Fablink Group

Brand relaunch for manufacturing specialist, Fablink

Fablink Group — 16/01/2020

Fablink Group, a tier one manufacturer supplying steel and aluminium products to global OEMs including CAT, DAF, Jaguar Land Rover and JCB, today announces the official launch of its new branding, with a refreshed logo that reflects the brand’s growth intentions within a fiercely competitive manufacturing industry. The unveiling follows the website relaunch in April 2019.

Following an extensive photography project by Digital PR and Brand agency, Bottle, to capture images to depict all elements of the brand and its sites, Fablink Group retained Bottle as the agency of choice to develop its new look, in line with its brand evolution. After an in-depth workshop which delved into the brand, its markets, key competitors and its core messages, the new identity was developed.

Becky Dickson, Group Marketing Officer at Fablink who worked closely with Bottle, said: “Once a decision had been made to refresh our branding, we focused on how we could best represent the brand. This proved to be a challenge due to our diverse product portfolio; our business manufactures a range of products, from metal pressings through to heavier products such as cabs and chassis assemblies. It also has to demonstrate a high level of precision, accuracy and control, so it was important to find a way to represent that effectively. Encapsulating these elements equally within a simplified logo took time, but we feel the new design has subtly captured what Fablink represents and we are really pleased with the outcome.”

Commenting on the process, Head of Creative at Bottle, Steve Monk-Chipman, said: “It was important to keep the Fablink name as the ‘hero’, rather than an icon, to ensure we built on the reputation the brand has already established. To represent the brand’s strength and maturity, we introduced a more sophisticated darker blue colour scheme, with a nod to the brand heritage with the original blue in the smaller square. The square represents a building block, which symbolises the intricacy and precision of linear cuts within metal, acknowledging a large part of Fablink’s business.”

Established in 2005, Fablink has grown substantially over the years, through focused expertise and knowledge, and an ever-expanding process and product portfolio. The new branding will be rolled out over the coming months on all collateral, including the five sites, workwear and sponsorship opportunities.

Apprentices offered permanent positions at Fablink

Fablink Group — 06/04/2021

Fablink has in place an award-winning apprenticeship scheme which we are very proud of. We currently have 15 apprentices across all locations that follow a structured training programme and these apprenticeships cover all aspects of the business from welding and shop floor skills, through to commercial, purchasing, finance as well as higher level apprenticeships in Management & Supervisory skills.

We acknowledge that successful apprenticeships are key to the future of our business and through a targeted recruitment programme, we can help bridge skills gaps and training needs. We also acknowledge that investing in Apprenticeships can be a risk in terms of the time and support required, however, in this instance when you are able to offer them a permanent position it makes the whole process even more worthwhile. That’s why Fablink are particularly delighted to have recently offered three apprentices permanent positions.

Nick, who is based at our Technical Centre, in Brixworth has been at Fablink for 5 years whilst carrying out his course of performing engineering operations. He has worked hard to gain the knowledge with the aid of Fablink to become a successful Tool Maker. In his new role he is titled Junior Development Engineer.

“Fablink has helped me grow both as an employee and as a person. I believe starting my apprenticeship was the right choice for me and I can see myself staying at Fablink for the foreseeable future.”

Nicks mentor, Rob Baxter who is the Development Engineer at our Technical Centre, said:

“Nick first made contact with Fablink through his school work experience scheme, after completing these initial two weeks he asked to be considered for a place on the apprenticeship scheme. Nick has faced many challenges during his time within Fablink employment but has adapted and evolved to work round these issues. Fast forward to today and Nick has become a highly competent and well-liked member of the team, who has grown into the role and there are very few tasks that would faze his ability. He is now a highly valued member of the Tech Centre team”

Further North at our Evenwood site, Shane and Brodie both joined Fablink in January 2018 having started their 3-year apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering. They have recently been offered permanent positions as Manufacturing Engineers. Since joining they have developed a large variety of skills which has enabled them to support operations, commercial and engineering functions. This valuable experience has enhanced their transition into full time roles at Fablink.

