Innovation
Modernising Our Manufacturing: How the Index MS24-6 Lathe Is Driving Kingfisher Lubrication Forward
In the precision manufacturing business, keeping ahead of the curve is all about adopting technology that can boost quality, efficiency, and adaptability. Here at Kingfisher (Lubrication) Limited, we’re taking an important step toward modernisation with the purchase of the Index MS24-6 multi-spindle automatic lathe, combined with the Index MBL 4.3m rack-loaded bar loader. This new machinery enhances our current capabilities and positions us perfectly to expand into new markets and develop additional product lines.
Here is how this exciting investment will enable us to adopt more efficient and advanced manufacturing operations.
Efficiency Improvement in Grease Fitting Production
The Index MS24-6 multi-spindle lathe provide us with increased capability and capacity of high-precision, high-reliability grease fitting production. Allowing simultaneous machining of a number of spindles, we see a dramatic reduction in cycle times when compared to using a single-spindle lathe. The increase in speed allows for the production of more units in less time and is, therefore, a key output of meeting high demand or tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
The MBL 4.3m rack-loaded bar loader adds another level of efficiency by automating the long bars’ loading and cutting down manual work. This saves our skilled machinists a lot of time, which is dedicated to controlling quality, and simultaneously allows us to run more smoothly and consistently throughout the day. Coupled with the lathe, the bar feeder is driving up our throughput while keeping quality at the centre of our manufacturing processes.
The Index MS24-6 Lathe is the latest addition to the machine shop at Kingfisher.
Ensuring Consistent Quality
The MS24-6 will bring even greater consistency to our production; with multiple spindles working in tandem, we can eliminate transferring components from one machine to another, reducing the possibility of errors or defects. Each spindle can perform different operations, meaning we can produce fully finished components in one run.
This allows us to meet our high-quality standards for grease fittings while further strengthening our reputation for reliability.
For us, a reputation for excellence is a must, particularly in industries, like aerospace and agriculture, where fitted products are required to be very precise and durable. The Index MS24-6, with features such as high-precision tool holders and advanced control systems, enables us to produce the kind of high-quality products our customers rely on with even greater accuracy and precision.
Meeting Customer Needs Faster Through Reduced Lead Times
With the shorter cycle times and automated material loading, we aim to reduce the lead times of manufacturing grease fittings. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver a high-quality product quickly to our loyal customers. However, this addition to our machine shop strengthens our ability to do so. This way, we are able to satisfy the demand of our customers quicker and build stronger, more longer-lasting relationships. It means we can also handle bigger orders without affecting the turnaround time, keeping our customers happy and strengthening our partnerships moving forward.
Inside the Index MS24-6.
Exploring New Markets with a Versatile Tool
While the MS24-6 is ideal for grease fittings, it’s also versatile enough to produce a wide range of precision components. With this flexibility, we’re now able to explore additional product lines and look at entering industries such as aerospace, agriculture, and transportation, all of which require high-quality, precision-manufactured parts.
Future-Proofing Our Manufacturing
Investing in the latest manufacturing technology isn’t just about immediate benefits; it’s about setting ourselves up for the future. The Index MS24-6 gives us the flexibility to integrate future upgrades and adapt as market demands change. This equipment is a valuable part of our long-term strategy to stay competitive, agile, and ready to grow. In summary, the Index MS24-6 multi-spindle lathe, combined with the MBL 4.3m bar loader on our shop floor, is bridging Kingfisher into a new era. It adds efficiency, further tightens quality control, and opens up possibilities for diversification into new and existing markets. In the coming years of growth, this modernisation will be one of the key initiatives that will help us take care of business, open new opportunities, and forge lasting success with our customers.
View our full range of grease fittings and lubrication components here.
Sustainability
Sustainable Innovations: Solar Panels
It has been a monumental few months at Kingfisher as far as innovation is concerned. In addition to the arrival of our brand-new Index MS22 machine, we have had solar panels installed in recent months.
As a manufacturing business in Leeds, our green and sustainability credentials are massively important to us and present a major opportunity to establish ourselves as a leader in sustainable manufacturing within our market. That is why we have taken steps, like installing solar panels, to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our energy efficiency by adopting renewable energy
What will Solar Panels provide for Kingfisher?
In partnership with Heatsource Direct, we were able to install a high-quality solar system which has been built to last. Not only have we future-proofed with a new major energy source for our business; we have taken advantage of the opportunity to reduce our carbon output by operating with renewable energy generation.
Longer-term – the solar panels will make our manufacturing processes more efficient and cost-effective with less non-renewable energy required to power our intensive line of manufacturing machinery. Eventually, this will enable us to pass on these reduced manufacturing costs to our loyal customers due to our reduced energy usage.
Helen Thornley, Financial Director at Kingfisher Lubrication, said: “We’re well aware of the need for the manufacturing industry to lower its carbon footprint and we have been working hard to bring down our emissions where we can, with solar energy high on our green wish list. So, to have completed this project and improve our sustainability credentials is really pleasing.”
This innovation would not have been possible without the support and expertise of the team at Heatsource Direct. If you would like to find out more about their offerings, you can visit their website here.
How much energy will we save?
In the peak summer months, when we experience the joys of the Great British summertime, we will be able to generate enough energy from the sun to power up to 30% of our manufacturing efforts. This is a major boost for us as a business, as we make a concerted effort to increase our efficiency and reduce our wastage within the way we manufacture our products. Not to forget, this has major cost-saving benefits with the astronomical rises of energy in recent months.
Sustainability at Kingfisher
We pride ourselves on adopting sustainable processes within our business. The need for sustainability within the manufacturing industry is paramount and our eventual goal is to be an industry leader in the adoption of green processes. We have already taken key major steps, like installing solar panels, on our journey to be a sustainable manufacturer but we are also aware of how much work there is left to do for us as a business and the industry as a whole.
Some of the other sustainable initiatives we have adopted to date include:
– Recycling up to 92% of our manufacturing waste
– Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting across our manufacturing and office spaces
– Innovation and streamlining of internal processes with the ultimate goal of being paper-free
You can find out more information about our commitment to sustainability on our environmental policy page here.
