Gilmours and Cincinnati: Generations of Trust
By: Robert Farrell, president, Farrell MarCom Services LLC
While the interior framework of any structure is clearly critical, it’s often the façade that sets one building apart from the others. As a result, architects, designers, and builders are placing a premium on aesthetics and the suppliers who can support innovative trends and meet rising expectations.
“If an architect can draw it, we can make it” explained John Gilmour, Chairman of George Gilmours Metals Limited (Gilmours).
Backed by decades of experience, it’s this confidence and agility that has helped the company enter new markets and solidify its growing reputation throughout the industry.
Located in Glasgow, Scotland, Gilmours is a family-owned manufacturer entering its 5th generation. Tracing its roots back to 1895, the company served the shipbuilding industry for decades. In the 1950s, under the direction of John’s father, George Gilmour, the manufacturer shifted its focus to support the growing construction industry with finished metal products.
Since that time Gilmours has grown to more than 60 employees and multiple shops. As a full-service manufacturer the company serves the industry with arsenal of fabrication equipment and services including metal cutting, punching, bending, and shearing capabilities along with welding, powder coating, finishing, assembly, and other secondary operations.
New Markets & New Opportunities
During the 1970s Gilmours made its mark as a global exporter of finished metal goods. Challenged by rising tension and an increasingly unstable political climate, the 1980s became a decade of change for many companies doing business in middle eastern markets.
At this same time - fueled by innovations such as rainscreen cladding along with widespread requirements for aluminum, stainless steel, and other exotic metals - the building industry was gaining momentum. This presented new opportunities for manufacturers who were responsive and prepared to support this fast-growing industry.
The Glasgow Science Center was refurbished with 0.7mm stainless steel shingles, which were laser profiled then pressed on CI machinery. Approx. 17,000 different components to meet the shape of the façade that we 3D scanned, 3D modelled, flat patterned, lasered, then pressed!
Managing Director, Graham Gilmour explained that as the company’s products and capabilities have evolved, things have become more advanced in terms of how jobs are approached.
“We began looking at the 3D modeling and design work side that was needed. Fabrication skill sets were changing and there were fewer sheet metal workers available. This was a necessary evolution, and we knew that we had to move away from programming parts at the machine level. We had to create a digital environment to model parts on the computer that we could then transition into the machinery. If we were going to continue to grow, modernization in terms of automation and machinery would be key.”
The Evolving Shop Floor
Like most successful fabricators, Gilmours knew that embracing new methods and technology would be essential to maintain and grow its market share. Although they successfully relied on CNC punching to this point, it was recognized that laser cutting was the better option for many applications.
John Gilmour explained that the move to laser-cutting technology was driven by meeting the rising expectations of current and future customers.
“It all comes down to what the machine can do most effectively. Our motivation to move to a laser was orientated around achieving the cut shapes and quality needed to support the designs of our customers,” said Gilmour. “There is very little cost benefit in our operation between a laser or punch press. But it has everything to do with how we’re able to work with our customers and provide exactly what they want and the quality they’ve come to expect.”
While Gilmours recognized the advantages of laser technology, they wanted to be sure that the process and machine would allow them to remain responsive to the specific and unique requirements of each job. So, they turned to Cincinnati - the partner they had come to rely on over the years for much of the equipment on their shop floor.
Fleet of CI Press Brakes on the factory floor at Gilmours
A Cincinnati 707 laser was brought in and put to work for the refurbishment of the Glasgow Science Centre. Gilmours cut 0.7mm stainless steel shingles which were then formed on Cincinnati press brakes. In this project approximately 17,000 individual components were scanned, 3D modelled, flat patterned, laser cut, and pressed.
Graham Gilmour noted measurable improvements in terms of the speed in which drawings were imported along with the quality of the cut.
“A laser produces clean cuts without the nibbling marks that are common with a punch. This saves cleanup time and costs. Also, with CNC punching you have to tool everything up and follow the lines to punch out. The beauty of running the shingle job on the laser is that it follows the line. This was fantastic because there were so many different shapes of shingles. Programming this job on a punch would have been a minefield.”
A History of Trust
Beginning decades earlier with a CINCINNATI guillotine and press brakes, Gilmours has had a long and successful history with the manufacturer. CINCINNATI is represented locally by Cinmech Services. With a service center in Scotland, the company has been serving Gilmours for nearly 50 years.
“We know the quality that Cincinnati produces, and we could not be more pleased with the service of our local representative,” said Graham Gilmour. “I’ve been to the company’s USA headquarters, I’ve met the people, and I know the quality of the makeup of Cincinnati machines. We knew what we wanted and didn’t even consider another manufacturer.”
What’s Ahead
Fabricators like Gilmours understand that technology and automation are strategic to rebranding the industry, closing the skills gap, and to catch the attention of tech-savvy workers. And maintaining a leadership position requires a willingness to continually invest in opportunities to advance the company. John Gilmour is confident that as he turns the reins over to his son, the company will find ways to leverage technology and its skilled workforce even further.
Project underway in Manchester, the Hexagon Tower, using a 3mm aluminum (post anodized) pressed on CI press brakes. “A good design to manufacture exercise – some nice complexity in the pressing here!” stated Graham
“Increasingly, manufacturing is becoming computer-driven, and we’re incorporating new tools and processes to streamline processes, maximize resources, and attract workers. Under Graham's leadership we will continue to move the company forward and identify opportunities to incorporate technology even more widely.”
Today Gilmours is doing just this by taking steps to modernize its bending operations. And naturally Cincinnati is there to help.
“Our plan is to upgrade our Cincinnati Autoform equipment with new Gen 6 PC controls,” Graham Gilmour concluded. “This will complement our current off-line programming capabilities and further demonstrate our commitment to an automated shop floor environment.”
About Cincinnati Incorporated
Cincinnati Incorporated (CI) is a U.S.-based, build-to-order machine tool manufacturer with over 125 years in the industry. Our engineering and manufacturing expertise makes us the ideal partner for companies building innovative products that demand extraordinary durability, stability, and industry-leading features. At our state-of-the-art, Ohio-based facility, we develop and build custom software, dependable laser cutting systems and automation equipment as well as metal fabrication equipment, including press brakes, shears, and PM presses. Our extensive knowledge puts us in a unique position to help drive efficiency in your manufacturing process no matter how simple or complex. Visit Website
About Gilmours
Gilmours is a UK-based family business with over 50 years of experience in the metal industry. Known for their quality and responsiveness, they specialize in the supply of bespoke metal products, offering a wide range of services from cutting and folding to powder coating and assembly. Visit Website