“The support we have received from our mentors has been vital, but not only to our learning and progression through various roles in the business, but also non work related experiences. We are really excited and ready to take on more responsibility as we develop in our new engineering roles and looking forward to working with the engineering team. One key difference is that we are now working more independently and becoming more involved with larger projects”

Our Head of Site Engineering, Alan Fortes comments:

“Brodie and Shane have demonstrated a true commitment to both college and work learning. They bring a fresh perspective and are happy to challenge how we do things at Fablink. Over the last three years they have developed and extended their range of skills and become an integral part of the engineering team and it’s great to have them on board in permanent roles. There is no doubt that Brodie and Shane are the future of Fablink. “

Fablink invests in two Amada Ensis 3015 Lasers

Fablink Group — 07/12/2020

Earlier in the year Fablink Group invested in two new Amada ENSIS-3015 AJ lasers, paired with towers, which sit at our Wolverhampton site. As we cut millions of parts per annum, these investments support our ongoing improvement strategy, bringing a number of benefits to the business and our Customers alike:

Unique, variable beam control for higher productivity
New Auto Collimation technology allowing laser beam spot control
High speed piercing, reducing processing times
Automated systems, enabling continuous production
Reduction in power consumption
Oscillating fibre technology

These additions will bring our total number of lasers (2D & 3D) to 14 across the Group, enhancing our capabilities as laser cutting specialists.

5 Axis Laser investment at Wolverhampton Factory

Fablink Group — 17/05/2019

Fablink Group have recently invested in a new TruLaser 7040 based at our Wolverhampton facility, this premium -axis laser supports our strategy of targeting complex pressworks.

This laser offers a number of benefits:

Allows more complex 3D profile parts to be fully produced within the group
Eradicates the need for expensive secondary cropping and piercing press tools
Low volume production benefits
Compliments existing capabilities
Allows additional fixturing capabilities

Mark Blythe, Head of Site at Wolverhampton states:

“The investment in the 5-axis laser clearly shows Fablink’s commitment to constant technological advancements and its continued investment in the future success and growth of the business”

The addition of the new laser takes the total number of lasers (2D to 3D) to 12 across all of Fablink’s sites.

If you are interested in learning more about the capabilities of our 5-axis laser then please contact us on +44 (0)1604 880261 or email your enquiry to enquiries@fablink.co.uk

Fablink Group have acquired the business and assets of Toolspec Manufacturing Ltd

Fablink Group — 01/11/2019

The Made in Group is delighted to announce that members, Fablink Group have acquired the business and assets of Toolspec Manufacturing limited, who were administration, saving 73 jobs in the region.

With approx. 60 years’ experience, newly named Fablink Toolspec has a rich history as industry-leading Specialists in tubular manipulation, robotic and manual welding of complex assemblies, as well as tooling design and manufacturing capabilities. This acquisition will extend Fablink’s existing competences in a synergistic way which offers exciting opportunities for growth.

Richard Westley, CEO of Fablink Group said: “Toolspec benefits from a 60-year heritage and deep expertise in the production of specialist tubular parts and assemblies. This acquisition broadens our customer base and manufacturing capability. We look forward to working with the Fablink Toolspec team as we continue to develop and enhance our Group’s value proposition.”

Fablink Toolspec will continue to operate as usual from its Luton factory. To understand more about its capabilities please visit www.toolspec.co.uk, or should you have any queries about this acquisition, please ring our Head Office on 01604 880261.

Fablink UK crowned Apprentice Employer of the Year!

Fablink Group — 13/06/2019

Fablink UK, who are part of Fablink Group are thrilled to have won Apprentice Employer of the Year presented by In-Comm Training Provider.

Congratulations also goes to all the Companies nominated and shortlisted. Apprenticeships are such a vital element to maintain a skilled and loyal workforce and it is great so many Companies are on board in helping to bridge gaps and secure longevity.

