Jaguar Land Rover engines power up with new robotics production line in Huddersfield

VTL Group, the maker of precision components and assemblies for the automotive industry, has completed the design, manufacture and installation of a new robotic production line in Huddersfield.

The new facility has been built for the manufacture of the aluminium 4-cylinder petrol cam carrier, which will be used in engines being launched by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for its new range of vehicles.

The cam carrier is supplied to JLR through a multi-year contract with Ryobi UK.

The new production line was designed in-house by VTL’s project and engineering team, in partnership with several suppliers, and represents a significant development in the manufacturing industry.

Among the production line’s key features is a 17 high-speed, multi-axis CNC machines and 12 robots, supported by several purpose-built machines.

The facility will also have components cleaned to almost medical standards to prevent contamination of the engine once it is assembled at JLR’s manufacturing facility. The components are machined, pressure tested, assembled, machined again, further assembled and pressure tested once more, before they are transported.

In addition, manufacturing capacity will be increased close to 10,000 parts per week (one part is produced in less than a minute).

Following the design and installation of the new line, Ryobi UK and JLR have awarded VTL new contracts for two additional complex component parts - the 2.6 cylinder sumps and a larger 6-cyclinder petrol cam carrier.

VTL Group is headquartered in Huddersfield with facilities in Europe, USA, India and Japan. The group manufactures bespoke components for engines, transmissions and turbochargers for leading automotive tier ones and OEMs including Cummins, Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Delphi and BorgWarner.

VTL’s ongoing investment programme has been supported by funding from BGF, the investor in small and mid-sized companies.

Bruno Jouan, CEO, VTL, commented: “The production line, which has been two years in the making, positions VTL as one of the most advanced precision engineers in the world.

“That is testament to the skills, expertise and commitment of our team of technicians and engineers.

“We are creating, in Huddersfield, a centre of operational excellence and advancement, underpinned by the support of our customers, suppliers, partners and investors. Our ongoing investment programme has not only helped us to significantly increase output, but also to retain, grow and win contracts.

“One thing that VTL has proved over years of supplying to automotive industry worldwide, is that it is up for the challenge. It does not let its customers down.

“The multi-year cam carrier project with Ryobi UK is a significant win for the business and reflects a growing trend towards customisation and quality in the production of automotive components.”

Barry Jackson, BGF, added: “VTL Group was one of BGF’s first investments in Yorkshire and the company remains as ambitious about growth today as it was when we made our initial investment. It has been hugely rewarding to support the capital investments the company has been making, as well as witnessing the impact these are having on organic growth.”

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