Pump efficiency is a hot topic at manufacturing event

June 8th 2017

Energy saving opportunities and pump systems were in the spotlight recently at a major North East manufacturing event.

Members and guests of The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) were able to learn about reducing energy consumption, improving pump efficiency and exploring new technology at the organisation’s Monthly Meeting, held on April 20 at Grundfos Manufacturing in Sunderland.

Simon Smart, area sales manager of Industrial Distribution at Grundfos and David Lindsay, Nordic Region sales manager - Pumps at CRANE ChemPharma & Energy Flow Solutions gave practical tips on pump use, shared their in-depth product knowledge and examined future challenges and opportunities.

Also speaking at the event were Colin Robinson, services business development manager of Northumbrian Water Group, who examined how water deregulation will affect businesses in the North East and Alastair Wilson, partner at Tait Walker Chartered Accountants, who gave delegates an insight into the Energy Technology List (ETL), a Government-managed list of energy-efficient plant and machinery, which is part of the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) tax scheme for businesses.

Guests were also able to take a factory tour at the Grundfos site and network with fellow delegates.

Established by the private sector to offer a single voice on behalf of the manufacturing community, the AMF engages with members and the wider business community to exchange ideas and knowledge to create business growth and success opportunities within the manufacturing industry.

Colin Simpson, business development director of Tomlinson Hall, was recently appointed to the AMF’s board to help shape its strategy and future growth.

Commenting on the event, Colin Simpson said:  “It was fantastic to see so many representatives of the North East’s manufacturing community at the AMF Monthly Meeting at Grundfos.

“Pump systems form an important part of many companies’ operations so the advice and insight offered by Simon and David will, I’m sure, prove highly valuable to organisations who wish to increase efficiency, lower their energy use and reduce their carbon footprint.

“In addition, Colin gave an excellent overview of the opportunities created by the deregulation of the water industry, demonstrating just what this means for manufacturers, while Alastair’s presentation on the ECA scheme and the Energy Technology List – and the substantial savings that can be made through these initiatives – provided much food for thought.”

Alan Metcalfe, commercial director of Zenith People and board member of the AMF, said: “For April’s AMF meeting we went on the road to Grundfos in Sunderland and had a fantastic turnout of delegates, most of whom were local manufacturers. Grundfos were excellent hosts and the meeting included a tour of the facility which proved to be both informative and hugely interesting. All in all it was a hugely successful meeting with really positive feedback.”

For more information on the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, visit http://advancedmanufacturingforum.co.uk