Friction welder expands

The acquisition of the additional 22,500 ft2 premises near its UK headquarters in Halesowen has been prompted by a booming order book for its range of friction welding machines. The company’s substantial crop of new orders has been boosted by the surge in oil and mineral exploration and a healthy upturn in the commercial vehicle market. Numerous Thompson machines have been installed at plants in Asia, Europe and North America in recent months to friction weld drill rods and heavy duty oil pipes as well as truck axles. Thompson, established for more than 40 years, is also anticipating strong demand for its machines from new sectors such as aerospace and emerging markets in Eastern Europe. “This new facility is a clear indication of Thompson’s ongoing commitment to producing friction welding machines that utilise the very best of British engineering expertise,” said sales manager Nick Edge. Thompson has also recently expanded its international sales and service team with several new posts including the appointment of a dedicated engineer in China and a UK-based customer services manager.