Posted to News on 28th Jul 2008, 21:54
25 years of standard and now custom gas springs
Industrial Gas Springs (IGS) is celebrating 25 years of successfully meeting the challenges created by continually changing customer and market demands. Formed in 1983, the company initially offered a wide range of products that could be supplied ex-stock within 24 hours. Today the company provides a one-stop-shop for all the requirements of industrial gas spring users. A rapid response to enquiries and a sample service provides springs within a few days for most new applications, with stock products still dispatched within 24 hours.
From its small beginnings in 1983, IGS now has a turnover approaching 4million and a full-time staff of 60. The self-contained 7000m2 site in Mitcham has its own machine shop operating CNC lathes for the manufacture of components. in addition to assembly, test and paint facilities.
Engineering has been one of the cornerstones of IGS's service, using the latest CAD/CAM software to ensure that it maintains this ability.
Overseas operations
IGS has two fully owned subsidiaries in the USA with warehouse and office facilities serving a wide customer base throughout North America. A joint venture business has also been formed to manufacture a range of products in India.
IGS springs have even been launched into space - designed to withstand the trauma of vibrations and stress during launch and the radiation and temperature extremes associated with this hostile environment where zero failure has to be assured.
Approved by both USA and British aerospace companies and with ISO 9001 accreditation for the design and manufacture of gas springs, IGS is able to meet the needs of industry for specialist springs for small quantities as well as large. It can offer realistic prices through bulk purchasing; its stocking policy coupled with its own manufacturing facilities ensure that delivery schedules are maintained and emergency requirements can be met - often overnight. IGS is well established in its niche market, with substantial potential for further growth. The company has products that are now specified and qualified in high-value, medium-volume markets.
Increased capacity
The manufacturing operation in the UK has been expanded recently by the acquisition of new machine tools. More development will follow in the assembly operation and on the systems side to further improve throughput and delivery. The company places particular emphasis on its engineering expertise to add value to customer applications and there are ongoing programmes for process and product development.
In August 2007, Industrial Gas Springs Ltd, Industrial Gas Springs Inc and International Gas Springs Inc. were acquired by Inflite Engineering Group. This additional support and financial muscle will allow the USA operation to be streamlined and the Indian joint venture to be brought on stream as quickly as possible.
