EoW January 2009

english corporate news

Lefttoright:JonathanButler,LeoButler,JoanButler, ▲ ▲ Thomas Butler, John Burke, and Joanne Butler International recognition for Irish wire forming innovator

advertorial on behalf of T Butler Engineering

Winner of Wire Forming Technology International’s Technical Achievement Award 2008, for his technological innovations in wire forming equipment, Thomas Butler, managing director of T Butler Engineering, developed his first wire forming machine in his parents’ garage in 1988. His design found an immediate market. Prior to designing and developing his own equipment, Thomas worked for a German wire forming machinery manufacturer doing business in Ireland, and later for a UK-based company, before he and his wife, Joan launched T Butler Engineering Ltd (TBE) in County Kilkenny in 1988. The company rapidly gained recognition for its effective use of hydraulics for wire forming, and in 1993 TBE developed software using a standard PLC for open-loop proportional control of servo hydraulic valves. The TBE Multiform machine’s ability to achieve improved process capability was quickly recognised. Research and development is ongoing at TBE. Since the introduction of touch screen programming in 1998, the company has developed its machines with the addition of digital AC servo drives, high-speed feed systems, coiling heads and rotating wire. Today, there are six Multiform models all with CNC feeding, multiple axes, servo winding, servo forming, press attachments, rotating wire, integrated welding, a roll thread attachment, chamfer heads, dual feeds and multi- part capability, operating worldwide to produce complicated wire forms, springs and assemblies in the automotive, appliance, agricultural, construction and medical industries. All of the machine ranges manufactured by TBE provide the capability of manufacturing components in wire sizes ranging from 1.5mm to 10mm. Alcan Cable, part of Alcan Engineered Products – a business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan – has made Stabiloy™ brand wire the first aluminium alloy building wire available in China. Stabiloy is designed for residential, commercial, power utility, industrial and institutional market applications. “We are excited to offer Stabiloy building wire to the Chinese market,” said Ian Hewett, president of Alcan Cable. “Stabiloy is a proven and reliable alternative to copper feeder conductors and [we believe] delivers significant cost savings.” Stabiloy aluminium alloy building wire is lightweight and flexible, translating directly into ease of installation. Stabiloy’s alloy is formulated specifically for electrical feeder conductor applications in residential and commercial buildings.

Thomas Butler, managing director of award-winning TBE ▲ ▲

Thomas Butler designs, engineers and writes the wire forming software as well as managing the shop floor. His dedication to performance and quality has brought the company a long way since its inception and, although TBE has grown, Thomas and Joan Butler have ensured that this same dedication has been maintained among all members of the TBE organisation.

T Butler Engineering Ltd Fiddown, Piltown, Co Kilkenny Republic of Ireland Fax : +353 51 643721 Email : info@tbe.ie Website : www.tbe.ie

Alcan Cable launches Stabiloy™ aluminium alloy cable in China

Alcan Cable’s newest manufacturing plant is currently under construction in the Tianjin Airport Industrial Park, with operations dedicated to Stabiloy aluminium alloy building wire scheduled to begin in early 2009. Stabiloy aluminium alloy building wire has been installed in thousands of projects throughout North America for many years. Alcan Cable also operates six manufacturing facilities in the US and Canada, and has been manufacturing aluminium cable in North America for over 100 years.

Rio Tinto Alcan – Canada Fax : +1 514 848 8115 Email : alcancable@alcan.com Website : www.cable.alcan.com

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EuroWire – January 2009