Jebel Ali manufacturing concern Camtech vows to reduce and eventually eliminate regional dependence on imported parts and in the process make lengthy delivery schedules and high prices a thing of the past. Its confidence stems from a strategic plan it devised during 1998, a strategy that it says will bring in significant benefits for the whole region as well as Camtech customers and its shareholders.

"In Camtech, the GCC has identified and established a manufacturer of component parts and assemblies to the highest international standards critical to the continued success of the primary oil, gas, water, petrochemicals and aluminium industries of the region," said chairman Ahmad Ghanim Abdulrahman Al Mutaiwie.

"Dependency on imported parts along with long delivery times and excessive prices can now be reduced dramatically and, in time, eliminated totally," said Al Mutaiwie. "Camtech will continue to invest in the most advanced production machinery, tooling and process available."

The heart of Camtech is the extensive use of Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machining technology. The machines are linked to the Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) departments, enabling the company to offer parts from concept through to finished machined components to full assemblies.

"Manufacturing, regardless of the technology employed, is only valid when quality and the attainment of zero defect is paramount. International quality standards, procedures and controlled systems underpinned by ISO 9000 will be stringently maintained," insists the chairman. He added that Camtech was totally committed to regional industry and to the objective, "Wholly manufactured in the UAE".

The company produces fully machined high-tech components and finished assemblies from raw material and base castings. The components it manufactures are used in the oil, petrochemical, power, gas, water and aluminium sectors. Technical tools and machinery it uses include the most advanced integrated computer numerical control equipment available anywhere in the world. All procedures are governed by ISO 9000 quality management and assurance standards in accordance with industry-specific requirements.

Camtech engineers are highly trained with in-depth knowledge and practical experience of world industrial and manufacturing markets.

'Increasingly, multinational companies have discovered that they have little choice but to adopt high standards of quality if they are to become global competitors. These standards need to be of a uniform integrity and instantly recognised," said Camtech.

A feature within the quality system is the in-process inspection carried out as an automatic procedure within the CNC programme, using state-of-the-art Renishaw probes. Off-line inspection is undertaken by a computer co-ordinated measuring machine (CCMM), enabling the positioning to be defined. A computer record of these positions is retained as the historical data for use in statistical parts control (SPC) and statistical parts analysis (SPA).

"The design expertise of Camtech comes about not by chance, but through a combination of good training and experience," the company stated. "Camtech has the ability to modify from an existing "platform" or create original conceptual designs from a "clean sheet of paper". Today computers are essential tools for all kinds of daily activity. This is certainly true in the field of design. There is an increasing dependence on the use of computer-aided tools and machines for the manufacture of high-quality precision components and products."

Explaining the design process from conception to completion, it said design starts with a need, then moves on to the sketching stage following discussions with clients. A number of possible CAD/CAM solutions are considered using design selection techniques. The next step is the creation of a computer three-dimensional fully rendered model. The designer views the assembly from all angles to investigate the way the parts fit together before producing a code for the machining of the components. The machining file is then used to produce the final design using CNC machines prior to testing to confirm that the expected performance will be achieved.

Camtech has formed strategic alliances with leading companies within the manufacturing industry, alliances that, it says, will enable it to fulfill the operational requirements of the end-user.

"Camtech has identified and elected the most experienced, efficient and technically aware distributors within the region. All companies operate to the same quality standards as the manufacturer and performance is constantly reviewed to ensure standards are maintained," said Camtech while discussing its marketing approach.

"Camtech will only venture into fields of commercial or technical endeavour when it can excel and become the best within that field."

Camtech's training department is located in the manufacturing facility. The layout is designed to combine efficiency with effectiveness in the delivery of theoretical and practical on-the-job courses. Participants take part in actual work activities as well as classroom lectures.

The company says all courses will be taught in the English language. The courses are supported by an intensive staff progress monitoring system and continuation training programmes in accordance with ISO requirements.

Said chairman Al Mutaiwie: "I am confident that all progressive sectors of industry will recognise the enormous benefits to be gained in encouraging and supporting Camtech now and in the future."