16 Aug 2016

Further developments at Houghton International

With a new AutoCoil Design Software introduced, a new Head of HV Coils, an expansion into a fourth site and a new finance director on board; Houghton International have strengthened their position as an international player for High Speed Train power packs and alternator overhauls to large one off electric motor repair and rewinds from power generators and off shore vessels.

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AutoCoil Design Software

Earlier this year in April Houghton International introduced a new AutoCoil design software. It utilises the latest technology to offer 3D coil design and slot build drawings for improved design and accurate fit.
AutoCoil extrapolates data sheet information into 3D drawings which can be supplied alongside the quotation to illustrate the design and present a projection view of the cross section of the slot build. The 3D model supports the design process by allowing customers to visualise their coil requirements. It improves the communication with the end user and supports quote acceptance.
Stuart Whitfield, Technical Account Manager at Houghton International, commented: “The AutoCoil design software brings the coil design and slot build to life. Clearly illustrating the coil and slot set up, customers can be sure we have fully understood their requirements and are providing the best solution to meet their needs.
“It also allows us to examine the design in more detail and consider any improvements that could be made, the software makes it simple to tweak the design variables by changing the wire size or spacers to optimise the coils and improve the fit.
“Customers can also use the drawings to support their offer to the end user, using a visual and sophisticated 3D drawing to present their solution to give the end customer confidence in their proposal. Feedback from customers has been great so far and we plan to roll this out with all full data quotes moving forward.”

Head of HV Coils Appointed

Shortly after implementing the AutoCoil software, Gary Miller was appointed the new head of its high voltage coils division. Working as part of the senior management team, Gary takes the lead on all coil manufacturing activities, responsible for managing the company’s state of the art facility and multi skilled workforce.
Having worked in the engineering industry for 25 years at leading companies such as Rolls Royce and Michell Bearings, Gary brings a wealth of management experience to the role. Following recent investments in a new coil press and other manufacturing machines, Gary has been challenged with improving process flow and planning to enable Houghton International to offer faster lead times in order to meet international demand for its range of innovative insulations systems.
Michael Mitten, CEO of Houghton International, commented: “We are delighted to have Gary on board and I’m confident that he will continue to develop our staff and processes in order to maintain our reputation as a leading coil manufacturing facility.
“We have been manufacturing coils from our base in Newcastle for over 30 years and as such have a very experienced and knowledgeable team. As a motor repairer ourselves we understand the value that high quality coils bring to a job and are continuing to invest in our range to ensure we continue to supply good value, superior quality coils.”
Gary added: “Houghton International has a fantastic reputation for quality and innovation in HV coils and customers speak highly of our product performance and responsive customer service. It’s my job to ensure we continue to deliver this level of service and exceed expectations going forward by increasing our capacity and improving our lead-times to meet demand.”

Expansion into fourth site

Following on from a series of contract wins, the company expanded into a fourth operational site in May. The site situated in Byker, Newcastle will increase both operational capacity and the scale of repairs they carry out with increased head room and up to 40 tonne cranage,
The 10,000 square foot building is based on Shields Road and will act as their large machine repair shop. Work carried out there will range from contracted High Speed Train power pack and alternator overhauls to large one off electric motor repair and rewinds from power generators and off shore vessels.
Michael Mitten, CEO of Houghton International, commented: “We have been steadily growing for a number of years now and our customers have long had a demand for larger repairs and dynamic testing that previously we couldn’t service. The new large machine repair shop ticks all the boxes and complements our existing HV repair capability enabling us to deliver a fully comprehensive offering to the market.
“The site is ideally located just 10 minutes from our existing facilities and provides a wider scope of space. It allows us to be even more flexible and take on a larger range of motors and specialist projects. We have plans for further growth and have already identified a fifth site to provide further capacity when required.”
The new building supplements our existing three sites and field services team and is part of the company’s growth strategy to expand its range of electro mechanical engineering solutions to a wider market.

Finance Director Appointed

Following the recent expansion, Jack Dunning has been appointed as finance director to oversee the company’s finances and support the business during its sustained growth as it prepares for further expansion in the North East and internationally.
As a qualified Chartered Accountant, Jack spent ten years working for the audit and assurance practice of Deloitte in London and New York and holds a degree in Economics from the University of Leeds. More recently in 2010 Jack joined the BVCA, the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the UK, and spent five years there as Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer.
Michael Mitten, CEO of Houghton International, commented: “Jack brings with him a wealth of professional and operational experience. He is ideally placed to support our continued growth. As the business grows we will face a range of challenges and I’m confident that Jack has the skills and expertise required to enable Houghton International to thrive both now and into the future.”
“Jack’s appointment completes and strengthens our senior management team, alongside myself and the other company directors he will ensure that the company delivers our ambitious growth strategy, project 2020.”
Jack will lead the internal support service teams to facilitate their expansion and prepare for future growth regionally, nationally and internationally to ensure the company is financially positioned to maximise all available opportunities.
Jack Dunning, added: “I have been watching Houghton International steadily grow for a number of years now and I’m excited to be joining the business at such a critical stage in its development.”
“Following a string of new contract wins and with project work lined up to 2020 and beyond, Houghton International is now in a position for growth, expansion of its offerings, and increase the territories in which it operates. I’m looking forward to working with the team and helping to accelerate this development.”