On Tuesday 2nd April Ryobi Aluminium Casting UK Ltd had the pleasure of hosting a technical visit and AGM for the Northern Ireland region of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Over thirty members of the institution, including key members of the local committee, attended the visit. Employees from local businesses and academic establishments including Bombardier, Randox, Montupet, Ulster University and Queens University Belfast were in attendance at the event.
The evening began with an address from the Chair of the regional committee, Patrick Kelly. In his speech he highlighted the activities in the local region over the past year including space engineering, built environment, aerospace manufacturing, diversity in engineering and automotive events.
After the AGM activities Paul Davidson, Ryobi Design Manager, gave a presentation about the Ryobi Group and the work done at Ryobi Aluminium Casting UK Ltd. The history of the group was discussed along with the worldwide presence and capabilities. The range of products produced at Ryobi Aluminium Casting UK Ltd was showcased followed by a brief description of the manufacturing process and a design case study.
The final event of the evening was a factory tour. Stafford Doran, Large Castings Manufacturing Manager, led the group on a plant tour with a focus on the engine block production. The tour included casting, finishing, machining, shipping, die maintenance and Quality.
The attendees were impressed with the high volume production at Ryobi Aluminium Casting UK Ltd with numerous comments being made about the technology and level of automation involved in the process.