Category: News

Electrified Automation unveils new manufacturing technology that brings together increased automation and reliability with precision accuracy to achieve high volume electric motor production.

Their new electric motor housing shrink fitting machine, or Hot Drop, uses the latest in heating and press technology alongside intuitive and easy-to-use software.

Jim Winchester, Managing Director Electrified Automation, said:

“We know that companies producing electric motors are demanding higher production volumes and technology that delivers reliability, repeatability and quality.

“Our Hot Drop machine responds to this by improving process control and reducing product failures.

“It also achieves a huge reduction in processing time compared to typical inline equipment, which can often become a major bottleneck within a manufacturing facility.”

He went on to say:

“The machine can be integrated into any electric motor production line and is industry 4.0 ready.”

For more information and the full technical specification visit www.electrifiedautomation.com/hotdrop

Electrified Automation has been awarded £6m in government funding to further develop their innovative process for manufacturing electric motors that are more cost-competitive, powerful and efficient than many of the products currently available in the marketplace.

The grant has been awarded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Collaborative Research and Development programme, which supports the development of innovative low and zero carbon automotive technology.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

“Our automotive industry is a world-leader, creating jobs whether in Essex, Somerset or Glasgow. Seizing the potential from new technologies will be a key part of its future success, while also making our roads cleaner, greener and more affordable.

Today’s multi-million-pound boost – created by Government working hand-in-hand with industry – will put these firms in pole position to pioneer these innovations, staying at the cutting edge of the global race for decades to come.”

Managing Director of Electrified Automation Jim Winchester said:

“Being awarded APC funding for the PIMMS project is a huge step forward for us and our partners.

“We look forward to seeing how our innovative technology and software will help the electric motor industry achieve the high levels of production needed to drive the transition towards low carbon vehicles.

“It is also vital our manufacturing techniques are sustainable, so we have also put a lot of focus on reusing and remanufacturing existing electric motors within our processes.”

Chief Executive at the APC Ian Constance said:

“Supporting vital research and development in the UK, now more than ever, provides an opportunity to invest in transport decarbonisation as well as boost growth in the automotive sector.

“The funding announced today furthers world-leading innovation in net-zero technology for the automotive sector and beyond. These fantastic projects are all collaborative by design, led by high-profile companies with innovative SME and academic partners, representing the best of UK industry.”

Project PIMMS

PIMMS is a consortium including Electrified Automation, Winman and Aspire Engineering.

The PIMMS project will design and deliver world-leading manufacturing processes for high-volume electric motor production alongside a software solution to automate the manufacturing environment that will offer unrivalled data gathering capability.

The aim of Project PIMMS is to remove the barriers that prevent OEMs and Tier1s achieving high volume electric motor manufacturing; specifically in relation to coil winding, mechanical assembly and automated test solutions.

A traditional manufacturing model is resource intensive, particularly in terms of managing supply chain and customers, which limits the UK’s ability to compete in the global economic marketplace.

To help level up the playing field with overseas manufacturers, PIMMS also includes a software platform to automate all areas of the manufacturing environment, linking the production facility with the external world.

And finally, as global motor production increases so does the need to find end of life solutions for electric motors, so to respond to the sustainability challenge project PIMMS will develop innovative 3R (Recycle, Reuse and Remanufacture) strategies for electric motors to optimise their value and achieve closed loop manufacturing.

Electrified Automation is excited to announce the launch of its Stator Test Machine.

The technology has been designed to remove the complexities of stator and motor testing, helping customers increase reliability and reduce manufacturing time.

It can run multiple tests including:

• Coil turn to turn fault checks
• Phase to phase short checks
• Continuity testing on temperature sensors
• Hi-pot checks on the motor insulation
• Surge deviation tests

The Stator Test Machine also has the capability to select pre-programmed test parameters by scanning a barcode on the motor. This ensures customers achieve the correct configuration every time.

Jim Winchester, Managing Director of Electrified Automation, said: “Our Stator Test Machine is pushing new boundaries in motor testing and production.

“I am so proud of our team at Electrified who continue to deliver innovative technology that is helping the UK drive the electric revolution. We have come so far in such a short space of time and are looking forward to seeing how our Stator Test Machine will help our customers improve motor efficiency across a range of off-highway applications.”

For more information, an explainer film and the full technical specifications visit our Stator Test Machine page

Meet Programme Manager Louis Coker who is responsible for liaising with our customers to understand their detailed requirements, so we deliver technology that achieves their production objectives.

Louis has worked in the electric motor industry since he graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, first at Ashwoods Electric Motors and then Aspire Engineering.

Louis joined Electrified Automation in September 2021 and is enjoying working in a fast-paced innovative environment.

He said: “It is quite a flat structure here and we are all work closely together, so if you have a new idea or think something could be done differently your voice will be heard.

“It is also really exciting to be working in an industry at the forefront of helping achieve a low carbon future. Creating generational manufacturing platforms means we’re breaking ground on new things all the time.”

Louis leads a dynamic project management team that works with every part of the business and its customers to make sure they get their automation equipment and technology when they need it.

A typical day for Louis involves meeting with each of the project teams to check on progress, and calls with customers to keep them updated. In between, Louis spends his time making sure everyone has everything they need to get their work done

He has been a qualified FA referee for the last eight years in England and Scotland, and travels across the South West as a match official. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have too much spare time these days – Electrified keeps him busy!

If you are interested in joining the team click here for the latest opportunities.

With unemployment at its lowest level for 50 years and UK vacancies standing at 1.3 million it is a buyers’ market if you’re on the hunt for a new job. However with supply outstripping demand it is making it harder for businesses to recruit the skilled workers they need.

For Electrified Automation recruitment is the number one priority, as it continues to onboard new staff to keep pace with a growing order book.

The company designs and manufactures automation technology for the electric motor industry. It is an exciting, dynamic business that has had millions of pounds in backing from the Government-funded Advanced Propulsion Centre.

Yet despite being a company at the forefront of the electric revolution in the UK automotive industry, finding people with the right skills is a constant challenge.

Jim Winchester, Managing Director of Electrified Automation, said: “Recruitment has been a key area of focus for us ever since we launched in 2021.

“We are looking for people who are passionate about innovating and delivering low carbon technology, but part of the problem is not enough young people are taking engineering-related, or STEM subjects, at school.

“If the UK is going to continue leading the transition towards electrification, we need to put more emphasis into growing our own talent.

He went on to say: “We also need some quick wins to tackle the immediate problem, as we just aren’t getting enough applicants through the door with the right skills. Otherwise, companies like us will have no choice but to look overseas to plug their resourcing gaps.”

If you are interested in a career in automotive engineering, visit the Electrified Automation website and check out the latest jobs or register your interest for future opportunities. www.electrifiedautomation.com/careers