Modular joins CHB and develops simple cell

The CH Bailey group has acquired 78.95% of the Birmingham-based automated assembly equipment manufacturer Modular Automation International, partly by converting an existing loan into shares. CHB, whose chairman Charles Bailey, was already a Modular director, is injecting funds into Modular to help it expand.

Modular`s managing director Trevor Dixon says his team is "delighted" with the deal. "Being a member of a major engineering group will provide us with the resources and financial stability we need," he adds. "It`s a great opportunity for us."

The deal comes as Modular has reached an exclusive deal with the German manufacturer Rose & Krieger to distribute its Easy-link flexible conveyor system in the UK. The system uses an extruded aluminium profile and standard components to create complex conveyor systems with minimal bespoke engineering.

Modular itself has recently developed a cam-operated assembly cell (shown above), said to be simple, reliable and inexpensive. The system`s two cams can be configured to assemble a wide range of products by using appropriate feed systems, grippers, sensors and tools. Because the Modular Assembly Cell (MAC) is available from stock, and uses many common components, customised cells can be produced within weeks.

The MAC uses a standard rotary table with up to 12 index stations that can be tooled as required, and is pre-wired with bus connections. The PC-controlled cell uses a Windows-based touchscreen control panel.