ASG Group Benefits From Automation Investment

ASG Group showcases its commitment to automation through investment at ASG Arrowsmith

With the rise in competitiveness in low cost economies, amidst a perfect storm of rising labour costs, energy costs and global macro-economic factors impacting supply chains, staying ahead requires a meticulous balance between innovation and efficiency.

As the industry grapples with additional challenges such as the skills gap, the ASG Group is emerging as a progressive force by evidencing strategic leveraging of automation. This direction is not only overcoming immediate hurdles but is also lead to operating efficiency, skills development, and product quality.

In the heart of Coventry, MD Jason Aldridge of ASG Arrowsmith Engineering reflects on the transformative power of automation. The integration of an automated pallet feeder into their Doosan CNC machines has revolutionised their machining processes. The streamlined workflow not only enhances precision but significantly reduces lead times, allowing the team to respond nimbly to market demands. Aldridge explains, "Automation has become our ally, allowing us to focus on complex tasks while repetitive processes are seamlessly handled, ensuring our commitment to delivering excellence."

Further north, ASG AMF Engineering, under the guidance of MD Simon Kirkman, is also embracing automation.

A KUKA robot stands tall, powering the company's cutting-edge thermal spray capability. This not only accelerates production but enhances safety and precision in thermal coating applications. Kirkman notes, "Our investment in robotic technology is a strategic move to stay at the forefront of innovation. Automation doesn't replace our workforce; it empowers them to delve into more intricate, value-driven tasks."

In the picturesque setting of Baildon, Yorkshire, ASG Produmax in recent years moved to lights-out production. The implementation of a Lang system into DMG automation positions Produmax to compete fiercely with international low-cost labour economies. The result? Growing exports and increased competitiveness on the global stage.

Explaining this shift, MD Jeremy Ridyard at ASG Produmax, states, "Automation has not only optimised our production lines but has also allowed us to maintain competitiveness against international players. Our automation enables us to spend our time adding more value which we are then able to reinvest for growth"

The ASG Group's journey underpins their success in overcoming the aerospace sector's triad of challenges: efficiency, skills, and quality. Automation is critical and their expertise in this arena witnessed at ASG Arrowsmith Engineering, AMF Engineering, and Produmax is enabling them to significantly grow both their order book and talent.

As Jason Aldridge succinctly puts it, "Automation isn't about replacing hands; more about extending them."

At ASG Group the future of aerospace has arrived, and it's automated.