News
Engineering Training at the University
January 2010:
As part of Bonaprene’s on going programme of training five members of Bonaprene staff have started a Mechanical Engineering course at Glyndwr University. The staff members come from all parts of the company and the aim is enhance engineering Knowledge out side Bonaprene’s engineering department. Olivier Durieux, Glyndwr’s Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, has devised a course to cover a broad spectrum of subjects from deformation of materials through to basic rules of electricity. With Olivier specialising in automotive and motor sport technology the course was very helpful for our Bonaprene’s sales people who deal with engineers and buyers in the automotive sector selling our Polybush branded suspension bushes.
Certificate in First line management
August 2009:
Bonaprene Products are pleased to announce the awarding of Level 3 Certificates in First Line Management to Richard Smith, Gareth Foulkes and Neil Flavell. These certificates have been awarded by the Institute of Leadership & Management following extensive training at Yale College.
Stage Award towards Engineering Apprenticeship
July 2009:
Bonaprene are pleased to announce that Angelo Campos, the companies current engineering apprentice, has been awarded a Certificate of Unit Credit towards his City and Guilds Certificate of Engineering. This has been in the Installation, Commissioning and Mainenance module. Angelo has obtained a credit and a distinction in hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components.
New Dispensing Machine
October 2008:
Bonaprene have taken delivery of a brand new 1000 litre capacity Baule UG4C/CV cast Polyurethane dispensing machine. This adds to Bonaprene's other dispensers and can produce hardness's from 35º Shore A to 95º Shore A and colours red, blue, yellow, green, black, white and orange.
Degree in Manufacturing Technology
July 2007:
Bonaprene Products are pleased to announce that the companies Production Director, Richard Mills, has obtained a Masters of Science degree in Manufacturing: Management and Technology from the Open University. Obtaining this degree has required a large amount of work but brings high level skills into Bonaprene's business of polyurethane engineering.
Mercol moves to Wrexham
July 2007:
After the completion of Bonaprene's 10,000 sq foot extension of the factory at Wrexham Bonaprene's Mercol operation at Holmewood was moved in July 2007. This will allow economy of scale from bringing all polyurethane processing under one roof. A big thank you to all the staff at Mercol who we've all enjoyed working with since April 2006 and who have ensured the smooth transfer of techniques and technology.
Factory Extension
June 2007:
Bonaprene have put the finishing touches to the 10,000 sq foot (1,000m2) factory extension to bring the total floor space to 30,000 sq foot (3,000m2). This has created the room for the growth of the last few years, Bonaprene can now all breath out again. It has also allowed the Polybush Division to build brand new facilities including offices, stores, warehousing, meeting rooms and most importantly a lovely new kitchen.
Purchase of Land
March 2006:
Bonaprene have finally completed the purchase of building land adjacent to the factory on the Wrexham Industrial Estate. Bonaprene can now progress with the planning application for a 10,000 sq foot extension to the factory. This will allow a growth in Bonaprene's polyurethane processing capacity as well as installation of new automated polyurethane machinery.
Apprenticeship in Engineering
July 2006:
Bonaprene are pleased to announce the awarding of the latest Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering from SEMTA The Sector Skills Council.
This skills for business award has gone to Mark Jones who works in the Bonaprene machine shop. Mark has worked hard both practically in the shop and at Yale college in Wrexham to complete his apprenticeship. Mark now takes up his duties as a fully time served machinist. He will be involved in tool making and general milling and turning work.
Upgrade of Technical Drawing System
March 2006:
Bonaprene Products have completed their investment in a comprehensive upgrade of their technical drawing capability with the purchase of Solidworks suit of programs. To complement this Bonaprene's draughtsmen have attended the Solidworks training course. The investment will allow Bonaprene to offer their customers a faster and more comprehensive design service especially in the areas of tool making and component production.
Mercol Products Sale
April 2006:
Bonaprene Products are pleased to announce the purchase of Mercol Products Limited's Geothane business. This brings together two of the most important names in cast polyurethane technology.
|
|
Hardwick View Road
Holmewood Industrial Estate
Holmewood, Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S42 5SA
Tel: +44 (0)1246 857800
Fax: +44 (0)1246 857801
Web: www.mercol-polymers.co.uk
e-mail: info@mercol-polymers.co.uk
Polyurethane Product Manufacturing Technology
October 2004:
By 2003 the Polyurethane Technology course, through the
National Open College Network, has become an established
program. Casting staff are designated as casting apprentices
on joining Bonaprene and are distinguished by a grey uniform.
They enter into the training scheme which educates them on
all practical and theoretical aspects of polyurethane casting.
These include Health and safety for cast polyurethane manufacture;
manufacture of cast polyurethane mouldings and basic chemistry
for cast polyurethane manufacture.
Management Training
June 2004:
In 2003 Bonaprene began the process of formalising their
management training. Bonaprene's shop floor managers
have been attending the Team Leader Productivity Improvement
Network run by the Welsh Development Agency. Bonaprene are
pleased to announce that Bonaprene's Machine shop, Casting
shop and Trimming shop foremen had all received Certificates
of Achievement.
Polyurethane Product Manufacturing Technology
August 2000:
Bonaprene Products are pleased to announce that our first
candidates have been awarded credit passes in Polyurethane
Product Manufacturing Technology at Yale College.
In the late 90s Bonaprene management wanted to introduce
a formal training scheme for the polyurethane casting operatives.
On finding no scheme existed they set about designing, producing
and getting accredited a scheme of their own. In 1999 the scheme
was approved by the National Open College Network as an equivalent
to NVQ 2 or 3 and training began. In conjunction with Yale College,
exams were set. In August 2000 the first candidates passed and
received their certificates.