Hydraulics & Pneumatics May 2022

NEWS Bunting has acquired Gloucestershire-based powder milling and blending specialist Pilamec. Pilamec further broadens the Bunting product portfolio. Bunting is a global manufacturer of magnet and magnetic products serving a wide range of industrial sectors. The Bunting European engineering and manufacturing facilities are in Berkhamsted and Redditch, both in the UK. Since becoming a limited company in 1976, Pilamec has developed a reputation as a specialist supplier of materials and size reduction services to industries such as chemical, metal and ceramic. At its Gloucestershire operation, Pilamec processes a wide range of materials including, but not exclusively, a large variety of Ferro-Alloys, Silicon Metal, Graphite, Boron, Ferro Phosphorus and many more metal types. The company also supplies a wide range of Traded Metal Powders in both small and large quantities. Pilamec specialises in providing batch dry milling, screening and blending of organic and inorganic minerals for companies in industries as diverse as mining, refractories, foundries, recycling, and ceramics. The materials handled range from metals, slags to non-toxic chemicals, with investigation and test of any product, of any type, needing size reduction. Solving difficult problems The processing operation includes different types of milling, crushing, blending, screening and bagging. This has gained Pilamec a reputation of being able to advise suitable solutions to solve difficult problems through their experienced technical team. Projects have included producing silicon metal powder with extremely low particle size distribution, milling ferro alloys to tightly controlled particle sizing and densities, and processing, to granular/powder form, inorganic materials used in the Bunting acquires Pilamec construction industry. Within their in-house laboratory testing facility, a Laser Particle Size Analyser enables extremely accurate particle size analysis, with distribution graph information for both internal analysis and for sharing with customers. Additionally, Pilamec’s technical capabilities extend to test sieving by manual means and powder density. This complete service assists in the accurate presentation of finished product results to customers. Pilamec works closely with customers on development projects, using a Ball Mill to size reduce small quantities (20kg) of product. Such controlled tests provide key information for further development of a bulk processing application. For the ceramics sector, Pilamec regrinds waste generated during the ceramic manufacturing process to produce customer specific sized material for reintroduction into new customer blends thus reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. “Pilamec is a successful and well-respected company with great potential for growth,” says Simon Ayling, Bunting’s European managing director. “Through our Berkhamsted operation we already supply magnet materials and the Pilamec acquisition expands our range of materials, processing capabilities and markets.” The entire team at Tom Parker Ltd, including the Preston Northwest HQ, those based in the Basingstoke branch and the network of area sales managers covering the UK, report that they are immensely proud to be celebrating their 50th anniversary. Tom Parker Ltd has worked hard over the past five decades to build a thriving business that now has 80+ employees and to earn a reputation as one of the leading fluid power distribution companies in the UK, while remaining an independent family business. While there have been many changes throughout the company’s history, many of its core values remain the same. Tom Parker Ltd’s focus remains firmly on supplying high-quality connection solutions, while prioritising customers’ needs and providing high levels of technical advice and support. Connection specialist Mr Tom Parker first established the business back in 1972, distributing Swedish connection specialist Cejn’s quick connect couplings to the UK pneumatic and hydraulic market. The company went from strength to strength, soon acquiring the UK distribution rights for products from American connection specialists CPC – Colder Products Company; both of whom the company is proud to work closely with to this day alongside a portfolio of other leading brands In 1999, Tom Parker Ltd began producing product catalogues aimed at distribution, OEM and end users: building up a comprehensive resale network of companies who distribute fluid power products alongside their own ranges and specialist services throughout the UK. One-stop fluid power shop Tom Parker Ltd considers its expert technical knowledge, high quality products, aftersales service and close working relationships with suppliers and customers to be its major ongoing strengths. Tom Parker Ltd’s recently launched 2- year product catalogue contains 36,000 product lines with more than 80 brands spanning the pneumatics, hydraulics, industrial and process markets. Services also provided from the company’s on-site facility is a BFPA- certified and approved hydraulic and pneumatic hose assembly, in-house pressure testing, and a 24-hour bespoke pneumatic cylinder build service. UK sales manager and BFPDA board member, Seb Cole, comments: “We have built up a strong team here at Tom Parker Ltd with a wealth of experience. Our people, as well as our on-site vast stock levels and a passion for putting our customers’ needs first are the main reasons behind our ongoing success. “We pride ourselves on our ability to source complete turnkey product solutions to the most challenging of fluid power projects. We particularly relish a challenge, so why not put us to the test?” To request copies of the new 50th anniversary Tom Parker Ltd fluid power product catalogue in printed or interactive version on USB stick, email catalogue@tom-parker.co.uk Tom Parker Ltd celebrates 50th anniversary 12 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2022 www.hpmag.co.uk