TF AUTOMATION - SPECIAL PURPOSE MACHINERY
TF Automation are specialist engineers, who design and manufacture process automation solutions as well as supplying local manufacturers with pneumatic and industrial components. Supporting a wide range of manufacturing industries from automotive, aerospace and defence, to pharmaceutical, printing, packaging and general industrial, we design and manufacture special purpose machinery, designed to client’s bespoke requirements.
We work with some of the largest manufacturers in their respective fields, all requiring product handling and automation solutions to support some of the world’s leading brands particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Consistency, improved production efficiency and precision are our clients’ key drivers, with the majority of our projects concentrating on improving product handling and automating manual-handling processes. Another area of focus is on traceability and we work with clients to incorporate and improve traceability into their manufacturing processes to meet quality standardisation and continuous improvement requirements.
Projects range from full manufacturing units to specialist components all engineered to integrate fully with existing production lines. Our engineering and design expertise is extensive and ensures we offer the latest technology across a wide range of disciplines including pneumatics, robotics, automated assembly, in-mould labelling, pick and place and leak testing, all with process automation as the core focus.
With over 40 years’ experience, process automation and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes are central to all our projects at TF Automation and we strive to offer the most innovative and technologically advanced solutions for all our clients.
APPRENTICE PROGRAMME
For many years TF Automation has been extremely passionate about providing opportunities for young and aspiring talent to undertake our long-established apprenticeship programme. Some of our senior employees joined the company as apprentices which has helped build a unique culture and sense of togetherness. We place an emphasis on nurturing young talent and encourage all our employees to reach their potential and contribute to the team ethic we are keen to build and develop. Our tight-knit structure ensures we communicate well at all levels within the organisation and also externally with clients, suppliers and partners.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
TF Automation has always supported local grassroots sporting clubs covering rugby, football and cricket, as we feel it is important to invest in our local community activities. We regularly donate funds to help to buy kit, equipment and to upgrade facilities, as required.
We have decided to support Bradford Central Foodbank as our charity for the year in 2021. We intend to donate essential items 4 times per year, both from collections from staff and donated from the company too and will work with the Foodbank to determine what they require at certain points through the year. We feel it is important to support a much-needed facility local to our site and supporting our local Bradford community.
SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY
TF Automation has worked closely with The University of Bradford for around 15 years now supporting with full-time work, placements, internships and summer placements. In total we have given around 15 student employment opportunities mainly in marketing and digital communication as well as one-off IT-based projects and data analysis.
In recent years, the University has run workshops to support students in preparing for their placement options. We have attended these workshops supporting at mock assessment centre days helping students get the most out of this type of interview technique, so they know what to expect.
We have successfully run two case study projects for MSc Marketing and Communication students. We created a “real” case study brief which was presented to students and included a factory tour and question and answer session. The students then had to create a full marketing campaign according to the brief including research and in-depth analysis and then formally present their findings and recommendations.
This gave the students a “real” case study to work on and we have implemented some of their recommendations. As part of this process, we employed one of the students part-time to assist in the delivery of the marketing campaign. The same case study project was also presented remotely by TF Automation to International MBA students studying Integrated Marketing Communications at the University campus in Dubai.
TF Automation also support the younger student community in the area with their involvement with The Bradford Chamber of Commerce initiative – Braford Manufacturing Week – which is now into its fourth year. We ran a series of site visits, virtual ones in 2020, incorporating hands on engagement with our machine build team to highlight manufacturing and engineering opportunities and options to students in the Bradford area.
TF AUTOMATION PROVIDES CLIENTS WITH A TURNKEY SOLUTION
We employ full-time mechanical design, control design, software design and manufacturing engineers to ensure our projects can be controlled from a quality as well as a project management perspective.
All projects are carried out in-house, including concept design created in Solidworks 3D CAD, CNC machining, manufacturing (mechanical and electrical), testing and commissioning and programming. Where we do bring in expertise and components, we work only with the most renowned and innovative brands, ensuring that all materials and components meet strict quality standards.
Our strength is in our ability to assess and understand the needs of each project and client. We take the time to consider all possible solutions for clients, ensuring their expectations are met and the optimum solution provided.
As a small team with many years of experience between us across a vast range of industries, we understand that no project or client is the same and we approach each with an open mind. Our clients projects range from idea inception to clear focus on process automation and everything in between!
IN-HOUSE DESIGN
Taking the time to understand clients’ particular requirements, our experienced design engineers work with you to ensure the most competitive and innovative solution for your automation project. Using 3D Solidworks software (both mechanical and electrical), we create 3D CAD drawings for every project to visualise machinery and agree the specification prior to manufacture.
IN-HOUSE MANUFACTURING
Machines are built in-house to the highest quality only using components that are manufactured to the same exacting standards. We will occasionally outsource specialist expertise, if required for a particular application, however we will always oversee this input as part of the overall project. Our manufacturing team works closely with our design engineers to ensure projects run smoothly and to client requirements.
TESTING & COMMISSIONING
All our machines are thoroughly tested in-house and signed off with client approval prior to on-site commissioning. Our engineering team also test and commission the machine at the customer’s site to ensure smooth integration into the overall production.
PROGRAMMING
We offer programming as part of our in-house full service, including PLC/HMI, electric drives and vision systems. We only work with programmers who are specialists in their area and offer site visits to support installation and testing, plus operator training, if required.
