BIRMINGHAM, UK - 1st October 2004 - Conekt, the engineering and consultancy arm of TRW Automotive, today announced the implementation of a range of new test laboratory equipment. The investment is part of a comprehensive upgrade and improvement strategy to advance the service and productivity of Conekt's existing test capabilities.
Throughout the first half of 2004, Conekt completed phase one of the investment programme by integrating a large, new 2500 litre temperature and humidity chamber, as well as a third temperature and vibration durability rig. It is proposed that additional investment includes the implementation of a new thermal shock chamber, mechanical shock machine, electro-magnetic compatibility (EMC) receiver, spectral analyser and amplifier.
With the introduction of the 2500 litre temperature and humidity chamber, Conekt's Engineering Services Team is now able to test larger products, as well as increasing the number of current products tested at any one time. This helps to drive down the cost of engineering, making Conekt's facilities more efficient both internally and for external customers. Similarly, with the addition of the third temperature and vibration durability rig, Conekt is supporting the growth in demand within this area of test engineering.
Colin Gregory, Conekt test facilities manager, explained: "With these recent developments to Conekt's already extensive capabilities, we've seen our efficiency improve significantly, a benefit that we can pass to our customers. This will only continue with phase two of the investment programme".
Phase two of the investment programme will commence in early 2005, which will involve the expansion of EMC capabilities, including changes at the company's satellite facility in Livonia, USA. These further changes will confirm Conekt's position within the test services market, adding to its already comprehensive set of test facilities.
The third phase of the programme will continue later in 2005 and will include investment in a new large vibration system for external customers.
TRW Conekt is the consultancy arm of TRW and brings together key services in engineering, knowledge and technology. TRW Conekt is based on over 40 years of research and development experience in the automotive, aerospace, professional and industrial sectors. It generates major competitive advantage through new ideas and the application of science and technology in product development and manufacturing.
For further information please contact Conekt on +44 (0) 121 627 4777 or e-mail conekt.enquiries@trw.com.
