 |
Proof before purchaseDate: 26/01/12 One of the barriers often arising with the procurement process for automation expenditure can be confidence in the suppliers’ engineering solution. Making the correct choice when being offered different solutions for an automation project or problem can be risky and costly in the short and long term. Making a difficult or wrong decision can have long term implications. When purchasing bespoke automation you need to be confident you have not only chosen the right company, but also the correct solution and importantly, one with a low level of risk. RNA have a history of giving prospective customers confidence in the engineering solution prior to a contract with an insight to the proposal, often supporting our proposals with trials and feasibility studies. This can help to eradicate uncertainty in procurement decisions and gives confidence the correct investment choices are being made. |
 |
RNA join 'Made in the Midlands'Date: 26/01/12 RNA are pleased to announce that we have joined Made in the Midlands. The group’s aim is to promote manufacturing in the West Midlands, focusing on getting firms to collaborate, communicate and source and supply from one another. RNA are proud to be a part of this organisation, which currently has over 200 members and is constantly growing. Our aim is to work with MITM and its effective marketing support service to source and supply more within the Midlands area. Our MITM profile page can be found here. |
 |
Down but not out: The Importance of Critical Spare PartsDate: 25/01/12 When you purchase equipment from RNA you are assured of a high level of after-sales service. Whilst all RNA equipment is designed and built to the highest standard of quality, components do sometimes fail. We strongly advise keeping a stock ofsystem-critical spare parts to eliminate any delays due to unforeseen problems with your equipment. We know that business is under continued pressure to minimise costs and the overhead of carrying the inventory. It is always critical for the storeroom to provide the right spare part, in the right condition, at the right time and at the right cost to support equipment reliability and production uptime. This is why RNA encourage our customers to have only spare parts that have been identified as critical to the production process in their inventory. |
 |
Industrial vision automating quality controlDate: 02/11/11 Vision systems can offer fast, accurate and repeatable inspection capabilities at a highly competitive cost. They can introduce automation into the production process at a number of different levels, from simply speeding up the inspection process to levels not possible using human inspectors through to being an integral part of a statistical process control system that can identify when a manufacturing process is moving out of specification. While using vision as a final inspection process on finished product can ensure no defect product reaches the end-user, using it earlier in the process can bring real added value by bringing improved quality throughout the process, major savings in waste, improved process efficiency through energy saving and possibly all three! A good way of understanding just how vision can make a difference is to take a look at examples from three very different industries: INDUSTRY 1 - Automotive Engine Assembly INDUSTRY 2 - Plastic Moulded Components in the Food and Beverage Industry INDUSTRY 3 - Medical Dressing Materials |
 |
People on the moveDate: 31/10/11 A valued member of the RNA team, Ken Cotterill celebrated his retirement day at the end of August 2011 after more than 22 years with RNA. Ken, one of the company’s longest serving employees, first joined RNA in 1989 as part of the sales department, he witnessed a lot of changes and growth at RNA over the last two decades. A popular member of the team he was held in high regard by customers who were often keen to be updated with his latest cruise ship holiday adventures. All members of the RNA team wish Ken the very best during his retirement and thank him for the hard work and contribution he has given to RNA during his time here. Alan Edmonds (Pictured below) has joined RNA and will replace Ke Contact Alan with any requirements at alane@rnaautomation.com. |
 |
RNA Vision Guided RoboticsDate: 26/08/11 RNA were contracted to design and manufacture an automated press loading system for a range of copper plumbing fittings. The system incorporated a bowl feeder, vision guided robot and control system to accumulate and load fittings into a hydro-form press. The project was for a global leader in the plumbing fittings industry that manufactured a diverse wide range of fittings often with short batch runs and short lead times. Case Study: Vision Guided Robot Handling and Press Loading Range of Fittings |
 |
New RNA memberDate: 24/08/11 Chris Mills has joined as an internal sales engineer. Chris is responsible for all standard equipment sales enquiries. We wish Chris a fruitful and challenging future within RNA. To contact Chris with any spares requirements please email chrism@rnaautomation.com. |
 |
