Modulam Wins Contract for US subway System
BLACK COUNTRY PRECISION ENGINEERS PLAY BIG PART IN UPGRADE OF US SUBWAY SYSTEM
A Black Country engineering firm has joined forces with a contemporary in the USA to work on a tooling and component project for the American underground system.
Tipton-based Midland Tool and Design is collaborating with the Californian company to provide stampings, which will be used in power regeneration, on a large flywheel which will convert and reuse the energy generated in braking on the US subway network.
Bosses claim they received the call due to their experience and expertise, built up since the firm was established in 1969, and the accuracy of their innovative Modulam system.
Managing Director Darren Booton said: “We’ve been producing laminations and related tooling for 40 years now and that appealed to the client.
“They wanted to deal with a company with that expertise because the accuracy of the laminations is crucial to the success of the project.
“By using the Modulam system we can also ensure stampings meet their exact requirements immediately, meaning the project could begin without any delay manufacturing an accurate prototype.”
Despite only being launched in January, the Modulam system has already helped MTD bring in major contracts in the aerospace, medical components and motorsports sectors.
Since the turn of the year, the firm has embarked on projects with several aerospace companies, supplying laminated core packs which enabled the client to bring their product to market with dramatically reduced lead times.
Darren Booton said: “It’s been a good start to the year and more companies are approaching us because we can deliver on tooling, stamping, bonding and grinding projects.
“Very few engineering companies can provide such a full service.
“Hopefully it also suggests the UK manufacturing and engineering sectors are beginning to turn the corner after a difficult 2009.”
Midland Tool and Design employs 28 people at their 20000sq ft site in Tipton. Alongside their recent successes they are also working towards gaining the prestigious AS9100 aerospace accreditation.
This should be completed in April, allowing MTD to work more closely with its customers in the aerospace sector
