Improved manufacturing performance and the introduction of new products has helped Evenort Ltd – a market leader in the machining of stainless steel and nickel alloys to high tolerances – to achieve 50% growth, and strengthen its position with an increased market share in the oil and gas sector.

The change for the better in the company’s fortunes came about thanks to a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Sheffield Hallam University. KTP Associate Chunjun Li was charged with developing the application of laser deposition techniques to create innovate new product processes and with helping to initiate major manufacturing process improvements.

Supported and advised by Dr David Clegg and Professor Alan Smith of Sheffield Hallam University, Li carried out experiments on the quality and performance of new laser deposition techniques, proving their quality and performance and their application in the manufacturing process. His work led to the development of an innovative and improved product which is ready to take to market.

Li also worked with Evenort’s staff to apply and embed new techniques to improve production systems, factory layout and workflow. Six Sigma techniques applied to the machining of components have led to significant savings and increased turnover, as well as to improvements in the production system and to significantly improved workflow.

Li’s work has resulted in significant benefits for the company and he now has a permanent position with Evenort as their research and development engineer. The work has also enhanced the reputation and raised the profile of Sheffield Hallam University’s expertise in this area and brought about additional initiatives where our research know-how is proving valuable to the company.

The overall impact of the work carried out under the KTP programme includes

• innovative product developments
• an increase in sales of £600,000 with profits up £200,000
• an anticipated increase in turnover in three years’ time to £5.5 million, with profits of £1.5 million
• between 50% and 85% savings on raw materials
• optimum use of capacity and improved efficiency
• shorter lead times
• additional machining capability and capacity

General manager Craig McKay has enormous praise for the potential created by this kind of partnership working. 'If you have an idea, it can sometimes be incredibly difficult to turn that idea into a working model or finally produce something you can actually sell. To have programmes like the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, where you can spec out your ideas and have qualified engineers research the integrity and feasibility, is definitely helpful. It’s the future of innovation, not only in the products you produce but how you produce them.'

Find out more about our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships here.