ECS expands fabrication capabilities with new CNC machine
ECS Engineering Services has enhanced its in-house fabrications department with the addition of a new Ficep Vanguard CNC system. The machine will increase productivity and capacity while shortening lead times for customer projects.
As a leading supplier of high-quality fabrications to the water, nuclear and construction sectors – ECS Engineering Services operates an in-house workshop accredited to CE mark EXC 4 under BS EN 1090. Often supporting large infrastructure projects, ECS has continually invested in its machining capabilities to grow the service, allowing the business to accommodate larger structures. As it moves to future-proof the department, ECS is adding new machines that feature higher levels of automation and robotics – condensing multiple processes into one unit.
The Vanguard offers a three-spindle, direct drive drilling and sawing line for drilling, scribing, tapping, countersinking and milling of rolled steel sections. Its software directly connects to numerical control (NC) information from ECS’ own detailing offices output, or client supplied information, and eliminates the need for interpreting drawings on the shopfloor, expediting the fabrication process.
The new machine will complement the existing large capacity cranage, state-of-the-art equipment and highly experienced engineers already available as part of ECS’ fabrication service. The company can provide full electromechanical design, manufacture, project management and on-site installation services, delivering a turnkey approach.
Beyond investment in new production machinery, the business has been hiring new personnel, expanding its expert team to provide even better customer service. This growth across the business will directly benefit customers and framework partners, including government institutions, local authorities, utilities and private companies.
Mark Watkins, Managing Director at ECS, welcomed the investment in new machinery: “We are moving towards having smarter workshops and our investment in software and machinery will play a huge role in that. The Vanguard CNC drilling and sawing line will help us speed up our processes, increase our throughput and ultimately elevate our market position. This investment means that the large-scale projects and framework contracts we support across industry can benefit from our increased capacity and capability.”