CAM is effective in the factory and on the track

Having seen the effect NC programming and manufacturing management systems had in streamlined the performance a business owner applied it to motorcycle racing.

Speed and accuracy are vital to Martin Sharpe.

Not only are they at the heart of his success as a motorcycle road racer; but are also crucial to the competitiveness of the 'Black Country' joinery company that carries his name.

Having seen for himself the effect alphacam and alphacim NC programming and manufacturing management systems had in streamlined the performance of his business operations, it was no surprise that he should approach the software's developers to support his challenge in the closely-contested UK Clubman's Formula 600 motorcycle championship.

Despite being one of the oldest competitors in the series and starting his 2004 campaign mid-season, the former winner of the Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix quickly established himself at the front of the field.

What is more, he has continued to build on his success during this year's 16-round race series, to finish the 2005 championship in 5th place overall.

"Alphacam seemed to be the ideal sponsorship partner," says Martin.

"Since its installation, the software has enabled us to increase our productivity dramatically; supporting other business investments such as our SCM Ergon twin headed routers and state-of-the-art Burckle automatic vinyl presses".

"In addition, the decision to install alphacim manufacturing software - which has been developed specifically for order-based woodworking and joinery operations like ours - has enabled the full potential of our production facilities to be realised.

As a result, our company has continued to thrive in what continues to be an extremely competitive market sector.

Likewise, alphacam's sponsorship helps me to get the best from my bike in the Clubman's championship, enabling me to maintain my position at the front of the pack here too," he adds.

Commenting on the sponsorship agreement, alphacam's marketing manager, Emma Tyreman said: "We are delighted to have been able to support Martin's efforts again this season".

"It is clear that alphacam helps him to 'cut it' just as well in business as it does on the race track." * About Martin Sharpe (Midlands) - during the past quarter of a century, Brierley Hill based MS (Midlands) has evolved into a technology-led manufacturer of high quality, bespoke vinyl-wrapped doors and panels for home office, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom applications.

With ongoing investment in purpose-built machines and state-of-the-art CNC software, Martin Sharpe's products are characterised by clean crisp edges and high quality, accurate profiles in a wide range of finishes.

* About alphacam - alphacam, along with radan, jobshop and cabinet vision, are principal brands of Planit Holdings.

The organisation's product range encompasses design to manufacturing applications and Enterprise Resource Planning software solutions for companies operating throughout the metal, woodworking, stone and sheet metal manufacturing sector.

In addition, Planit International offers leading retail design software.

The group is a multi-million pound global business, with operations in Europe, the Americas, Taiwan and Japan, as well as a network of approved distributors and dealers throughout North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, South Africa and the Pacific Rim.

(Note, in the UK, the 'Black Country' - so named after 18th/19th century ironworking causing the area being soot-covered - is the West Midlands between Birmingham and Wolverhampton - Ed.).

Back to top