Metals
FAIRFIELDS delivers mechanical, hydraulic and control solutions that keep metal production and processing operations running safely and efficiently, supported by connected systems that improve performance, visibility and long term reliability.
Metal production and processing environments place high demands on equipment, systems and people. Heavy loads, continuous operation and harsh conditions require engineering that is robust, maintainable and precise.
FAIRFIELDS works with operators, OEMs and contractors to deliver and support the systems that enable production. Our teams combine mechanical, hydraulic and control expertise to develop practical solutions tailored to each application.
We support a wide range of processes, from materials handling and conveying through to lifting, positioning and processing equipment. These systems rely on the effective coordination of mechanical drive systems, hydraulic actuation and control, ensuring consistent and predictable operation.
As assets age or production requirements change, we help clients understand system condition, manage obsolescence and implement targeted upgrades. For new applications, we support early stage definition through to delivery, ensuring systems are aligned to operational needs from the outset.
Alongside engineering delivery, we enable greater visibility of operations through connected systems, supporting performance monitoring, traceability and long term asset management.
Control & Automation
Control systems bring consistency, safety and repeatability to metal production processes.
FAIRFIELDS delivers control and automation systems ranging from standalone machine control through to distributed PLC and SCADA systems across entire sites. These systems manage sequencing, interlocks and operator interaction, ensuring equipment operates as intended.
We provide electrical design, instrumentation, drives and motion control, along with integration into wider plant systems. The result is improved process stability, reduced downtime and better control over production quality.
Functional Safety
Metal production involves high energy systems, moving machinery and significant stored energy, creating hazards that must be carefully managed.
FAIRFIELDS designs and implements safety related control systems in line with ISO 13849 machine safety standards. Our TÜV qualified functional safety engineers carry out risk assessments to understand how hazards arise in operation, maintenance and fault conditions, then develop solutions that are appropriate to the application.
A key focus is the management of stored energy, whether mechanical, hydraulic or electrical. We design systems that ensure equipment can be safely isolated, immobilised and returned to service in a controlled manner.
Much of our work in the metals sector involves upgrading ageing plant. This includes the assessment and retrofit of guarding, immobilisation systems and safe access solutions, often using trapped key interlocking to enforce safe sequences of operation and maintenance.
By integrating safety into both new systems and existing assets, we help clients improve compliance, reduce risk and create safer, more maintainable operating environments without unnecessary disruption to production.
Industrial Networks, Data & Cyber Security
Production systems are increasingly connected, linking plant equipment with operational and business systems.
We design industrial networks that enable reliable communication between control systems, devices and enterprise platforms. These networks support applications such as production tracking, condition monitoring and performance analysis, giving teams better visibility of how assets and processes are performing.
We develop solutions that connect shop floor data to higher level systems, enabling traceability, reporting and informed decision making without disrupting live operations.
Cyber security is considered throughout. From network architecture and segmentation through to ongoing monitoring and patch management, we help ensure systems remain secure while maintaining availability and performance.
Mechanical & Hydraulic Systems
Metal processing depends on equipment that can handle high loads, repeated duty cycles and demanding environments.
FAIRFIELDS designs and delivers mechanical drive systems and hydraulic solutions including power units, cylinders, pipework and associated assemblies. Whether developing new equipment or upgrading existing assets, we focus on durability, control and maintainability.
Our approach considers how systems are used in practice, ensuring they are not only engineered correctly, but are accessible, serviceable and suited to the operating environment.
Maintenance & Support
Unplanned downtime in metals environments can be costly and disruptive.
FAIRFIELDS provides maintenance and support across mechanical, hydraulic and control systems, helping to keep assets operating as expected. Support agreements are tailored to each site and can include preventative maintenance, calibration, system audits, remote diagnostics, patch management and 24/7 callout.
Our service teams support over one hundred sites across multiple sectors, helping clients maintain performance, reduce risk and plan for future upgrades.
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