Local automotive component manufacturer will increase its product offering to the automotive sector following its R100 million investment in the transfer press and a new manufacturing site in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Following the acquisition of Precision Press in 2014 G.U.D. Holdings has announced that it is increasing its presence in the automotive component supply market with the opening of a new manufacturing operation in Greenbushes Business Estate, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, close to a number of automotive OEMS in the area.

Precision Press is one of the few medium-sized metal pressing operations in South Africa focused entirely on the automotive sector, and MD Simon Ledgerwood was very instrumental in persuading G.U.D. to invest R70 million in the new facility.

G.U.D. Holdings has invested in a new state-of-the-art 630 ton Schuler servo press to manufacture automotive components

The Schuler servo press can weld nuts and studs as well as perform other value adding operations within the cycle of the press

“We have to compete with India, China, Thailand and Eastern European countries in terms of metal pressing. The strategic investment in the press presents an opportunity for us in South Africa to create a competitive advantage over conventional metal-pressing operations, and offer the local OEMs a product that matches their quality standards,” said Ledgerwood.

The facility includes a Schuler MSD 630 servo press line which is the first of its kind to be installed in South Africa by Schuler and only the 45th to be installed worldwide.

Servo direct technology
Schuler SDT Servo presses in monoblock design are driven directly and via torque motors, which are the ideal drive for dynamic punching and forming processes because of their high torque. The slide kinematics can be quickly and easily adapted to the process parameters of the die and automation functions, something which not only increases the die life but also improves component quality. A freely programmable stroke height and dynamic reversing movements of the motor (oscillating stroke) significantly increases output and energy efficiency.

The pendular stroke mode is exceedingly energy efficient and permits operator-programmable slide strokes without any additional mechanical stroke adjustment. In addition, the pendular mode results in significantly higher stroke rates. Thanks to the operator-programmable time / travel motion sequences as well as the ability to provide rest times for in-die functions, processes such as welding and lasering can be integrated reliably into the press cycle.

At present the press will manufacture airbag inflator holders, spare wheel housings and vehicle bumper brackets, as well as seats and window metal parts, but G.U.D. Holdings is looking to gain a large portion of automotive components that are currently being imported

Various sizes of dies between 2.8 and four metres by 1.8 metre are effortlessly fitted into the press

Various guests were invited to the launch of the new Schuler press. These included Simon Ledgerwood of Precision Press with Albert Hintenaus of Coastal Engineering Supplies

The press installed in Port Elizabeth is four stories high, with one of the stories submerged underground. The press can accommodate progressive and transfer dies with an impressive 15 minute die changing process. Various sizes of dies between 2.8 and four metres by 1.8 metre dies are effortlessly fitted into the press.

In addition the servo press can weld nuts and studs as well as perform other value adding operations within the cycle of the press.

Additional equipment manufactured and supplied by Schuler for this installation includes a modular coil feeding line that accommodates coil strip widths of 300 to 800mm and a bridge type straightener feeder.

The press is fitted with an inline sensor that automatically detects any damage to the dies, and to optimise the production capabilities an automatic scrap conveyor system that transports offcuts to an external bin.

Andreas Kinzyk, Richard Stauder and Oliver Beisel, all of Schuler Group

Leon Freese of Steelbank with Hartmut Heckermann of Bilstein Gruppe

Flip Gunter of G.U.D. Holdings, Michael Nel and Paul Charlton, both of VWSA with Chris Haworth of G.U.D. Holdings

Once processed on the press components are then transported, also via a conveyor system, to a washing machine before passing through quality inspection.

At present the press will manufacture airbag inflator holders, spare wheel housings and vehicle bumper brackets, as well as seats and window metal parts, but G.U.D. Holdings is looking to gain a large portion of automotive components that are currently being imported.

The company is also negotiating with Schuler for the supply of a second press that will be installed at the same facility.

A Romer Absolute Arm has been purchased for quality inspection

Barry Elliot and Tanya Browne, both of G.U.D. Holdings with Steven Pohlmann of Midas

The press is fitted with an inline sensor that automatically detects any damage to the dies

G.U.D. Holdings stable of companies include automotive brands G.U.D. Filters, Fram Filters, Safeline Brake Pads and Indy Oil. G.U.D. Holdings is a leading manufacturer of original equipment, parts and accessories and aftermarket automotive products in South Africa.

For further details contact G.U.D. Holdings on TEL: 041 372 1247 or visit www.gudholdings.co.za