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Emerson and Renwick , known as E + R Group ( E + R ), is a privately owned , independent equipment engineering company . Throughout its history , E + R has grown and developed across multiple market sectors , positioning itself as a leading manufacturer of sophisticated roll-to-roll production machinery . With a reputation for engineering , technology , and process innovation , the company supports developments for ever more demanding processes and products . A key factor in E + R ’ s growth has been its success in the recruitment and development of highly skilled technical personnel across a wide range of capabilities and competencies . Over a year after our initial interview , we catch up with Andrew Jack , Sales Director .
“ The past year had its fair share of ups and downs due to unfavorable market conditions . Nonetheless , we have managed to diversify our operations and take on considerable work in the renewable energy sector , which is now our biggest market . By renewables , I am referring to battery coaters , fuel cells , photovoltaics , and other products in that vein ,” he begins .
Its diversified product portfolio has empowered E + R to stand out and find its niche in the machinery manufacturing sector . “ We pride ourselves on being a unique company with a wide range of techniques under one roof . At our core , we are a roll-to-roll converter , manufacturing everything that can be converted to a roll of film , from unwinding
We pride ourselves on being a unique company with a wide range of techniques under one roof . to coating and rewinding . Unlike most of our competitors , who typically specialize in one technique , we offer both wet atmospheric and vacuum roll-to-roll coating options . What truly sets us apart in the marketplace is our ability to handle many of the disciplines the market requires for a full turnkey process ,” says Andrew .
Seamless solutions
Filling us in on E + R ’ s latest noteworthy projects , Andrew highlights a machine the company built and installed for Ilika . “ This project involved designing a battery development machine for Ilika , a battery manufacturing company located just outside Southampton . Ilika was looking for a small scale machine that could offer them the flexibility required to develop coatings for their Goliath program , whose purpose is to produce larger scale batteries . In response , we developed a machine called the Genesis Air , which we launched over the last 12 months . Ilika became the first customer to purchase and use the Genesis Air , and the machine has proven highly effective for them . It is also worth noting that we have made some minor changes as part of the machine ’ s ongoing development throughout the last year . Overall , the project has been successful , with the customer being genuinely satisfied with the machine ,” he emphasizes .
The Genesis Air is but one example of E + R ’ s focus on innovation . Andrew sheds light on recent investments in innovation and how they have benefited the company ’ s client base . “ Our investments in innovation are driven by our customers ’ needs and preferences . For example , clients have expressed a desire for smaller scale development machines that can be scaled up into larger manufacturing machines . To meet this demand , we began producing benchtop calendaring systems following a similar process as Genesis Air to facilitate smallerscale development and bridge the gap to
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