Press Release

Leading motorsport specialist Brp Composites Ltd invests in Blackman and White cutter to optimise production

6 January 2017

Brp Composites Ltd, a supplier of high quality carbon fibre components has commissioned a Genesis 2300 flatbed cutter from Blackman & White (B&W), allowing the company to cut a wide range of materials with both speed and efficiency as well as outstanding levels of precision.

The Hampshire-based company was set up in 2001 by Neale Blunden and soon became one of the leading suppliers in the motorsport industry.

He said: "Our constant determination to provide consistent quality is the driving force behind everything we do. Accuracy and consistency is crucial when cutting composite materials as even small differences can change the properties of the finished component. B&W cutters have a terrific reputation in the industry. I had seen them in action over the years and I was convinced B&W would supply a cutting machine that has the precision and flexibility Brp requires."

The time for the investment was right for Brp in 2016 soon after its merger with the Tritech Group. Neale explained that "the purchase of the Genesis cutter marks the start of an investment programme into composite manufacturing by the group.

"The synergy between the companies means that Brp can now move up to the next level of volume manufacturing in the higher end automotive market, while also supporting the fully integrated manufacturing solutions which Tritech delivers across industries including aerospace and defence.

"The cutter was successfully installed at the end of October and the B&W team was very supportive, making all the necessary adjustments to meet our individual requirements.

"Our team had already received training at B&W so they hit the ground running, cutting the first ‘live' job just five days after the installation team turned up with the kit.

"Turnaround time can be critical in this highly competitive industry and the new automated cutter will allow us to boost speed and increase efficiency. Being able to nest patterns digitally will enable us to utilise expensive composite materials to their maximum by reducing wastage and ensure a high degree of consistency of final parts.

"Some of the materials we work with can be quite difficult to handle, but the oscillating knife on the Genesis can makes light work of cutting pre-impregnated material such as carbon fibre and Kevlar with epoxy resin.

"These are very exciting times for us as we move forward into new markets with the support of our new partners at Tritech and the technical advances and support of suppliers like Blackman & White."

For more information on Brp Composites go towww.brptechnologies.co.ukor call (0)1420 478681. For more information on Blackman & White go towww.blackmanandwhite.com.

ENDS

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Photo captions:

1 (file ref BW_BRP_pic1): The material kit for an Air Filter Housing was cut on the Blackman & White Genesis 2300

2 (file ref BW_BRP_plycutter1): A Brp Composites operator removes the material kit from the Blackman & White Genesis 2300. Once cut, material is picked, bagged and stored ready use

This press release has been sent to you by BRPR on behalf of Blackman & White. For more information email jo@brpr.co.uk or call 07757 730454.