innovative engineering
For over 20 years Howard Marshall Engineering Ltd. has offered engineering solutions to manufacturers, dealers and operators of agricultural and groundcare machinery in the UK and overseas. Our diverse range of experience and knowledge has been gained by providing many bespoke engineering solutions, modifications and conversions. The constantly growing HME product portfolio comprises of a range of products and accessories available for a wide range of machinery including utility vehicles.All HME products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards in the UK at our Nottinghamshire based premises using modern design and manufacturing techniques combined with premium materials and finishes resulting in unrivalled quality, functionality and styling.Over the years HME have been approached by many customers with new challenges and requirements for bespoke modifications and innovative engineering solutions and we never turn down a challenge!
Design Process
Design
Stage 1 – Problem Definition
As with any new product the design process starts with identifying a problem. In order to generate a solution to the problem or fulfil a requirement, it is necessary to have a clear definition of what is the desired outcome. Creating a transparent well-defined unambiguous statement to outline these requirements is a key to a functional and effective solution. Various techniques are used throughout the process including concept ideation, the first stage in developing a design brief to solve a design problem or criteria and bring new ideas and innovations to life. Concept ideation can be communicated through sketches, ideation boards and digital renders.
Research
Stage 2 – Research
Once the problem has been fully defined, information needs to be gathered and research carried out - Has the problem been encountered before? Do solutions already exist? How effective are they? What can be done to improve? HME uses visualisations to present products, research outcomes and ideas prior to further development. Highly detailed digital visualisations and artists impressions show the desired result as it should be when manufactured without the manufacturing and development costs involved as during this stage the product or idea is likely to change many times before a final decision is made to progress to further research and development. The HME team have a very high combined number of years of experience which contributes to research and development capacity. Research responsibilities are often divided up between members of the team based on background experience and a particular skill set, which is often varied. Throughout the design process research and development is critical to find new and innovative solutions.
Selection and Development
Stage 3 - Selection and Development
to recognise the most effective, both functionally and in terms of cost effectiveness. With the use of the latest industry standard Computer Aided design software, highly detailed 3D models and 2D presentations can be produced. HME use a selection of design software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for 2D and 3D graphic work ranging from visualisations to presentations and Solidworks for 3D modelling. The Solidworks package allows HME to create highly detailed working 3D models that are production ready, this industry standard software is among the leaders in its class.
Test and Evaluate
Stage 4 - Test and Evaluate
After the identification and design of a solution, testing is required. Much of the initial testing can be done within the 3D modelling software, Solid-works 2018. For example, stress tests and calculations using FEA and form fit function assessments. In many cases, the 3D modelling software can eliminate the requirement for expensive prototypes. Testing in this manner allows advantages and disadvantages to be identified and analysed and the products overall effectiveness to be assessed. This is an iterative process and can sometimes lead back to step 3 before the best solution is realised. A prototype of a product or solution can be produced pre-production if it is required to establish positive and negative aspects from which further development leads to the refinement of any issues which could later arise in the manufacturing process. This results in a more efficient and cost effective production later in the process.
Assembly & Quality Control
Stage 5 - Assembly & Quality Control
All products are assembled and finished on site. The final assembly includes testing and quality control to ensure that products meet the highest standards. HME are proud to be renowned for the quality of their products and services.
OUR CASE STUDIES
McHale 998 Dual Bale Accumulator
Designed to meet the needs of busy farmers and contractors
View Case Study
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
Howard Marshall Engineering Ltd: Everything you need to know
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What does HME do?
Attachments:
We offer an ever-growing list of products, ranging from small beacons up to tractor cabs and everything in between. We have products that are compatible with a large selection of manufacturers, including: John Deere, Toro, Kubota, Kioti, Ransomes, Jacobsen, Shibaura, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Roberine and more.
Servicing:
Our fully qualified service technicians at HME benefit from years of experience working on agricultural and ground-care machinery and understand the values of keeping our customer's machines in excellent working condition.
Bespoke fabrication:
We have the skills and equipment to design, prototype, manufacture, paint, assemble and test all on a single sight. This makes us the ideal candidate for one off or small batch projects.
Used Machinery:
We have a large stock of used turf machinery and compact tractors in the UK and have the capability to service, paint or complete a full restoration if requested.
bema:
HME is the UK and Ireland distributor of bema road sweepers and snow ploughs. Our engineering capability enables us to support this product range to individual requirements. -
HME’s history
Established in 1995 as a one-person operation, carrying out service work on equipment, HME has grown sustainably to now have a manufacturing facility with a broad portfolio of solutions and products on offer. HME was born out of a family run farm in the heart of Nottinghamshire, giving the company deep knowledge and experience in what our customers require.
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HME’s Mission and Values
Mission:
To provide engineering solutions to industry and individuals so everyone can overcome the challenges they face. We strive to achieve this through effective communication and research, to understand the challenges faced and apply our experience and expertise to provide to best outcome.
Values:
Collaboration-
We invest in building strong relationships with our customers and suppliers, always striving to have mutually beneficial partnerships that last the test of time.
Innovation-
We believe that innovation requires the correct environment. We support our staff to always be looking for the next challenge to overcome and to have a safe space to voice ideas. No one knows the challenges better than the people with the tools in their hands, doing the activity every day.
Responsibility-
We take ownership of the work we do and recognise the responsibility we have as a manufacturer to supply fit for purpose equipment in a compliant and safe manner. If things don’t go as expected, we work even harder to overcome these obstacles. -
Careers at HME
Fancy becoming part of our team? We are always on the lookout for talented and self-motivated individuals. Please introduce yourself and send us a copy of your CV to enquiries@hme.co.uk to see if we have any vacancies.
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