Neaco Engineering Tour: Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers

Engineers at Neaco recently opened their doors to students from Bridlington School for an extensive, hands-on factory tour. Led by Factory Manager Dan Verity, the visit aimed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world industrial application. Consequently, students left the facility with a deeper understanding of the engineering career opportunities available within the construction sector.

Dan Verity, the factory manager, took the students on an extensive tour of the factory. The tour included demonstrations of the swage press and bending machinery, in which the students were nothing short of impressed.

“The students were so enthused by everything they saw; they fired dozens of questions at me about engineering careers. It has made a huge impact on them.” 

Mr. Andy Grayshan, Head of Technology and Engineering, Bridlington School.

From Raw Materials to Precision Engineering

During the tour, Verity emphasized the vital importance of apprenticeships. He explained how hands-on experience allows aspiring engineers to master the production process. The journey began in the flooring department, where students witnessed the birth of modular aluminium flooring.

Technical Demonstrations and Innovation

The students observed several high-precision processes that our production engineers manage daily:

• The 150-Tonne Swage Press: This machine utilizes a specialized swage-locking technique to give our flooring superior structural strength.

• CAD Precision: Neaco’s engineers carefully study CAD drawings for every project. This ensures that when the flooring is cut by the cross-cut saw, it meets exact specifications.

• Final Inspection: Students saw the rigorous inspection checks performed by our quality control team before products reach the packing department.

  

Mastering Fabrication and Balustrade Design

The tour continued into the fabrication department, the heart of our balustrade manufacturing. Here, the focus shifted to the mechanical engineering behind our curved designs.

• Hydraulic Bending: Students watched demonstrations of the Mewag hydraulic man drill bending machines. Additionally, Verity highlighted the strict health and safety protocols required when operating such powerful machinery.

• Precision Cutting: The students saw how the Kaltenbach automatic circular saw cuts aluminium tubing to the perfect curvature.

• Finishing Touches: Once ready, the tubing passed through Neaco’s polyester powder coating plant, showcasing the intersection of chemical and mechanical engineering.

The Full Product Cycle: From Enquiry to Manufacture

To conclude the visit, the students moved from the factory floor to the office. They received exclusive insights from our CAD and Sales departments. This segment revealed the strategic lifecycle of a construction project:

1. Enquiry: Understanding client needs.

2. Technical Design: Where design engineers turn concepts into workable blueprints.

3. Manufacture: Translating those blueprints into physical products.

Ultimately, this provided the students with “inside information” on how their future engineering careers fit into the wider construction industry. By seeing how raw materials become finished products, they gained a practical perspective that complements their workshop theory.