Strong growth across its multiple business sectors has prompted Richard Hough to make significant investments in manufacturing and converting equipment at its headquarters in Bolton in the UK. In specialised fibre applications, textile finishing, steel, automotive and paper industries, Hough is experiencing a steady upswing in demand for its market-leading roll technologies.
From Spring 2017, supplies of the world-famous Roberto rolls, as well as Nollap and Superelastic types, are to be ramped up by the installation of a new sheeter, reel tensioner and slitter rewinder at the Hough factory. Consumption of the bespoke Roberto nonwoven roll covering material, for example, has doubled in the past two years.
Hough’s Nollap dewatering rolls are used by every major viscose fibre producer, including the Chinese firm Tangshan Sanyou, which is set to become the biggest in the world early next year when it starts up two new 4.5 m greenfield lines. Hough will supply seven new Nollap rolls for this facility – three for each line and one spare. The Nollap was invented by Hough 35 years ago. It has retained clear market leadership through ongoing technical improvements. Its gentler squeezing action avoids fibre damage and its water-removal efficiency brings substantial cost savings to users.
In textile finishing, usage of Roberto rolls is reported to be increasing rapidly in Pakistan, while one of China’s top shirt manufacturers is to order six new rolls later this year, following positive results from energy-saving tests.
For the automotive and steel industries, demand for Roberto wiper and wringer rolls continues to grow exponentially, especially in China. For this market, Roberto sleeves are air-freighted from the UK on a just-in-time basis to the Richard Hough service centre in Changzhou. Here the sleeves are fitted to the steel centre shafts for immediate delivery to customers.
In paper and foil converting, Hough’s Superelastic embossing rolls in 100% cotton also continue to show strong market growth through their resilience, short run-in time and suitability for fine design work.
Hough MD Anthony Ashton says: “We are confident that the growth we are now seeing is only the beginning of a significant expansion for the Roberto family of products. Their underlying advantages are increasingly being appreciated across a wide range of manufacturing sectors, and the growth in these dynamic markets is being reflected in orders.”