Nidec Drives has been a pioneer in motor Control Technologies for over 50 years. With its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Newtown, Mid Wales, and as the largest employer in the local area, Nidec Drives has consistently sought to drive innovation, evolving and adapting from Industry 3.0 and now advancing towards Industry 5.0. Maintaining a reputation for advancement in automation; Nidec Drives remains committed to the progress of manufacturing technology whilst contributing to environmental sustainability through the deployment of Control Techniques variable speed drives.
Addressing the challenge - Identifying and overcoming the complexities of manual handling
Over the past five decades, Nidec Drives’ UK manufacturing facilities have undergone significant expansion and transformation. To maintain its renowned quality standards while continuing to serve its customers, employees, and stakeholders efficiently, a new solution was required to tackle a critical challenge.
As the manufacturing site grew, the movement of raw materials from the warehouse to the module assembly plant was handled manually. Operators were physically transporting materials between buildings via forklift trucks and internally across three separate levels. This process was not only time-consuming but also resource intensive. Given the complexity of interlinking different levels within the facility, a bespoke solution was essential for Nidec Drives.
Identifying the right partner - Invar the trusted intralogistics experts
“We invested significant time in researching the right supplier to collaborate with us on achieving the optimal solution. Through extensive dialogue and interaction with Invar, they emerged as the clear frontrunner” commented Jamie.
Project overview - Nidec Drives’ variable speed drives prove pivotal to installation of new conveyor system
One of the most unique and exciting features of Nidec Drives’ UK manufacturing site is that, where possible, the automated machinery in use—from component store cranes to production equipment—runs on the very Control Techniques variable speed drives that the Nidec Drives manufactures. The new conveyor and lift system would be no exception. This practice underlines Nidec Drives’ dedication to delivering Control Techniques products of the highest standards, simply put: “Our drives make your drives.”
Integral to the efficient stop/start nature of this system are the Control Techniques drives. For this project, two types of drives were utilised: three Unidrives, and eleven Digitax HD M750.
Impact and future developments
The installation of the new conveyor and lift system was completed in just four months. Since its implementation in April 2024, the impact on productivity and staff morale has been significant. The team can now retrieve parts without physically moving and accessing bulk materials, production bottlenecks have been eliminated, and individual efficiencies have markedly increased. Also, employees note that they no longer have to brave the sometimes temperamental Welsh weather to complete their work!
