Reverse engineered bearing lifts spirits at distillery

When a potential issue was identified with a slewing ring bearing on a bottling machine at the oldest continuous gin distillers in the world, the company turned to the expertise of R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd

Warrington-based G&J Distillers has recently used the reverse engineering know-how of R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd to safeguard component availability and guarantee production continuity.

A history of traditional skills and distillation craftsmanship is combined with modern bottling facilities to ensure G&J Distillers maintains its reputation for producing and distributing a wide range of high-quality gins and other spirits. For example, a major component of the company’s advanced production process is a pair of Hartness Global Fill bottling machines, key elements in the production process.

“The Hartness Global Fill machines are 15 years old and, although there are currently no issues with the slewing ring bearing, we did not have a serviceable spare,” explains Production Manager Stephen Swinney. “Our existing spare had been used at some point in the past and was visibly worn. It was clear that reconditioning was required immediately as, without a replacement, machine failure could mean a shortage of supply to our customers.”

Unfortunately, Hartness no longer produces this version of the Global Fill machine and spares are unavailable. Mr Swinney therefore turned to R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd, asking for assistance in identifying the bearing, and to make  recommendations about its potential for re-use.

With no drawings available, initial measurements taken by R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd revealed that the slewing ring bearing was a bespoke unit and not a standard catalogue product from any manufacturer. With a 61" OD and 52.25" bore, the slewing ring bearing featured 30 through-holes in the inner ring and 30 tapped blind holes in the outer ring and the box was marked with packed weight of 401kg, with no further details obtainable. 

Having liaised with Rodriguez GmbH, it was agreed to ship the bearing to Germany for a thorough strip, clean and internal inspection; a process that resulted in a workable drawing. This drawing would allow G&J Distillers to make some decisions and also enable R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd. to submit a quote for a brand new bearing, as well as refurbishing the old one.

Being the quickest option, G&J Distillers initially selected the remanufactured bearing. However, after a short period of reflection, the company also decided to proceed with the new bearing as well, on the basis that it would serve as future back-up for this vital part of the bottling line. The competitive price of the new bearing was said to be a further factor in the purchase decision.

“Having one of our bottle filling machines out of commission is simply not an option,” concludes Mr Swinney. “For this reason, we were thankful of the quick and efficient response to our request for assistance and are very satisfied with the outcome. In fact, I’d rate the service provided by R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd. as 10 out of 10. We’ve previously had other products from Rodriguez and the quality is always of the highest order. Both the remanufactured and new slewing ring bearings are now held as spares, which means peace-of-mind for our production team and our customers.”

That's the spirit - reverse engineered bearing ensures uninterrupted production for the future
That's the spirit - reverse engineered bearing ensures uninterrupted production for the future

R.A. Rodriguez (UK) Ltd

14 Old Bridge Way
Shefford
SG17 5HQ
UNITED KINGDOM

+44 (0)1462 670044

info@raruk.co.uk

www.rarodriguez.co.uk

More applications
7 hours ago
Schaeffler rewards suppliers for outstanding performance
Schaeffler presented 19 of its suppliers with the Schaeffler Supplier Award at the Supplier Day in Herzogenaurach, Germany, in honour of their exceptional performance.
10 hours ago
Educational programme announced for Manufacturing and Engineering Week
With just under two weeks until Manufacturing and Engineering Week 2023 and its centrepiece exhibitions open their doors on 7th and 8th of June at Birmingham’s NEC, the full educational programme has been announced.
11 hours ago
Streamlining banding machines for sustainable packaging
When sustainable bundling and banding solutions company Bandall faced the challenge of using different sensors for detecting various product formats, it turned to Omron for a solution.
13 hours ago
Acorn partners with Bosch Rexroth
Acorn has announced its appointment as an LT Solution Partner for Bosch Rexroth Linear Motion Technology. Rexroth offers a very wide range of linear motion solutions, from a single component to multi-axis complete systems.
6 days ago
See the latest and greatest in Machine Vision Technology at MVC 2023
Now in its seventh year, the Machine Vision Conference and Exhibition is recognised as the leading machine vision trade show worldwide. This year’s show will feature an exciting range of new machine vision technology including the latest products from leading companies.
6 days ago
Unlocking success for UK manufacturers amid industry challenges
Omron’s highly anticipated Discover Omron Roadshow will bring together industry experts, thought leaders and manufacturers to exchange invaluable insights and empower participants with strategies to overcome hurdles, reduce costs, optimise efficiency, and drive overall cost-effectiveness in their operations.
6 days ago
ABB closes automation skills gap with new robotics education package
ABB Robotics is continuing to close the global education gap in automation and prepare students for the future of work with the launch of a ready-to-use education package.
6 days ago
Exciting array of speakers announced for Automation UK seminar programme
Automation UK, the new exhibition highlighting the importance of robotics and systems integration to the future growth of the UK economy, has revealed the details of the first of the industry experts set to speak at the sell-out event.
6 days ago
Essentra exceeds sustainability targets and launches new customer-led strategy
Essentra Components reports that it has exceeded its 2025 Scope 1 and 2 emissions targets and is reshaping its sustainability strategy to focus on helping customers achieve their sustainability goals.
1 week ago
MiniTec UK highlights aluminium profile system at MachineBuilding.Live
MiniTec UK will be highlighting its full range of aluminium profile, accessories and solutions at MachineBuilding.Live, including its recent appointment as systems integrator for LG Motion’s collaborative robot application.

Login / Sign up