RNA welcome its latest work experience studentDate: 24/08/11 Laurence Pied has joined RNA for 3 months work experience where she will gain practical knowledge of the mechanical handling industry. Laurence, 22 is from La Rochelle, France and is currently studying for an engineering degree. She is being sponsored by Delphi Diesel a business where RNA have several installed systems. Working alongside three RNA apprentices, Laurence will also gain exposure to 3D CAD Design and Vision Guided Robot programming. Managing Director Stuart Brettell commented,’ Laurence is the 4th International student we have had here and is a reflection of the global nature of our business and aim to cement relationships with key customers.’ |
 |
Day Trip at Black Country Living Museum to celebrate RNA 25th AnniversaryDate: 22/07/11 RNA UK recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in the UK. Over the last 25 years RNA have developed and designed specialist handling systems in a host of different industries worldwide. Founded in 1986, RNA UK is part of Rhein-Nadel Automation GmbH owned by the Pavel Family. Since its initial launch, RNA have become the leading supplier in the feeding and handling industry. Stuart Brettell MD commented, ‘We are proud to celebrate this milestone in our company’s history, ‘We will continue to listen to our customers and provide the best solutions they require. We will keep seeking new technologies to help our customers improve processes and productivity.’ More pictures are available here |
 |
Vision Systems for every businessDate: 12/07/11 By Mark Williamson, UKIVA Chairman Vision system has four main application areas:- automation, inspection, process optimisation and traceability which can make a big difference to the process and packaging industry. Systems range from simple vision sensors that can detect and inspect parts on production lines or check for the presence of specific features on products and packages, to full PC-based systems featuring single or multiple cameras connected to a PC running sophisticated software. The latest neural network processing even allows vision systems to 'learn' in order to allow decisions to be made on the difference between components. Developments in technology mean that vision systems are now easy to use and quick to integrate into existing manufacturing equipment.Crucially, cost doesn't have to be an issue as there are many effective low cost vision system that add real value to process or an OEM machine. More info can be found at the UK Industrial Vision Association's website: www.ukiva.org To know more about RNA Vision Inspection System please click HERE Source: PPMA News 2011, 'Vision Systems for every business' , Issue 17 Summer, p.13 |
 |
Founder Members reunite for RNA's 25th Anniversary
Date: 04/05/11 To celebrate RNA’s 25th birthday RNA UK’s original founders including former managing director Ron Parnham, former commercial manager Lia France and former Sales manager Brian Andrews recently visited RNA. They brought with them many happy memories of ‘the good old days’ and reminisced on yesteryears business adventures. They were warmly welcomed by the whole RNA team. Pictured above with current Managing Director Stuart Brettell and Technical Director Mick Keane. |
 |
Moseley school students Factory Tour at RNADate: 02/05/11 Students interested in engineering from Moseley School in Birmingham recently visited RNA on an industrial field trip to experience a real-life working factory and gain an insight into some of RNA’s specialist handling systems for the industrial sector. The tour of RNA demonstrated the range of equipment and technology involved in manufacturing specialist handling systems and an insight to a real life engineering production environment. ‘The technical tour was very informative and gave our students an insight into the process of an engineering company. We would like to thank all of the staff at RNA who accommodated us and made our students feel so welcome.’ Commented student tutor Rachel Slowey. Ying Zhang, RNA marketing coordinator, commented, ‘we value the opportunities for local school and colleges students to visit our factory, and were are very grateful for the opportunity to showcase RNA during the visit. |
 |
Open House success at RNA International HeadquartersDate: 27/04/11 Held over two days visitors attended a live open house at the RNA group headquarters situated in the beautiful Cathedral town of Aachen Germany. A wide range of sectors and industries where catered for including the pharmaceutical, & medical devices industry, food & drink, automotive, cosmetics and a section for original equipment manufacturers. The Open House featured a sector for each industry highlighting specific applications that were relevant to each industry. Visitors were guided through the main factory manufacturing facility showing developments in handling technology including RNA’s high speed multi lane linear feeding systems. Visitors were impressed by the great variety of the “live demonstrations”. It was not only a chance to show our customers the latest in handling and feeding technology, but it is also a great opportunity for everyone to share information and ideas in a nice and friendly atmosphere.’ Commented Simone Kreuzer, marketing manager of RNA Germany. More information about RNA quality assurance processes including the new committed 'Qualitatspass' can be found here. |
 |
Improve efficiency with Discrete Event SimulationDate: 10/02/11 RNA has establishedRNA has established a manufacturing consulting service, Rhein-Nadel Consultancy www.rnaconsultants.com Rhein-Nadel Consultancy (RNC) have
