Over the past 30 years Lodent Precision has relied upon sub contract welding services for repair and modification of Tools, Dies, Punches, Impression Blocks etc for both its’ Press and Mould tool customers. November last year saw the closure due to retirement of Specialist Welding Services (SWS) in Aldridge which were our preferred welding supplier, commented Chris Sharratt a director at Lodent, decisions needed to be made.
Over the past 10 years Lodent has changed dramatically. In 2003 there were 5 employees, today there are 44 and the work load has changed accordingly. During that time, Lodent has invested in new equipment, processes and software, 2013 is the time for us to invest again. The decision to introduce our own ‘in house welding service’ was an easy one and added yet another string to our bow. We could justify the investment in equipment but who should we train and who had the knowledge and expertise to supply that training?
Our toolmakers have the knowledge and experience to realise what is required, from a welding prospective, to repair the tool. Who would be better suited to welding than a Tool maker? No one! So, we offered our Tool makers the opportunity to be trained in welding and chose a candidate. Tool welding is a specialist form of welding so our next problem was where to source this specialist training, not an easy resource to find
Our relationship with Bob Turner from SWS, allowed us make the proposal to him, asking if he would help train one of our Tool makers even though he was retiring. To our surprise and pleasure Bob agreed. So, as from early January, Bob has been at Lodent, five mornings per week, demonstrating to and training our chosen Tool maker in the art and skills of Tool welding.
We are very pleased with the way we are moving forward. Having our own “in house” service sets us apart from our competitors. We take a tool from our customer, repair, and deliver it back to them quicker than ever.
Who knows where will go with the Service in the future, added Chris but after being forced to make a decision this one certainly looks good for us. Once again in this ever changing marketplace the need to diversify and grow should not only benefit us but our customers both old and new.
