Hauser rewards group for tackling the daily jig grind at Slack & Parr
1 min read
Three operators at the Kegworth, Derby factory of Slack & Parr, who have over 70 years' experience of working with Hauser jig grinding machines, have been presented with wrist watches and long service certificates by the machine's Swiss manufacturer, as a 'thank you' for their loyalty and skills development.
The three, Suresh Patel, Ashley Beadling and John Meggison, have been working the jig grinders to produce precision gear metering pump parts.
Suresh Patel was the operator trained on the first Hauser X3 micro-processor controlled machine, installed in 1988. It has been followed by a further 10 machines – all in full operation – the most recent a Hauser S35.
Hauser machines are sold and supported in the UK by Leicester-based Jones & Shipman Hardinge and, as its managing director Mike Duignan explained, the operations at Kegworth are a Hauser flagship installation. "We know from our extensive dealings with Slack & Parr that the machines are absolutely integral to the precision and longevity of their world renowned products. Machine number 11 (installed in early 2012) is running quite comfortably alongside its 25-year-old predecessor, and these experienced operators are handing on their skills to the younger team members and apprentices in the organisation."
Slack & Parr operations director Richard Wilson added: "Fritz Ruprecht, who heads up sales from the Hauser HQ in Biel/Bienne, visits us at least once a year and had observed earlier that 2013 was the 25th anniversary of the first installation.
"On his last visit, he requested to meet with the three longest serving operators and they were delighted to receive the watches and certificates. It was a nice gesture to reward those who have worked so diligently in the jig grinding shop, which is a centrepiece of our manufacturing operations."
Image: L to R: Suresh Patel, Ashley Beadling and John Meggison; Slack & Parr MD Richard Hallsworth; J&S Hardinge's Steve Jones