Clare Hennessy, Head of HR at Fablink Group, who has been actively involved in our apprenticeship program said:

“I am very proud to be part of a forward-thinking company that invests heavily in its future workforce. I believe that offering apprenticeships gives us the opportunity to attract the best young talent in the region and is a productive way for us to grow talent and develop a motivated and skilled workforce. With a number of our workforce being apprentices from Level 3 right the way through to Level 5 for our senior managers, within a range of disciplines, the continued success of our business depends on strong, sustainable apprenticeship programmes which we will continue to invest in for 2019. Well done Fablink UK - a well-deserved award !!”

Fablink supports around 20 apprentices across a variety of disciplines throughout the Group. Fablink invests in its apprentices through dedicated mentoring and regular training to give them the best possible hands-on experience available. All our apprentices play a vital role in shaping the future of our organisation and we are proud to support their journey. More recently, a few existing employees who have been with the company for a number of years are taking the opportunities available through the government apprenticeship training levy, to expand their existing knowledge, upskilling to new qualifications. By also investing in current employees who wish to engage in transitional career routes or increase their skill-set, this paves the way for further opportunities & helps evolve a proactive culture in the business.

We are now currently taking applications across the Group to start between July and September 2019. If you are interested in applying or would like more information about our apprenticeship programs, please contact Clare Hennessy: C.Hennessy@fablink.co.uk

Bonded Aluminium underpins the next generation of Morgan Motors

Fablink Group — 08/07/2019

Fablink is proud to announce their collaboration with the iconic British brand, Morgan Motors, by supplying a uniquely bonded aluminium platform that underpins the “next generation”, Morgan Plus Six.

The release of the Plus Six, showcased at Geneva Motor show, March 2019, represents a landmark celebrating Morgan’s 110^th anniversary, which Fablink Group are honoured to be a part of.

Paul Dillion, Head of business development at Fablink states:

“This opportunity aligns with Fablink’s strategy to strengthen our automotive portfolio and introduce more clean build product, broadening our skill base accordingly. Working closely with the Morgan engineering team we have delivered a product which we can all be proud of”

The CX Generation aluminium platform assembled at Fablink’s Brixworth site comprises a total of 160 individual components which subsequently make up the supplied platform and associated front and rear sub frames. The child parts are either flat or brake press folded in aluminium and mild steel, along with aluminium extrusions, pressed parts and turned components.

The structure is held together using a heat cure adhesive and over 1000 structural monobolts and self-piercing rivets, along with 450 threaded inserts. This creates an incredibly strong, rigid and lightweight structure, weighing less than 100kg.

Once assembled the chassis is placed into an oven and cured to a specified temperature. Once the assemblies have cured, the process is validated using data obtained from the oven. Fablink also performs destructive testing onsite.

The CX Generation Platform represents over three years of thorough research and development between Morgan and Fablink. The achievement of maintaining Morgan’s distinctive features whilst achieving an extra 200mm occupant space, 31% stowage space, an 18mm thicker Ash frame with 0% weight gain, is a testament to the engineering behind the Plus Six.

Morgan Chief Engineer, John Beech quotes:

“MMC were looking for a technical partner to develop their own bonded aluminium chassis, Fablink became the natural lead in this challenge, their attitude, willingness and flexibility to adapt to this new technology were superb, the added benefits to MMC were a state-of-the-art workshop and facility in which to build the chassis.

Throughout this development Fablink have been committed to laying down the appropriate process, tools, jigs and systems of work to achieve this lightweight bonded assembly, with their support MMC have been able to deliver an exciting new lightweight chassis. The whole construction consists of a main frame and two very light front and rear subframes. It has been a great learning experience for both companies, the benefits for MMC, the confidence level witnessed in the construction process, the structural integrity now being achieved and the growing expertise of the Fablink team to continually deliver a high-quality product”