Unipres Limited (UPUK) located in Sunderland, produces key car-body structural parts for leading automotive manufacturers such as Nissan. It operates high-productivity 3000-ton transfer presses and state-of-the-art hot press technology to facilitate such production processes, enabling it to offer a wide range of solutions to meet its customers’ evolving needs.
The North East of England is the focal point of Unipres operations in Europe and as a comprehensive manufacturer of press-formed automotive components, it applies technical skills including expertise in safety and environmental performance to propose a range of technology solutions tailored to the needs of its customers.
The Challenge
The company needed to improve on-site CCTV surveillance and security of its 127,000 m2 Sunderland site, where more than 1500 staff are employed producing front and rear side members, closing plates, dash sides and steering members amongst other high quality, precision engineered automotive components. Furthermore, a capability was required to enable the production line welding robots to be remotely monitored 24/7 by authorised personnel to ensure they are operating correctly and efficiently.
The Solution
Drawing on Advantex’s expertise in IP-based technologies and system integration and management expertise, a new high performance, high definition solution has been designed and installed at Unipres’ factory in Sunderland. This has been built around Axis IP cameras and Milestone VMS (Advantex are Platinum Partners) to connect together all the elements of the new CCTV via the internet.
A support package is also in place that includes regular visits to each site, repair and maintenance call-outs, and annual inspections and health checks of all hardware and software (including software upgrades). Remote technical support is also available via Advantex’s help desk.
The Results
Unipres now benefits from the highest levels of on-site security following its investment in new IP-based technology. Improved CCTV monitoring of critical areas, notably production areas where robots are monitored, has contributed to enhanced levels of health and safety among staff and improvements in site access and a more efficient utilisation of security resources and managerial time.
In-built scalability has also been included as part of the Advantex solution to deliver long term versatility and flexibility – this enables the system to be expanded or upgraded as future monitoring and security needs change in line with Unipres’ expansion and development plans for the Sunderland site.