In the UK, Stephen Weston, inventor of the Weston Reelstand, and Steve Sealey, former ceo of AM Paper Group, backed by venture capital, have launched a new company, The Reel & Shaft Handling Co. The aim is to develop and market innovative new products, several with patents applied for, in the handling and wider safety equipment markets for the converting, paper, film and printing industries.
"Health and safety and practicality are the key issues behind the concepts," states Stephen Weston. "We take a holistic approach to handling problems. Too often companies try to solve a handling problem by buying off the shelf, budget equipment that then causes further problems downstream. It can often slow up the operation, or the handling equipment proves unsuitable as it, with the original load becomes cumbersome. Our challenge is to develop cost effective, operator friendly solutions to common handling problems."
The first order has already been received from a leading film manufacturer, to design and manufacture a combined shaft extractor/re-corer/manipulator. Customer trials on the prototype have been successful, and installation is due around the end of September. Patents and other IP protection have been applied for.
The new company's products include shaft handling and reel handling equipment on lightweight overhead rails or swing jibs, manipulators, vacuum lifters, reel and shaft handling trolleys, and shaftless and shafted reelstands - including the Weston Reelstand.
| Contact |
| The Reel & Shaft Handling Co Tel: +44 (0) 161 705 2211 |
