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Bailey commits to an Alu-Tech future with further capital investment

Bailey of Bristol has committed to an Alu-Tech future following a further investment of £1 million in capital equipment.

Specifically Bailey has looked to increase the capacity of its laminating plant which manufactures the main caravan body shell panels. The new Alu-Tech construction system, as featured in the Unicorn, Pegasus and Olympus ranges, places greater demands on this part of the production process as all body shell panels are fully laminated. This gives the overall structure far greater strength and rigidity when compared the classic construction assembly which consists of a combination of fully and partially bonded panels.

This new production cell uses the latest high tech computer controlled machinery which will improve both production efficiency and accuracy. In production sequence order the new line comprises of the following pieces of equipment:-

Assembly Station

Assembly of individual components used in panel make up using a  laser positioning jig for increased consistency

Bead Applicator

Bead application bonding system giving a better bond integrity than traditional spraying method

Vacuum Presses

A four tier 'multi-daylight' vacuum press arrangement that allows individual loading of panels which also results in better bond integrity

CNC Router

Fully automated machining preparation of body shell panels in preparation for the assembly process

During the summer shut down period Bailey also took the opportunity to re-configure the main assembly line to facilitate full scale Alu-Tech production. As a manufacturing process Alu-Tech is a shorter than traditional construction methods with fewer individual components and fewer procedures. Consequently it is not only a more economic way to build caravans but it is also a more precise and repeatable process which results in greater production consistency and enhanced final build quality.

Now that these developments have been completed Bailey is committed to an all Alu-Tech future and will be looking not only to add to its three existing Alu-Tech touring caravan ranges but also to use this technology to expand into other leisure vehicle markets.

For more information on the Alu-Tech construction system please visit their website

Cheers  Ratty