Insight

Arconic is a global technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing leader. Its fastening systems business manufactures high-tech, multi-material fastening systems and installation tools for markets including aerospace, automotive, commercial transportation and industrial equipment.

Since 1985, Arconic Fastening Systems’ Telford operations has been manufacturing blind fasteners and HuckBolt® fasteners from 4.8mm up to 32mm. Here, we speak to Jonathan Craven, operations director, about how the facility continually provides high-quality products to its tier 1 and OEM customers.

“Quality is built into our processes. From resourcing materials to in-house and external processing, verification and valuation are imperative before products are shipped to our customers. By understanding our customers’ expectations, we offer process stability and consistency 365 days a year,” comments Jonathan.

“Arconic Fastening Systems is committed to providing customers with superior quality products, tools and services, and we help create better performing industrial products, from consumer electronics to circuitry and machinery,” adds Tom Langford, quality manager at the Arconic Telford operations. “Recent new accreditations to automotive IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 show the level of quality standard we surpass each and everyday. We strive for excellence to enhance customer value by continually improving our business processes and assuring compliance with all requirements.”

Arconic Fastening Systems is committed to building sustainable business relationships and supporting customers’ long-term needs, helping them meet their market demands. Products such as the Huck 360® lockbolt, Penta-Lok® fasteners, Resistance Spot Rivet™ technology, and customised HuckBolt® fasteners have been developed to solve customer problems.

“Innovation is fundamental to maintain our position in the market place, so we listen to our customers to provide solutions to their problems. It is not just our fasteners/solutions that drive innovation. We have patented products and specific process expertise,” explains Jonathan.

Workforce development is also important for success – and something that Jonathan believes should be a key focus as a UK manufacturer. “The UK produces talented employees for all levels of the business. We must keep attracting talented personnel to the company – such as through our apprenticeship programme.”

Since 2014, the Arconic Telford operations has expanded its manufacturing capabilities and capacity allowing the company to serve the European Union and Europe Middle East and Africa (EAMA) customers from regional supply and respond quickly to customers’ demand.

Industry 4.0 is also a key topic across European manufacturers – something that Jonathan believes should be a talking point for UK fastener manufacturers. “There is a potential to make the fastener industry more efficient, and reduce delays (maintenance/setting issues), with Industry 4.0. It will also allow for better activity between the production line and the location of the fastener. Arconic Fastenings Systems is a solution provider – we want to shrink the gap and better connect with all of our customers.”

Arconic can already supply the Huck SureSet™ process control system, which was developed to check the integrity of fasteners during the installation process. Sensors built into the Powerig® source measure the load and piston movement (converted from hydraulic fluid pressure and flow respectively) during fastener installation. The data processing unit uses this information to detect whether the fastener has been installed correctly. The next generation SureSet system will meet the demand of Industry 4.0.

“We are continuing our growth journey by supporting the development of staff and our facilities as we innovate products that successfully serve our markets. We are a net contributor to UK manufacturing. Due to our significant growth we serve a wider market, which in turn will bring further opportunities.”