When a client approached Kenward to ask if we could manufacture some replacement gears for a 1930s Vauxhall Cadet Grosvenor, similar to the model above, we were delighted to help. Our engineers have produced precision components for classic and vintage vehicles for many years and work began this week on replacing the worn out gears, right, with a reverse-engineered new set. Most of our team will be involved: Ryan in gear cutting, Eric in grinding, and Dave in turning and milling. Heat treatment will be followed by a final grinding. Internal splines are also to be cut in a job that we trust will bring satisfaction to the proud owner of a fine piece of motoring history.
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The UK has a long and proud heritage as a leading manufacturer of high quality machine tools. Many of these machines are still in use all over the world.
Because of the decline in machine tool manufacturing in this country over the last 50 years, replacement components are often no longer available from the original manufacturer. However, with over 40 years experience in producing high quality precision engineered components, Kenward can manufacture almost any machine tool component from samples or drawings to enable the operator to get the machine back to full working order, thus minimising valuable downtime. We also produce or repair worn out or broken components from production or processing machinery, again reducing production downtime. These components include gears and drive shafts, rollers, various stems, traction and collars. Items we regularly work on include: • Lathes • Milling machines • Grinding machines • Planing machines • Drilling machines • Saws Work has started on an order for precision components which will be fitted to a major sub-marine oil installation. The stem-like components and connectors are destined for under-sea actuators in the oil and gas industry, so quality and reliability is of paramount importance. The work involves precision turning and grinding of the components which are supplied to us part-manufactured. Kenward Precision Engineering has worked with suppliers to the oil and gas industry for many years and built a strong reputation for quality, reliability and on-time delivery. Huddersfield-based Kenward Precision Engineering is to set on a number of apprentices to secure the continuity of the business. It is likely that up to four apprentices from the engineering department at Kirklees College, Huddersfield, will be taken on over the next two or three years Director Graham Sykes said: “As our current skilled workforce ages, it is vital that we invest in replacing their highly developed skill sets to ensure the future of the business and to retain our reputation for the excellent work we produce.” Kirklees college’s £7.5 million state-of-the-art specialist engineering centre at Turnbridge includes maintenance and fabrication workshops, CNC and mechanical workshops and facilities for teaching the most up-to-date engineering practices. Acting Principal June Durrant said: “Kirklees College is delighted to be working with Kenward Precision Engineering and hope that this will be a long and productive partnership. “We echo the comments of Graham Sykes about the crucial role Apprenticeships play in providing a highly skilled workforce which is specific to the needs of each employer. “As the largest sole provider of Apprenticeships in the area we work hard to promote their value to both young people and their parents, examples of best practice from companies like Kenward Precision Engineering really help to spread the message. “The college believes it is important not to lose sight of the personal touch which makes our provision so successful.” |