After completing two years with British Turntable under the Knowledge Transfer Scheme (KTP) supported by the University of Bolton, Craig Wright has been appointed to a permanent position within the company as Technical Engineer.
Craig's KTP project has been to integrate British Turntable's air bearing and turntable technologies research and development programme. As a result he has been instrumental in developing hand operated towing vehicles for Texkimp, a textiles machinery manufacturer, and a range of vehicles for the movement of aero engines.
John Entwistle, Managing Director of British Turntable, explains: "Our involvement with air bearing technology was increased just over two years ago when we bought the business assets of Hovair Systems, a company well-known world wide for this type of technology.
"Air bearing technology effectively involves floating heavy loads on a cushion of air so that they can be moved about manually with very little effort. In the past heavy machinery has been moved around with fixed overhead cranes or fork-lift trucks, however these methods of moving often result in significant and expensive damage to valuable equipment. Using air film technology can bring significant savings in production costs as well as reducing the risk of accident with equipment and personnel.
"Craig's work in this field, with the support of the University, means we can now offer a cost-effective and more versatile alternative to traditional methods of moving heavy loads."
Says the University of Bolton's Director of Academic Enterprise, Professor Danny Morton: "Through the KTP scheme the University of Bolton provides opportunities for companies to take a graduate on a two year project. The company has access to the university's resources and a leading academic professional to support and visit the company weekly. Projects can include marketing, e-business product development and technology.
"Craig, a masters graduate, has completed some excellent work at British Turntable as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate, work which has proven to be of significant value to the company partner, increasing both their turnover and profitability.
"The University's role has been to support Craig and his company in establishing a new product range for the movement of heavy industrial equipment using air bearing technology. The University has helped refine design processes and implement the latest software tools for advanced design and manufacture.
"It is a tribute to the success of the scheme that British Turntable has decided to retain him on a permanent basis."
Under the government-funded scheme the University, as an accredited KTP provider, employs graduates to work within local businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of the knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. Projects are defined by the company and benefit from strict project management to ensure completion. The average scheme increases growth in both sales and profitability.
Craig Wright's appointment to Technical Engineer at British Turntable has enabled the company to develop a more extensive range of air film moving equipment such as this remote controlled transporter, which is capable of lifting and moving five tonne weights.
British Turntable Co has been developing and manufacturing movement solutions for a wide range of industries since 1959 and exports to more than 120 countries world wide.
In 2004 the company bought Hovair Systems to strengthen its position in air film movement technology and in 2005 acquired the business of Cawley Marine Industrial, including exclusive distribution rights for Jung lifting equipment in the UK.
The company has also developed products for the consumer, including the MAT motorcycle turntable, the manually operated DriveAway domestic driveway turntable and a range of powered units that can be customised to meet individual needs.
Typical industrial and commercial applications include retail display units, revolving stages for nightclubs and other leisure markets, car revolves to solve inner-city parking problems, HGV access turntables, materials handling carousels, transporters and lifting equipment, and large revolves capable of carrying a military tank or an aeroplane. A hire service is available on many units.
Customers include major high street names including the famous London stores, Harrods and Hamleys, a wide range of independent retailers, world renowned museums and heritage centres, exhibition contractors, TV and film companies, government agencies, national standard test laboratories, multi-national organisations and all the major car manufacturers world wide.
British Turntable is accredited to BS EN ISO 9001: 2000.
The University of Bolton is a Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) provider. KTPs are funded by Government organisations led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). They are Europe's leading programme helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base.
Training for the KTP Associate while completing a scheme can be at MPhil or Masters degree level.
The University is a practical solution provider and a national award winner for knowledge transfer services to industry. www.british.turntable.co.uk