Locit, a leading manufacturer of steel lockers, has doubled capacity and cut waste by 60% after investing in cutting edge digital design technology and skills.
The company, based in Deeside, has been able to achieve this by integrating a suite of software including Radan, SolidWorks and 3D AutoCAD to its advanced manufacturing processes.
To lead this transformation, Locit hired Radoslav Murgas as Chief Designer. With a rich architectural design background and extensive sheet metal industry experience, Radoslav has played a pivotal role in integrating cutting-edge design and manufacturing technologies.
Adopting 3D design technology at Locit has dramatically improved production efficiency and reduced material waste. Transitioning from 2D to 3D drawings has brought greater clarity to the manufacturing processes and assembly, significantly cutting sheet metal waste.
Nest efficiency refers to how well the material is used, and this has improved. Material usage rose to 80% per sheet thanks to better planning, adequate sheet sizes, and exploring machine limits.
Optimised tool paths and part geometries have also halved the production time for large batches of smaller components, further boosting operational efficiency.
These gains have reinforced Locit’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint. The company already holds PAS 2060 certification and is on course to reduce emissions by a further 50% this year.
Reflecting on his new role, Radoslav remarked, “Joining Locit has been an exciting journey. We have moved from basic 2D flat patterns to detailed 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD. This shift has significantly improved the visualisation of our designs and streamlined operations on the shop floor, leading to enhanced overall efficiency.
“Our biggest challenge was ensuring everything was correctly aligned and followed in the production process. We aim to streamline processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and optimise resource utilisation. We can increase productivity and output by introducing clear, detailed drawings and easy-to-follow instructions without increasing resources or capital investment.”
Locit’s substantial investment in technology has positioned it as one of the UK’s most advanced steel locker manufacturers. Implementing and integrating the software for creating part drawings and generating NC codes, combined with using Armada punch machines for sheet metal fabrication, has revolutionised the production process.
The improved tool paths and part designs have also made the cutting process faster. For example, if it used to take 45 minutes to produce a batch of 100 items, it now takes only 22 minutes, cutting production time by half.
Richard Williams, CEO of Locit, emphasises the importance of technology and design in driving their mission forward. He stated, “By integrating advanced software and design practices, we are creating a robust production system that enhances efficiency and aligns with our broader goals for sustainability and innovation in steel locker manufacturing.”
Locit’s comprehensive approach enhances production efficiency through 3D models, detailed drawings and close collaboration with operators, reducing errors and reliance on memory. Moving forward, the company plans to integrate new design concepts and software to cut wastage further and improve efficiency. It will also establish a library of approved designs for consistent and reliable documentation.
Locit produces over 500 locker designs, including bespoke designs under the Pure Lockers brand, sold across the UK and Ireland.
