Busy
engineering firm Thompson has refurbished its assembly hall as part of the
latest phase of a substantial investment programme during its 50th anniversary
year.
The friction welding machine manufacturer has updated the 650 sq m premises in response to strong demand for its equipment from overseas component makers.
Thompsons engineering team is currently building a number of machines at the Halesowen-based facility for customers in China and the USA where they will be used to join vehicle parts.
The firm, which marked the 50th anniversary of its first-ever friction weld with a special party earlier this year, has also produced probably the worlds largest direct drive friction welding machine.
The 400t model 100 tonnes more powerful than its previous biggest model has been installed at Caterpillars US plant in South Carolina.
Thompson has also added new features to its range of machines for welding components including drill pipes, piston rods and truck axles.
The company will be bidding for more new business when it exhibits at the Aero Engineering Show at Birminghams NEC from November 12-13 and North Americas largest metal forming and welding show, Fabtech, from November 18-21.