Welshpool firm sharing knowledge

Local manufacturing and engineering companies in Mid Wales were invited to attend the internationally acclaimed aluminium die casting and machining centre of CastAlum located in Welshpool, organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG). 

The site was a Greenfield development in the winter of 2000-2001, serving one customer only. Twenty years on, the company supplies parts to the UK, Europe, Canada, and Mexico.

They have grown from die casting aluminium parts, to supplying a range of products (using high pressure die casting, squeeze die casting, and machining). 

Managing Director, Karl Meredith, explained: “90% of all production is for export, with components going into vehicles such as BMW, Ford, General Motors, Porsche, Mercedes, Jaguar Land Rover, as well as non-automotive customers.

“Over the past nine years, we have heavily invested in the development of new products, processes, and capabilities. Through their own investigation and expertise, their process solutions meet world class quality standards.”

Their “Forward Focus” ethos drives change as their customers’ needs grow meeting the new challenges of Electric Vehicle (EV) and Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) technology. 

Through investment & understanding of Additive Material Technology to aid with conformal cooling, they now have a wealth of experience and data to support the development of lightweight casting technology without sacrificing properties or durability.  

Presentations were also given from Chris Probert and Dan Burgess from Welsh Government on the Economic Futures Fund and the new Flexible Innovation Support, SMART FIS is a unique Welsh Government Scheme with the single aim of helping Welsh organisations achieve “Innovation Excellence”.

Avril Lewis from Technology Connected informed guests on Wales Tech Week which takes place in October and showcases Welsh technology, its ecosystem and champions the industry on the global stage. 

Following the presentation, visitors undertook a factory tour enabling them to see the recent machinery investment including the Additive Material Technology process. 

Ceri Stephens, Group Manager at Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), added: “We are grateful to the team at CastAlum for hosting today’s visit and showcasing their innovation excellence to the industrial community in Mid Wales.” 

PICTURE: Greg Howe, Training & Development Manager explaining the pressing process.