Bowman International look back at a year of facility investment and improvements, with the introduction of automated warehousing facilities and additional storage space.
“Stock is key to customer fulfilment”, says Paul Hancock, CEO of Bowman International Ltd – an ethos the manufacturer has worked to since it began in 1972.
Now, after almost a year of improvements, and an investment of nearly one million pounds, Bowman has completed state-of-the-art upgrades to its automated warehousing facilities and the addition of another 550 square metres of space in Oxfordshire and the Midlands. With a focus on automation and storage capacity, these improvements will allow Bowman to continue its growth trajectory with unrivalled stock-inventory at the centre of its success.
Paul continues: “Customers come to Bowman because they know we hold more than 7,000 product lines in stock and will almost always be able to deliver products faster than our competitors.
“For this reason, investing in the latest warehouse automation technologies was the right next step to futureproof our growth. These technologies significantly reduce human error, and make the picking, packing, and shipping of orders, leaner and faster.”
“We live in a world where automation has enabled convenience and speed to become a prerequisite, so if we want to be known for our fast delivery from stock, we must keep pace.” Paul Hancock, Bowman International CEO
Automated picking machines
The jewel in the crown of Bowman’s upgrades is a fleet of nine vertical automated storage and picking machines from Italian manufacturer, Modula. These machines not only optimise the full height of the warehouse space for maximum storage capacity, but also make picking orders up to five times faster than previous processes. The automated system utilises the revolutionary Modula ‘Put-to-Light’ order picking system which significantly increases picking efficiency and reduces errors.
Built on the ‘goods-to-man’ principle, these automated vertical storage units are designed so that the products are sent to the operator, rather than the operator having to go to products like in a traditional shelved warehouse. The Modula WMS software system is directly linked to Bowman’s new SAP Business 1 ERP system which pushes sales orders through to their warehouse for immediate picking and packing.
Creating space for growth
Bowman has increased its racking by 40% at its split bearing site, and 30% at its plain bearing facility, to accommodate increasing stock levels of both standard bearing lines and special products that are stored for customers in the UK for shipping around the world.
Two substantial new mezzanine floors have been added to the headquarters in Oxfordshire to allow for the stock storage expansion, but also of the company’s processing, machining, and 3D printing processes, which in turn has created much needed vacant office spaces for further business growth.
With further space now dedicated to processes like machining, oil impregnation, heat treatment and rolling, Bowman can better serve its growing base of customers requiring bespoke-engineered bearing products. Bespoke bearing solutions is an area of great potential for Bowman, having recently secured contracts of significant value in the off-road vehicle and wind energy industries.
A digitally upskilled workforce
An upgraded facility needs an upskilled workforce. Bowman’s team have undertaken comprehensive training on how to get the most out of the new automated systems.
Paul adds: “In a connected world, it is important that we provide opportunities for our team members to learn and become comfortable with the latest digital and automation technologies in a way that will be useful to them both at Bowman, and in a wider context. The team has really enjoyed learning how to use the new machine interfaces to optimise warehouse processes and make customer fulfilment as lean as possible.”
New stockholding in Ohio, USA
In addition to these significant changes in the UK, Bowman has also invested in its first state-side stock holding in Ohio.
Since launching its North American subsidiary and sales office, Bowman Bearing Technologies Inc., at the start of 2022, demand for the company’s portfolio of plain and split roller bearings as well as 3D components, has grown significantly across the region.
Alistair Brixey, President of Bowman Bearing Technologies Inc, explains:
“Holding stock inventory in the U.S. was always the plan and we are thrilled to have reached this key milestone. With inventory in key locations worldwide, Bowman is known for its commitment to fulfilment and fast delivery, and we will offer the same service standards in North America.
“The market has welcomed Bowman’s wide range of products, our competitive pricing, quality and passion for problem solving through innovation. With space to put down roots and expand our team in the region, we are confident that our reputation will go from strength-tostrength in the coming years.”
Futureproofed and ready for growth
Futureproofing its position as leading stockholder in the bearing industry, Bowman’s 12-month schedule of substantial warehouse automation and facility upgrades, plus a new stockholding in the U.S. has already begun benefitting customers and driving growth. The company has expanded its divisional teams with a range of key appointments and has entered 2024 with an above target sales pipeline of customers needing fast delivery from stock.
Contact here:
+44 1235 462500
sales@bowman.co.uk
www.bowman.co.uk
You must be logged in to post a comment.