United Cast Bar has again taken the lead in the manufacture of large section continuously cast Iron, increasing its already large portfolio of sizes.
In December, UCB successfully produced 150 tonne cast iron bar of 680mm diameter in both flake and nodular grades, yet another world record, with much of it sold on pre orders. Material is available in the as cast / raw condition or can be lathe turned to meet your specific demands.
A cast iron bar (Unibar) can be produced in a multitude of forms to meet customer design requirements. It is commonly used in general engineering applications, but primarily in hydraulic, fluid power and pneumatic equipment.
United Cast Bar is one of the world’s largest manufacturers in Europe of continuously cast iron bar, with production sites in the UK and Spain, and a wholly owned distribution network across Europe and a site in South Korea.
INSPIRING A GENERATION
The metal’s manufacturing sector can sometimes carry a negative and industrialised image. UCB are trying to change this within the local community in Chesterfield; breaking down those barriers to the stereotypes our industry carries in the hopes to drive the business forward, whilst simultaneously helping the public form a better understanding of what they do. “I don’t believe in closing our doors to the local communities in which we operate,” says James Brand, Managing Director of UCB.
With support from the local government, UCB are on their way to breaking down these barriers, proud to be one of the best at what they do. As a consequence, Brand sits on the local council project called Destination Chesterfield, as a representative for the manufacturing industry in Chesterfield, and there is a second reason for this: “Metallurgy skills are not something the youth of today make a conscious career decision to move into. Therefore, we want to inspire people to get excited about our industry by bringing them in and changing the perceptions of what we do.”
As part of the recent Made in Chesterfield event, United Cast Bar (UK) have been busy introducing the next generation of workers to a manufacturing environment.
The week-long event was designed to showcase the town’s successful manufacturing and engineering sector and ignite career interest in the sector from young people as well as bring together the business community.
No fewer than 6 local schools have taken time out of the classroom, bringing groups of students from year 9 through to Sixth Form to be engaged with a business presentation and tour of the Spital Lane facility.
Brand comments: “While there are fewer jobs in the sector today, there is a wealth of undiscovered opportunities for young people and I urge schools to encourage young people to consider a career within it.
“If we are to develop our young people and retain their talent in the UK, schools must start bringing the manufacturing and engineering sector to their attention. Made in Chesterfield has made a fantastic start in doing this and I very much hope it continues.”
For more information on United Cast Bar, read their EME Outlook feature here.
