£500,000 Investment For Ellon Pump Specialists As Export Sales Continue

LFH Engineering has purchased and upgraded existing equipment with a new high performance lathe, a leading-edge milling machine and two additional new Kardex automated storage and retrieval shuttles.

The company has invested over £500,000 to ensure it maintains its latest status as global leader. In order to accommodate the new equipment, the LFH facility in Ellon has undergone extensive refurbishment across the factory floor and offices.

LFH Engineering has taken delivery of the latest Slant Bed Turning Centre lathe which offers improved high-volume performance and a HAAS UMC 1000 5-axis milling machine, which is the first of its kind in UK for HAAS.

In order to accommodate its global order book, which includes regular shipments to China, Germany, Norway, France and Denmark, LFH Engineering has also invested in two extensive automated Kardex storage systems. As well as saving 75% floor space the computerised system will allow LFH Engineering to substantially increase its stockholding capacity and improve productivity. LFH’s range of pump components and parts will be kept enclosed in a secure, dust-free environment. The new system has superior stock management benefits as well as significant health and safety advantages with goods delivered quickly and at ergonomically manageable height every time.

LFH Engineering CEO, Les Hill, said: “We work closely with the world’s leading diesel engine manufacturers to design, manufacture and test pumps, and the new lathe and milling machine will ensure that we are able to continue to supply the very best pumps. Precision engineering is key when it comes to pump design, and the new equipment will help us to maintain our reputation for reliable, efficient pumps.

“We are delighted to have the UK’s first HAAS UMC 1000 5-axis milling machine, which will take our capability and efficiency of manufacture to a new dimension.

“The Kardex automated storage enables us to quickly access our parts through the efficient, computerised operation allowing us to process and fulfil orders in a more timely manner.

“The investment comes at an exciting time for the company as we look to extend our product offering.

“The new lathe has substantial benefits when it comes to chip removal and heat dissipation, so fits well with our ongoing environmental goals. We continually strive to reduce waste and minimise our impact on the planet, and we are pleased to have recently been awarded ISO 14001 accreditation.

“Additionally, we are working towards completion and assessment of ISO 45001, the international standard for occupational health and safety, which we hope to achieve later this year.”

With a workforce of 34 employees, all based in Ellon, LFH Engineering specialises in the design and manufacture of diesel engine coolant pumps, and offers full in-house pump production, repair and refurbishment services.

LFH Engineering has developed its export business to now account for three-quarters of the firm’s work, with contracts in Europe, North America and Asia. The pump specialist’s products are used in ship repair and shipbuilding markets, the nuclear energy sector and the locomotive industry.

LFH Engineering also offers a full range of pump tooling and service kits along with repair and refurbishment services.