Betterworld member DMG Mori has modified its global production line to supply energy-saving machine tools that are reducing supply-chain emissions.
When fully implemented it will save 48 gigawatts of energy loss, preventing 18,921,600kg CO2e emissions annually.
Progress began when the company supplied AESSEAL in Rotherham with almost £4m worth of machine tools designed to work directly at European standard voltages, avoiding a wasteful transformation step.
Discussions between DMG Mori president Dr Masahiko Mori and AESSEAL managing director Chris Rea in March 2023 led to the world leading machine tool manufacturer undertaking to phase in the change of all export machines to 400 volt three, which means the avoidance of transformation losses normally associated with tools originally designed for Asian markets.
The machines were all previously produced to the Japanese 200-volt three-phase electrical standard and required step up transformation to UK voltage, with a loss of approximately five per cent of the energy during the process.
DMG Mori now produces a range of 33 machines operating at 400 volts for the European and US markets as standard offerings on new models. Around 200 units have already been delivered, with a further 200 on order.
European countries will receive around 40 per cent of these, Japan 20pc, and the Americas 15pc, with the remainder allocated to other regions.
The company, named Betterworld Sustainable Supplier of the Year 2023, plans to release additional new‑generation models with 400 volt specifications, alongside the current products, meaning the total is expected to increase significantly over the next few years.
UK Ltd managing director and executive officer Steve Finn said:
AESSEAL’s continued support is frequently acknowledged by Dr Mori. Having customers help guide our direction is incredibly valuable — not only for us and our customers, but also for the environment. Dr Mori truly values these kinds of partnerships.
Mr Rea said It had been a huge and expensive undertaking for DMG Mori to make the change, and added:
“DMG Mori did not do this because we are a large customer. We are a tiny customer to their huge business. They did it out of conviction and deserve great credit for their commitment to the environment. The progress to date is impressive given the huge technical challenge and mechanical and electrical engineering input required from DMG Mori. The on-going commitment and development is even more impressive.
On delivery of the initial AESSEAL order, Dr Mori said:
DMG Mori are proud members of Betterworld.Solutions as we are fully committed to sharing environmental best practice, to make the world a better place for our children and grandchildren. Chris gave us a great chance to change to 400V. Many of our machine tools are used globally and it makes sense to modify our production lines for new machine tool models for global customers. The four machines supplied to AESSEAL in October were the first machines that we produced to the new 400v 3-phase standard.
