Manufacturing Today Issue - 230 Nov 2024 | Page 40

Cover Story ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Michael then highlights some key recent investments that have helped the business stay ahead of the curve in an industry that evolves at breakneck speed . “ As well as investing in our people , we have also invested in some specific technology . We have integrated laser welding equipment which has transformed our battery production . When we began manufacturing batteries it was a very time-consuming process requiring very technical welding to fuse the cells in the battery together . Working with a government agency we developed a semi-automated system which reduced the manufacturing time to 40 minutes per module . With new equipment this process is down to under a minute .”
Pole position
As Michael has already touched upon , people are a central component of the business ’ capabilities . He expands on how this approach influences operations . “ We have always taken people management very seriously and in the 1990s we were one of the first motorsport organizations to have a dedicated human resources department . Since the business was founded , we have also had apprenticeship programs throughout the different departments .” Michael himself was an apprentice at the company when he was 16 , working his way through the various divisions .
“ Our graduate program is also well recognized throughout the industry ,” he continues . “ Perhaps a bit too well recognized ,” he jokes , “ because a common theme has emerged of Formula One teams poaching our graduates , which I ’ ll take as a compliment ! Some of the best engineers we have now came to us through our graduate schemes . We ’ ve been able to support their growth and development to the point where they contribute massively to the business and lead their own teams , which is very rewarding to see .”
Having had a stellar reputation within motorsport for decades , RML Group is being recognized more widely for its cutting edge , high-performance engineering capabilities . With contemporary takes on much loved classic cars , as well as its own innovative designs , RML Group has placed itself in pole position to lead the way in automotive innovation . ■
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