Manufacturing collaboration The Midlands Assembly Network demonstrate the ‘Self Closing Flood Barrier’ and the ‘Raptor’, a road legal three-wheeled electric powered vehicle (EPV), at the Subcon exhibition this week.
The self-closing flood barrier claims to be the world’s most effective flood protection system, while the new electric Raptor is already attracting attention from Dubai and Singapore.
MAN is a consortium of nine companies specialising in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering processes.
One member, Lightning Aerospace, was chosen by Global Flood Defence Systems as its sheet metal fabricator and FW Cables is developing specialist wiring looms for the Raptor vehicle.
The contracts are the latest in several high profile orders won by the group. Member Alucast is also manufacturing aluminium components that hold in place the inner and outer skin of the London 2012 Olympic Torch.
Gerry Dunne, MAN chairman, said: “Subcon is one of our most important shows and we’re hoping to build on 2011. The ‘Raptor’ is the first of any 3-wheeled electric powered vehicle that has met the requirements of the UK’s Vehicle and Operating Servicing Agency (VOSA)…and better still it’s all been designed and made in the Midlands.”
He added: “Initially, they are looking to build 60 vehicles and then ramp up production gradually until they are manufacturing 3000 units per year.”
Andrew Redfern, chief executive of Lightning Aerospace, said: “We won a competitive tender earlier this year to become the sheet metal fabricator for Global Flood Defence Systems. The Self Closing Flood Barrier is totally passive and is activated purely by buoyancy, removing the need for power or manual labour to erect.
“We will have a small demonstration model at Subcon 2012 so visitors can see exactly how it works and why it is so effective in protecting buildings and homes from flooding.”
Gerry Dunne added: “We’ve also invested across all nine firms, with in more than £2m spent on new machinery, recruitment and extending factories.”
The Midlands Assembly Network is exhibiting on stand G45 at Subcon 2012 at the Birmingham NEC.
