LED lighting specialist Loxa has chosen Mark Aluminum Die Castings (MADC) to produce large casings for its industrial lights.
The requirement was for a UK-based supplier that could produce high volumes at the consistent quality required to withstand exposure to the elements.
Based in Colwyn Bay, Conway North Wales, MADC has many decades of experience producing pressure die cast aluminium parts for its own water pumps. Used extensively in the automotive industry, these castings must meet the highest quality levels at high production volumes and remain competitively priced.
The supply relationship with Loxa started through MADC's involvement with the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and business contacts developed by the closely related Enterprises Europe Network (EEN) programme.
Loxa provided MADC with various casing specifications that the company was looking for and using existing contacts MADC has within the company group, worked with a facility in Asia to provide the tooling for at a competitive price.
The LED casing designs are challenging due to their large surface area and the moulded ribs that provide strength and disperse heat while keeping weight to a minimum.
Several prototype castings were produced and after a few minor casting issues were designed out of the tooling by the designers at MADC, Loxa was satisfied the castings would be of a consistent high quality.
Loxa has now placed orders with MADC, who will manufacture all casings at their UK factory.
David Lewis, European Head of Operations at MADC, comments: "Customers work with us knowing we have the experience and expertise to produce to their requirements and production volumes. All of our aluminium die cast products are designed and manufactured in the UK and have been for decades. Therefore, we not only demonstrate extensive casting design and manufacturing experience, commercially we are in a position to offer a competitively priced product. By operating from a UK location and working in a transparent manner, we remove the customer risks associated with dealing with, and sourcing from, suppliers based on a different continent.
"In this instance, Loxa was looking for a UK source of quality casings, so a close control of purchasing and production volumes could be planned and checked. We have achieved a high quality end product and due to our location, the client feels confident we will deliver."