ISL Case Study: Sandvik

Sandvik Hard Materials the world's largest producer of cemented carbide and is part of the Swedish based Sandvik group, who have a worldwide manufacturing base covering a multitude of industries. Located in Coventry, Sandvik Hard Materials UK division manufacture a wide range of products including industrial tools and hot rolls for the steel industry.

In 2004 Sandvik carried out a review of their production facilities and the following areas from receipt of raw material to the milling process were defined for improvement:

• The process was becoming very labour intensive.
• Exposed product, dust and spillage in some areas.
• Occasional quality issues due to weight control malfunctions.
• Occasional cross contamination.
• An increase in production was required.