While the vast majority of
our time (80%) is spent wire-forming, welding and machining for automotive
sector projects, there’s another part of our business that keeps us incredibly
busy too.
One minute we’re laser
cutting and welding bars for a car chassis, the next, we’re working on a 6mm mild
steel box section stillage for a supermarket warehouse. And then, in between
all that, we’re fabricating stainless steel benches for a garden centre or a suite
of bespoke seats for an interior designer that are destined for a trendy new restaurant.
The projects we work on really are that diverse
And while most people may
think the automotive and garden architecture/interior design world couldn’t be
more different, they’re actually remarkably similar to us.
Automotive, interior design,
the projects still require the same attention to detail, precision accuracy and
quality execution and finish. And they’re all just as challenging.
In fact, in some
circumstances, our garden architecture/interior design briefs can test us more
than some of our other projects, especially when they push the architectural
boundaries.
But fortunately for us, we
have the benefit of 40+ years to tap into, which enables us to deliver on the
most complex of projects.
A case in point…
We were recently asked to
fabricate the bases for these eight designer bar stools for a leading contract
furniture supplier.
They look great, don’t they?
And the project itself sounds like a relatively straightforward job, right?
Wrong, when we initially took
on this particular project, we were immediately presented with a fundamental issue:
The bases weren’t strong enough to hold the weight of
a person – meaning they simply
wouldn’t have been functional in reality.
Our managing director,
production manager and accounts manager, worked closely together to overcome
the issues effectively and efficiently. And this is the approach they took:
They recommended how the
metal should be cut and bent so that the bases would distribute weight evenly.
They also advised on using 8mm, instead of 6mm, mild steel, to guarantee the bases
would be strong enough for people to sit on without breaking over time. Armed
with our insight, our customer then refined their design plans and we
manufactured the bases, safe in the knowledge that the final product was 100%
right for the requirements.
While these stools may have
tested us to a certain degree, they were no match for our unrivalled metal
fabrication insight or skills. Rather than just simply following the brief and
providing the customer with something that simply didn’t work, we manufactured a
set of stools that are fit for purpose and have been designed to last.
Are you a garden centre/supplier, architect or
interior designer with a metal fabrication project you’d like us to turn into
reality? Straightforward or complex, we can help. To discuss your requirements
with us, contact us on 0121 773 0465 or sales@rochfordengineering.co.uk.
