Wall Colmonoy explains key technology developments to automotive representatives
November 23, 2016
Managing Director of Wall Colmonoy Ltd, Steph Curtis, greets Chief Executive of the Welsh Automotive Forum, Tim Williams
Wall Colmonoy Limited has announced that it recently welcomed Tim Williams, Chief Executive of the Welsh Automotive Forum (WAF), to its European Headquarters in Pontardawe, Swansea, UK. During his meeting with Steph Curtis, Managing Director, and the senior management team, Williams was brought up to date on key developments that have taken place at the company the last two and half years.
Wall Colmonoy established its facility in Pontardawe in 1969, specialising in the design, development and manufacture of Colmonoy® (Nickel) and Wallex® (Cobalt) for hard surfacing applications, and Nicrobraz® (Nickel) brazing alloys for high temperature joining of metals. Its alloys are available as powder and rods in a full range of sizes and specifications. Wall Colmonoy also manufactures precision castings and machined components. In addition, through its Aerobraze business unit, the company offers specialised services of vacuum brazing, vacuum heat treatment, welding and powder metal deposition processes such as HVOF, PTA, Spray & Fuse and Laser Cladding.
For the Automotive industry specifically, Wall Colmonoy manufactures a range of nickel-based products which are used extensively in the manufacture of Exhaust Gas Recirculation units (EGR’s) and Catalytic Converters. Wall Colmonoy also manufactures cobalt-based hardsurfacing alloys for use on engine valves. Wall Colmonoy’s automotive customers include major tier 1 global suppliers.
“Visiting member companies always provides the opportunity to see first-hand what is being achieved and to discuss how WAF can add value. In the case of Wall Colmonoy, Steph made sure that I met his management team and department heads to fully understand the business and the improvement journey they have been on and importantly, continue to do so. I left having gained extensive knowledge of their different and excellent design and manufacturing processes, how culture change has created an atmosphere of positivity and an overall feeling of confidence that I know will make this company go from strength to strength. An example to anyone embarking on a similar journey and I will be promoting Wall Colmonoy’s capabilities and competences to the automotive world at every opportunity,” Williams stated.
In January 2014 Curtis defined a clear vision for the future of Wall Colmonoy with a focused strategy for the first 12-18 months of “getting the basics right”, engaging and developing people and creating a platform for profitable growth. In parallel to getting the basics right of Quality, Costs, Delivery and Health & Safety, Wall Colmonoy focused on strengthening its relationships with its customers, rising to new levels of Customer Service and working closely with its suppliers.
“Through 2014 and into the first half of 2015 we created a platform for development and growth. As we progressed through 2015 and into 2016 the business has become stronger, profitable and generating positive cash-flows. The culture in the business has developed very quickly and positively into a results-oriented performance culture with pride and passion demonstrated by everyone. We are now very much focused on the profitable growth phase of our journey,” stated Curtis.
