Experts in flue and chimney systems
The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises have highlighted the vulnerabilities of relying heavily on international supply chains. Many businesses have faced challenges due to shipping delays, shortages of raw materials, and other logistical issues. In such times, having a reliable UK-based factory with well-stocked inventory can indeed provide a strategic advantage.
Here are some reasons why:
Reduced dependency on international supply chains
By having a factory located within the UK, businesses can reduce their dependency on overseas suppliers and shipping routes. This minimizes the risk of disruptions caused by global events such as pandemics, natural disasters, or geopolitical tensions.
Faster response times
- A local factory can respond more quickly to changes in demand or supply chain disruptions. With shorter lead times for production and distribution, businesses can adapt more efficiently to market fluctuations and customer needs.
Improved quality control
- Being closer to the production facility allows for better oversight and control over the manufacturing process. This can lead to higher quality products and fewer defects, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
Support for the local economy
- Investing in local manufacturing contributes to the growth and resilience of the domestic economy. It creates jobs, stimulates economic activity, and fosters innovation within the region.
Environmental benefits
- Shorter supply chains typically result in lower carbon emissions associated with transportation. Producing goods locally reduces the carbon footprint of the supply chain and supports sustainability goals.
Strategic flexibility
- Having a well-stocked factory in the UK provides businesses with greater flexibility and agility in responding to changing market conditions. They can quickly ramp up production, customize products, or pivot to new opportunities as needed.
Overall, establishing a reliable UK-based factory with ample stock can enhance resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability for businesses facing global uncertainties. It allows them to mitigate risks associated with international supply chains while capitalizing on the benefits of local production.
Schiedel’s factory in Washington, Tyne & Wear was originally established in the late 60’s as Rite-Vent, who are still a renowned name within the industry and experts in the UK steel tubing manufacturing industry.
Schiedel have subsequently invested in the factory, culminating in a massive turnaround and receiving a set of BMI World Class Status Awards for 5 years running. Out of 120 plants, only 3 (including Washington) have been awarded World Class Status, which means that Schiedel Chimney Systems in Washington are now one of the plants held up as an example to others on how to maximise efficiency.
This means that the extra investment into the plant was rewarded with advanced machines such as the flexible tubing machine.
Paint plant
Whether it’s for a component steel tube or residential chimney flue to match the aesthetics of a new stove and interior, or even a major commercial project, the Paint Plant can handle almost any size and diameter, with a superb high temperature finish.
The impressive paint plant which can quickly paint and dry all the Schiedel range of steel tubing and components.
The process is quite straightforward in that the components are prepped, sprayed and rapidly heat dried and finished within a matter of minutes. Key features of the Paint Plant include:
- Fast colour change
- Automatic gun cleaning
- High efficiency powder recovery system (99%)
- Automatic OptiGuns means more paint on product less in the recovery system
- Automatic electronic control of guns with pre-set programs
- Reciprocating system and control ensuring uniform coating.
Different diameter pipes with no additional setup or tooling
The Weil Flexistar machine is a cutting-edge technology machine, which rapidly produces steel tubing with minimal manual labour.
The Weil Flexistar machine located in the Washington, Tyne & Wear factory.
The machine can take sheets of steel and produce steel tubes within seconds.
The great advantage of the Flexistar is that no additional setup or tooling is required when changing diameter to produce piping.
This production line combined with a dedicated Paint Plant, located in Schiedel Chimney Systems’ factory means that steel tubing can be finished in any colour to match customer aesthetics using standard colour matching swatches and test samples.
Double former
The double forming system allows both tube ends to be formed within one run. This drastically improves efficiency time. This can also use different tube diameters and sizes. The efficiencies include:
- Reduce skill requirements
- Reduce set-ups
- Reduces costed cycle time
Laser cutter
Other facilities within the factory include laser cutting, which is a technology that uses a laser beam to cut materials
The process is where the high-power laser is directed to the material and burns and cuts away the required area, with a high-quality surface finish.
The machine at Schiedel can cut varying maximum thicknesses. It’s a closed machine, with the laser unit, safely integrated within.
The quality is excellent, and the speed is rapid. Our machine works on the detailed cutting of parts, such as ventilation gaps in our firestop plates for example
- State of the art fibre laser 2D technology
- Capable of cutting various metals from s/s to galvanised steel
- In-house engineering team can convert external drawings to laser programmes
- Fast track capabilities
- Non-chimney related opportunities
- Technology available in our 3 key plants