After two months of use, Peter Jones (ILG) – a manufacturer of personal carrying solutions for technology and security products – has reported a significant increase in efficiency by the digitisation of their workflow, following a recent investment in a Zünd Digital Cutting System for processing leather and textile materials.
From its humble origins as a traditional saddler 55 years ago, Peter Jones (ILG) has evolved into a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of innovative carrying solutions, and is regarded as the industry leader for carrying solutions to the emergency services, security and worker safety sectors. Its products range from carrying cases, pouches, holsters and mounting solutions for a wide range of items, including radios, mobile data devices, body-worn cameras, control and restraint equipment, portable gas detectors, and lone worker safety devices.
Prior to the introduction of the Zünd cutter, the company used traditional click-press machines to cut leather and textiles. This process requires a machine operator to repeatedly position a tooled knife on the material and bring the press down to cut out the required pattern. The process is labour-intensive and relies on operator judgment for obtaining as many usable, quality cuts as possible. Morgan Jones, Director at Peter Jones (ILG) explained, ‘The potential for improving material quality, yield levels and increasing production capacity was very apparent when we saw the Zünd cutter in action.’
The Zünd digital cutter allows material to be digitally scanned, plotted and the part patterns nested closely together to achieve maximum material yield. Jones continued, ‘One of our strengths as a company is the fact that customers can approach us to design and develop a bespoke solution for their needs, which after design and prototype approval, proceeds to full-scale manufacture. The Zünd cutter improves our versatility, speed, and efficiency, which means we can design, develop, and deliver new products sooner and far more cost-effectively.’
Dean Ashworth, Sales and Marketing Director at Zünd UK added, ‘Having worked within the global leather industry for many years, there has and continues be a perceived dependency on traditional, click-press cutters. We are delighted to see that Jones and his forward-thinking team at Peter Jones are embracing our market leading, digital technology to support their continuing, ongoing success and take their business to the next level.’
The company works with some of the largest technology manufacturers across the world to design and manufacture carrying accessories for their devices, and prides itself on combining traditional know-how with the latest innovations and technology to consistently provide high quality solutions. The investment, with the support of Welsh Government’s SMART Cymru scheme, means that the company continues along this path, and is able to support its customers in the design, development, and manufacture of new solutions to the challenge of carrying and wearing technology and equipment safely, securely, and comfortably.
Material yield has increased from 60% to 80% and the 50% reduction in waste material is welcomed by a company who is committed to sustainability as part of its ISO 14001 accreditation.
Jones added, ‘Since the introduction of the Zünd G3 L-2500 digital cutter, we have doubled our material cutting capacity and are now processing over 4000 parts per day. Our customers will reap the benefits of this in the form of shorter lead times on orders and the speeding up of the design-to-manufacturing process of new products. Our Zünd cutter also gives us flexibility to add new tools and technologies that will introduce new cutting and finishing techniques, such as creasing and laser marking.’
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