Product category:
Metals processing plant and equipment
News Release from: Rautomead International | Subject: Copper rod continuous casting machine
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 September 2006
Second copper rod continuous caster
added
A second 6,000 tonne capacity copper rod casting machine in Bulgaria provides the company with a 12,000 tonnes-per-annum total production capability and a dual-machine layout.
UK-based continuous casting technology specialists, Rautomead, have installed a second 6,000 tonne capacity copper rod casting machine at Cablecommerce, Bulgaria, providing the company with a 12,000 tonnes/year total production capability and the 'peace-of-mind' of a dual-machine layout Described by Rautomead chairman, Sir Michael Nairn, as being: "among the best managed of all Rautomead installations around the world," what is perhaps most fascinating about this contract is that, until recently, Cablecommerce had no previous experience of copper rod manufacturing
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 3 Dec 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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* Embracing new technologies - a perfect example of Rautomead's ongoing commitment to assist organisations of all sizes in their wish to embrace new opportunities and technologies, the Cablecommerce story is the result of an unusual combination of personal vision and commitment - one that has led to the establishment of an outstandingly successful 12,000 tonne capacity copper wire rod plant in Sevlievo, Bulgaria.
It was in the summer of 2004 that Mr and Mrs Damian Balabanova, directors of Cablecommerce, Bulgaria, first met Sir Michael Nairn, chairman of Rautomead, Scotland.
Stocking and distributing a comprehensive range of conductor cables and accessories for the Bulgarian market, with warehouses in all the major industrial centres of the country, the Balabanovas' vision was to extend the already successful Cablecommerce cable distribution business to include the production of 8mm copper wire rod, all of which had previously been imported into Bulgaria.
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Cablecommerce products are sourced not only in Bulgaria itself, but also in several surrounding countries, including Turkey, Greece, Poland, Austria, Spain and Germany.
All products stocked conform to accepted national and international standards, with a preference for the German DIN standard.
* Shared vision - as Rautomead specialises in the technology of continuous casting of copper wire rod - and through offering small to medium-scale plants the capability for production of the highest quality oxygen-free rod - it became quickly apparent that Cablecommerce and Rautomead shared a common commitment and approach to business which made the two companies natural partners.
After a full appraisal of Cablecommerce's requirements, the first 6,000 tonnes copper rod casting machine was supplied in late 2004, together with a cooling water system, emergency power supply, fume extraction and quality control equipment.
Rautomead engineers then commissioned the machine in January/February 2005 and provided training to Cablecommerce staff in the operation and maintenance of the equipment.
Cathode was sourced from the Pirdop refinery, some 70km from the location of the plant at Sevlievo.
* Second Rautomead machine - as Cablecommerce-produced oxygen-free copper wire rod was introduced to customers in the Bulgarian market, Rautomead wire drawing specialist, David Bluck, accompanied Cablecommerce commercial staff in visiting customers and in giving advice on wire drawing techniques to obtain the best results from the new product.
Quality of the rod proved to be excellent and consistent to the point where, in October 2005, Cablecommerce placed their order for a second identical rod machine.
This was supplied in April 2006 and commissioned by Rautomead engineers in June 2006.
With an experienced staff, familiar with the technology, the new machine went into full production within four weeks of delivery and now gives Cablecommerce a capacity of 12,000 tonnes per year, as well as the security of a two-machine layout.
As part of their continuing service to Cablecommerce, Rautomead is providing advice on alternative sources of cathode and on export opportunities for Cablecommerce wire rod in countries where Rautomead is active, as well as strategic advice on ways in which the business could be further expanded.
* Diversification into manufacturing - commenting on her company's ongoing relationship with Rautomead, Rositza Balabanova, chairman of Cablecommerce, said, "Until recently, our business had been as a distributor of cable products.
Diversification into manufacture of copper wire rod was a major strategic step for our company and the introduction to Rautomead has proved to be fortuitous indeed.
In the initial stages, we relied heavily on their support and advice and the success we have achieved has been very much through the joint efforts of Rautomead and our own dedicated staff." * Market penetration - continued Balabanova, "I have no doubt that we made the right decision to go for a relatively small 6,000 tonnes capacity machine in the first instance, as we learned about this new technology.
Now, with two identical machines - and the confidence of eighteen months good performance - we have the flexibility and the confidence to extend our market penetration both in Bulgaria and neighbouring countries." * Best business practice - Sir Michael Nairn, said: "The development of our relationship with Cablecommerce provides an excellent example of best business practice.
For us, the two principle challenges were that this was to be the first installation of an oxygen-free copper wire rod plant in Bulgaria and second, that the company itself had no previous experience in manufacturing.
Working closely together, and with shared objectives and values, we are delighted that the Cablecommerce plant is now among the best managed of all Rautomead installations around the world.".
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