one ring by two hours.

"The machines which the rings go on are very large and very expensive, with a cost of around £90 per hour during manufacture. So a £180 saving per ring, with 30 rings per month needing to be produced, adds to a significant cost saving for the client."

By conducting a machining audit for their customer's Dormer can compare the productivity, time and cost of a competitor's product, Dormer can work out how much more efficient their tools have been for the company over a certain period of time.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Dormer Tools showcase latest advances in composites machining

Rotherham-based Dormer Tools will be showcasing the latest advances in the field of composites machining this month, at an event for the UK's rapidly developing and expanding composites design and production engineering community.


Composites are used in a wide spectrum of industry sectors, including aerospace, motorsport, transportation, marine, medical, construction, oil & gas, telecoms and consumer products.

The Composites Engineering Show will feature product and process applications for different types of composite including fibre reinforced polymers, metal matrix, ceramic matrix and carbon composites.

From their UK headquarters at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, engineers from Dormer Tools are working with customers not just throughout the UK and Europe but all over the world to develop a variety of tooling solutions for a wide range of composite machining needs.

Typical customers for Dormer include not just leading manufacturers of commercial aircraft but also companies involved in the construction of luxury yachts and production of satellites.

Ricky Payling, Dormer's European key account manager for aerospace and composites, has spearheaded the company’s growing reputation in this field.

Ricky said: "The research technology centre housed at our UK headquarters has enabled Dormer to gain a unique insight into the properties and machining characteristics of composite materials, which can differ greatly from application to application.

"Consequently, our tooling solutions can be tailored to each individual application. This is where our substantial knowledge and experience of composites really counts."

In recent weeks Dormer has showcased their expertise in aerospace and composites machining at key industry events, such as MACH 2010 and the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA).

Dormer will be at the Composites Engineering Show held at the NEC from September 29 - 30 2010. Co-located with Aero Engineering 2010, this will showcase partners and suppliers supporting the UK aerospace engineering industry - the second largest in the world.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Ollie inspires engineer's epic charity bike ride

An energetic engineer from Dormer Tools in Rotherham is embarking on a marathon bike ride across the UK, in aid of a family friend's son who was diagnosed with leukaemia at just four-years-old.

Ian Goffey, technical sales engineer at Dormer Tools, is cycling more than 950 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats to raise money for the children's cancer charity - CLIC Sargent.

Ian said: "When our friends' son Oliver was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2009, it was a huge shock for everyone.

"His parents were obviously devastated, but they really pulled together as a family and continued to make life as normal as possible for their eldest son Alex, despite experiencing every parent's worst nightmare.

"Seeing the strength and courage they have held throughout and how little Ollie has coped so well with the disease has been a huge inspiration, but they couldn't have done it without the invaluable help of CLIC Sargent."

The charity provided Ollie's parents with emotional, financial and practical support - offering accommodation and transport to and from the hospital where Ollie underwent chemotherapy.

Starting on 28 September, Ian will be cycling 80-100 miles a day, arriving in John O'Groats on 10 October.

"It's certainly going to be a challenge," said Ian, "but I'll be thinking of all the good work that the CLIC Sargent team will be able to do with the funds I have raised.

"I'd like to say a special thank you to all my colleagues at Dormer Tools Ltd, customers and my own family and friends for all their help and support to date with my challenge."

Adele Robertson, CLIC Sargent Regional Fundraising Manager, says: "Individual efforts like this really help to highlight the emotional, financial and practical support that CLIC Sargent offer children and young people with cancer, and their families.

"Our work really relies on fundraising initiatives such as this and we want to say a big thank you to Ian and everyone involved in the Lands End to John O'Groats cycle. Best of luck!"

To sponsor Ian, visit his Just Giving page at: http://www.justgiving.com/cycleforclic

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...