Precision and Progress: Alumasc’s Manufacturing Evolution

Precision and Progress: Polstore’s Role in Alumasc’s Manufacturing Evolution

Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), part of the Alumasc Group, is a leading name in the industry for proven water management, delivering Rain to Drain solutions that encompass the entire building envelope and set the standard for urban water management. With nearly 90 years of experience, Alumasc has been promoting the efficient use, retention, recycling, and disposal of water.

The Challenge: Optimising Storage for Advanced Manufacturing and Quality Control

Alumasc, a leading manufacturer of drainage access covers, embarked on a significant modernisation project to improve production capabilities by relocating their manufacturing process from Dover to their Halstead site. As part of this transformation, they introduced two advanced 5-axis CNC machines to enhance precision and efficiency in production.

This modernisation presented a new challenge: the need for a dedicated space to store tools, tool bits, and cutting equipment for the production engineering team. Ian Staddon, from the production engineering team, recognised the necessity of a well-organised, efficient CNC storage room with quality storage solutions to support the new technology and maintain high production standards.

Additionally, Alumasc was developing a quality laboratory and workshop inspection room equipped with a large granite surface, digital gauges, and scanning equipment. This laboratory required customised storage solutions for their heavy-duty, expensive tool bits, gauges, and other essential instruments. The existing space, previously an old supervisor’s office, had been stripped out and redecorated but needed optimisation to maximise storage and future-proof the area for additional tools.

The Brief: Designing Efficient and Scalable Storage Solutions

Alumasc needed to create two highly functional spaces: a CNC tool storage room and a quality laboratory and workshop inspection room. The tool storage room required multiple storage cupboards, drawers, workbenches, and mobile storage units with custom inserts to ensure every tool was easily accessible and securely stored. The quality laboratory needed a comprehensive fit-out to house precision tools and instruments in an organised, easily retrievable manner.

Having seen a previous Polstore installation at another company, Ian Staddon reached out to Polstore. The objective was to provide high-quality storage solutions that would meet current needs and accommodate future growth.

The Solution and Installation: Precision Storage Transformation

Polstore responded promptly to Alumasc’s requirements. Adam Lucas from Polstore visited the site to assess the space and understand the specific needs of the production engineers and quality team. Based on this assessment, Polstore proposed a detailed plan showcasing how the empty rooms could be transformed into efficient storage spaces.

For the tool storage room, Polstore supplied and installed storage cupboards, drawer units with laser-cut foam inserts, tool holders, and mobile storage units. These solutions ensured that all tools were stored safely and could be easily accessed by the production team. The custom inserts provided an extra layer of organisation, ensuring that each tool had its designated place.

Before the first fit-out was complete, Alumasc re-engaged Polstore to design and quote for the laboratory room. Polstore’s attention to detail, quality of products, and comprehensive presentation of the proposed solution impressed Noel, who managed the laboratory fit-out. The laboratory fit-out included heavy-duty storage solutions to accommodate the precision instruments and tools required for quality assurance.

The installation process was seamless. Darren and Scott from Polstore’s installation team worked meticulously, keeping the environment tidy and consulting with Noel at various stages to ensure the installation met Alumasc’s expectations. Their professionalism and dedication were greatly appreciated by the Alumasc team.

The Result: Enhanced Efficiency with Tailored Storage Solutions

The new tool storage room and laboratory at Alumasc’s Halstead site now offer state-of-the-art storage solutions that enhance efficiency and accessibility. The production engineers have a well-organised space that supports the operation of the new CNC machines, while the quality laboratory benefits from a tailored storage system that ensures precision tools and equipment are securely housed and readily available.

Noel James, QHSE Manager at Alumasc, praised the quality of the storage solutions and the professionalism of the Polstore team:

“The quality of the storage is superb and exceeded my expectations. Darren and Scott have been courteous, professional, and kept the environment tidy throughout the installation. It has been a real pleasure to have them on site. Any future storage solutions that the site requires, I shall certainly be pushing for Polstore. I will also be recommending Polstore to other parts of the Group and friends in other industries.”

Why Polstore? A Trusted Partner for Tailored Storage Solutions

Alumasc chose Polstore for their reputation for quality and ability to deliver tailored storage solutions. From initial consultation to the seamless installation process, Polstore’s expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction were evident. The comprehensive support and high-quality products provided by Polstore have established a strong relationship with Alumasc, ensuring they are the preferred partner for future storage needs.

If you’d like to achieve similar results for your workspace, speak to our highly experienced team about your next project. Contact us on 0800 008 6861 or email us at enquiries@polstore.co.uk.