Bay Engineering future-proofs with HAAS
Bay Engineering is a precision engineering company based in Weymouth, Dorset on the Lynch Lane Industrial Estate. They are committed to providing high quality CNC machined components while providing prompt and efficient customer service.
Established in 2001 by directors Steve Balem and Darren Taylor the company has been going from strength to strength.
In 2012 Bay Engineering moved into a new purpose built 6,000 sq. ft. factory and invested in new machining centres with a prospect to increase their workforce of 13.
Darren Taylor explains: “We have expanded our team to 20. Our highly-skilled staff are augmented by external specialists in their respective fields. This has enabled us to continue our steady growth whilst making improvements across the company. Ultimately, this lets us deliver an ever-improving service and quality of work to our customers.”
But it doesn’t stop there.
“In 2010, we turned over £320,000. Since they we have steadily grown and we have every confidence in reaching our 2017 forecast of £1.7m.”
Steve Balem comments: “Our culture of continuous investment should see us soon surpass the £2m mark. This will undoubtedly include the procurement of more Haas 5-axis CNC mills.”
“We have a long-standing tradition of using Haas. We find them to consistently deliver solid, long-lasting machines, that are great value for money and output quality components.”
“Our commitment to quality has always been at the forefront of our current and future plans. We have just received our certification of the latest ISO standard, ISO 9001:2015. We are duty bound to ensure all components we manufacture are fully traceable. From the material purchased, to programmer, to operator, to inspection through to goods-out.”
More 5-axis machining has been an essential part of Bay Engineering’s long-term investment plan for increasing both capacity and machining capabilities. Darren clarifies: “We were looking for a 5-axis machine to expand our capabilities and had a list of specific requirements. Our search for a ‘perfect-fit’ machine began and ended with a call to Haas. They suggested the 12,000RPM version of the Haas UMC-750 Universal Machining Centre.”
“With 762 x 508 x 508 mm travels, an integrated dual-axis trunnion table and 40+1 tool changer we knew we had found the right machine. Since taking delivery of the machine in March it has become the most popular machine in the workshop.”
Such an advanced machine requires a similar step up in CAD software. Fortunately, Bay Engineering’s CAD package of choice was ahead of the game.
“We’ve been using OneCNC for over 10 years now. It has always worked seamlessly with our existing Haas machines. We have a CAD station attached to each mill for programming and file transfer. This year we’ve upgraded all our CAD stations to Windows 10 Pro and OneCNC-XR7 3D Expert to fully complement our new Haas 5-axis machine. We’ve also added modules to OneCNC that provide us with optimum 5-axis control whilst maintaining our existing workflow.”
“We have a strict 5S strategy in place, but we take the spirit beyond the obvious tooling and marking. All our CAD stations are configured with the same software connected to a central server providing access to all files at any time. Our ERP software is bespoke and accessible throughout the building. It provides the latest information from the shop floor as required to those who need it, including production status, resource planning and delivery performance.”
Bay Engineering have also started running a night shift allowing continuous manufacturing around the clock.
“We were looking for a way to increase utilisation of our growing range of machining centres to meet customer demand. Adding 24-hour skeleton staff has allowed us to realise and leverage the full potential of our machines.”
Steve concludes: “Our long-term investment plan since moving to new premises in 2012 has already paid off. We will continue putting our collective expertise, our machines, and our teamwork in to ensuring our customers receive the highest quality components with customer service to match.”
We have a long-standing tradition of using Haas. We find them to consistently deliver solid, long-lasting machines, that are great value for money and output quality components
Steve Balem, Directors