launched Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to
assist clients in understanding the A discrete event simulation model can assist in a ■ Benchmarking the operational efficiency of your existing plant |
 |
New brochure that highlights RNA's CapabilitiesDate: 10/02/11 RNA Automation, market leaders in the field of specialist handling systems, have commissioned a new brochure to showcase its special purpose custom designed handling systems. The 12-page brochure, entitled ‘RNA specialist handling’ is available in both hard copy and PDF format. Included is an insight into RNA’s cutting edge technology, handling products deigned for the rapidly changing manufacturing and processing industry. Read more >> |
 |
Project in your pocketRNA Extranet is now available on your mobile phone! Date: 05/02/11 RNA Extranet is an online management tool integrated with the current website to support RNA project management and client communications. Since launched in 2008, it has become one of the most popular tools to communicate with our clients. Now RNA Extranet is available on-the-go. It allows to access your projects, exchange files, leave comments using any of the following mobile phones and devices: iPhone, iPad, Motorola Droid, Samsung Galaxy S, HTC, Palm Pre 2, BlackBerry Torch, or any other device running iOS 4+, Android 2.1+, webOS 2, or BlackBerry 6. No applications to download or install - once you sign in our login page, you’ll automatically be redirected to the mobile site. |
 |
Small footprint, great performance for large containersDate: 15/11/10 RNA Automation has introduced a ‘compact’ style container unscrambler, the system has a small ‘footprint’- without compromising on speed or efficiency and enhances the productivity and flexibility of bottle handling. The ‘Compact’ model unscrambler has been designed and developed by RNA’s United States partner Palace Packaging and is marketed by RNA in the UK and Ireland. The major benefit of this revolutionary design is its small footprint due to the internal hopper. The system delivers flexibility and cost savings to customers with short payback periods. Product Information - 'Compact' Style container unscrambler |
 |
RNA expands its Lean ThinkingDate: 01/11/10 RNA has established a manufacturing consulting service, Rhein-Nadel Consultancy, providing expertise to manufacturing and production enterprises seeking to implement process improvement and sustainable change. Veteran Entrepreneur Tom Farmer who built up the highly successful Kwik Fit brand was recently quoted as saying that the thing that he has learnt over the years is that it is better to outsource specialist skills than to try to attempt inhouse solutions. Provided that the business and the consultant are clear about the objectives, he found that specialist advice proves to be very cost effective. Read more >> Lean Case Study - Product Lean-time Reduction |
 |
20,000 orders since launchDate: 26/07/10 We have just taken our 20,000th order last Friday 23rd July. |
 |
Jobs boost after RNA expands further in the USDate: 20/07/10 Chamber of Commerce UK Trade & Investment has helped RNA increase its USA sales by 50%......Read more >> The full article has been published in 'Birmingham Post, 24 June 2010. To read this news release, please click here |
 |
Fruit Bars on the goDate: 26/04/10 Product packaging is a critical item for any food processing company; it is used as a marketing tool and also serves its main function of sealing the product for transportation and shelf lif. Traditionally food processing companies have utilised manually loaded wrapping and sealing machines, especially for flexible packets such as cereal or fruit bars. Manually loaded machines although flexible are labour intensive, slow and costly. The recent demand and move towards flexible packaging helps towards material savings and the products carbon footprint but also complicates automated machinery. Flexible packaging in the main is non-uniform and difficult to handle due to its inconsistency... Read more >> |
 |
A Clear VisionDate: 25/01/10 Recent trends & requirements towards flexible manufacturing combined with quality control has pushed the use of vision system technology into process lines and component handling systems such as bowl feeders... Read more >> |
 |
Sachet Handler reaches UK marketDate: 20/04/09 RNA has introduced a high speed feeding system designed to eliminate the problems normally associated with handling sachets and pouches. SpaceFeeder provides a long-needed solution to the handling of flexible packaged products, which are now growing in importance, especially in the food & snacks and process packaging sectors. |
 |
RNA Contribute to Shrove TuesdayDate: 09/02/09 In the UK Shrove Tuesday is known colloquially as Pancake Day or Pancake Tuesday. Pancakes are served immediately after cooking and are traditionally served with a sprinkling of sugar and a dash of fresh lemon juice this is where RNA formed an unlikely alliance with a customer. |
 |
Quick Release Auto Clavable Bowl FeederRNA offer a new bowl feeder drive unit for use in clean rooms where equipment requires rapid change over for auto claving. Read more >> |
n’s sales role in the southern territory. Alan brings RNA a wealth of experience in the automation sector with a career starting in 1983. We welcome Alan as a new member of the RNA family and are very happy to have him on board. 
