The North Western branch of The Welding Institute (TWI), a global leader in technology engineering, showcased ProgressPlus technology, the UK’s most dynamic production control software, at its AGM held at Graham Engineering, one of the UK’s most innovative advanced manufacturers.
The industry-leading software has been in operation for nearly a year at Graham, a Lancashire-based specialist company with strong links to the nuclear, aerospace and defence sectors.
Paul Ashworth, IT manager at Graham and secretary of TWI, said that since Progress Plus was installed, Graham has increased the number of touch screens in its factories from three to 20, it has doubled the number of office licences from 15 to 30 and the system is now being used widely by all 170 of the company’s employees.
At the AGM, Tony MacBride, director at Glasgow-based Berkeley Myles, the developer of ProgressPlus, profiled the revolutionary software, illustrated its niche attributes and explained its cross-sector appeal in businesses across the UK.
As part of the TWI event, there was a factory shop floor tour for invited guests to demonstrate how ProgressPlus collects production data directly from touchscreen/barcode terminals. This includes both time recording and materials movements and gives Graham Engineering detailed and accurate traceablity and costing on all their jobs.
The meeting was also addressed by Graham’s logistics manager Mike Evans, who explained why the company opted for a root and branch update of its manufacturing software after years with a previous supplier.
He said: “Every product is different at Graham Engineering and every production cell is different. They are like mini-factories and the processes are incredibly complex. We needed someone who would listen to what we wanted.”
“That is exactly what we found with Berkeley Myles. They not only listen but they arrive at effective solutions. We have been working together since the start of 2012 and in that time they have created 28 individual enhancements, all of which have helped improve our processes.” 
Graham Engineering was founded in 1970 by Mr Corry Graham, its current Chairman, and moved to its base in Nelson, Lancashire, 10 years later. It still retains many of its original customers, illustrating a remarkable degree of client satisfaction. Its focus now is in nuclear, aero and hot water cylinders.
Mike Evans added: “Graham Engineering is increasing in size as a result of growing order books and we were very keen to partner with a supplier which had the capacity to grow with us and support us in our ambitions.”
“With Berkeley Myles, we have found that ideal partner.”