H T Brigham re-engineers component to secure order from the USA

The customer, a global provider of highly engineered solutions for the industrial sector, was looking to source a more cost-effective replacement to an existing cast component, supplied into the oil and gas industry. Although the original enquiry was received from the company's UK division, engineering discussions were required to take place with senior engineers based at the US headquarters. As H T Brigham's sales team was due to visit the US the next week, a last minute meeting was scheduled to discuss design options further. The pressworker's design engineers are keen to get involved at the design stage, applying their proven track record in understanding and resolving customer component issues, which meant that they were confident of providing a solution. At the meeting, chaired by H T Brigham managing director Barry Smith (pictured), all available options were evaluated, including castings, forgings and turned parts. In the end, it became clear that a pressed metal component would provide a solution within the tight time frame required, with a reduced time to market, lower unit cost and a higher quality than the previous design. With production due to commence during the second quarter of 2013, there's the potential to now apply the same design principles across the rest of the customer's product range, which will, says H T Brigham, allow it to bolster the competitive position of its newest customer. Concludes the company's Barry Smith: "This project is a great example of the kind of opportunity that H T Brigham really jumps at. A key element of our value proposition is using our engineering skill to design out any problems that a customer faces, be that with an existing component or the design of a new one. As a truly global presswork supplier, we can offer this bespoke service irrespective of geographical location."