West Australian precision engineering company SQP Engineering produces crafted CNC products capable of withstanding the toughest mining applications and meeting the standards of industries including the aeronautics industry. This requires a degree of exactitude and precision that SQP confidently delivers on.
Based at Bibra Lake, SQP is a proud family-run business founded by husband and wife team David and Heidi Miller more than a decade ago. SQP takes its name from Service Quality Products, and these qualities are present in every level of the business.
“Providing high-quality service and products is at the forefront of every aspect of the company from building relationships with customers and suppliers to manufacturing quality products using the latest low impact technologies,” says David, SQP’s Managing Director.
The provision of quality service is proudly expressed by SQP in interactions with customers at every step of the process. David holds the strong belief that ‘service is in the detail’, and this is evident in situations as simple as a phonecall, or as complex as understanding how different material grades will suit an application. SQP prides itself on its availability to answer questions and provide accurate updates so the customer is in the loop throughout the entire process and can be assured they are receiving a quality product to their exact specifications and vision.
According to David, building strong relationships with both customers and suppliers is vital. From the aspect of quality, the importance of strength in every link in the chain means investing in the latest high-end machines and technology.
“Our workshop is a networked streamlined automated operation, requiring minimal staff to enable SQP to compete internationally with consistent high-quality products manufactured to fine tolerance specifications every time,” says David.
An important part of the company’s quality has been the selection of the best machines available, with robust construction and high-quality output, along with the technical expertise and backup service to support the machines. David had experienced Okuma technologies earlier in his career and was extremely impressed by Okuma’s high levels of service. Alongside the state-of-the-art technologies, this dedication to service stood out, matching David’s own expectations for quality business practice.
With this experience, when planning SQP’s first major investment, David’s natural instinct was to turn to Okuma. Hence a long, strong relationship has been built with Okuma Australia over the last decade. Today SQP operates an extensive range from Okuma including CNC lathes, vertical machine centres and FANUC robotics.
Today SQP covers a broad range of industries, notably mining and oil & gas, as well as aeronautics, marine, food and agriculture, and general engineering. Operating up to 24 hours a day, the automated solutions provided by Okuma are an invaluable resource. SQP specialises in CNC production machining, one-off samples, prototypes and large-volume production, working with almost every material from plastics and synthetics to steel, aluminium, bronze, and sometimes wood. Rare materials not stocked in WA are also used according to customers’ special requirements.
With a reputation for professionalism and excellent workmanship, the company plans to acquire more automated machines to allow increased productivity. Minimal staff and the introduction of robotics is an important part of this objective. SQP also draws on the experience of Automated Solutions Australia (ASA) to optimise the robotic application processes within the facility.
“Investment in more machines that look after themselves, and investment in robotics will be the future, allowing cost reductions to secure and maintain a competitive advantage,” says David.
SQP is also looking towards the future with regard to sustainable manufacturing. Seeing what has been achieved by the Okuma Dream Sites regarding automation and sustainability efforts has been a motivating factor in the company’s lasting relationship with the brand. David explains: “One reason SQP went with Okuma was they had the same philosophy and direction we believed we should be heading with environmentally sustainable manufacturing.”
With a focus on minimal footprint manufacturing, LED lighting is used throughout the SQP workshop and electrical reduction systems are in place to supply energy only when needed, ensuring optimised electrical energy usage. Energy costs are reduced by the use of solar panels capable of providing 100% power during the summer months. Following the philosophy of the Okuma Dream Sites, SQP also encourages customers to tackle production in an environmentally sustainable manner and is committed to providing services that meet this need for low-impact manufacturing.
SQP sees the importance of low-impact practices to achieve long-term sustainability in manufacturing, working closely with recyclers to ensure materials such as plastics, carbides and long-life breakdown compounds don’t end up in landfill. As industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint, SQP is excited to lead this challenge, continuously looking to adopt new technologies and practices that allow for smarter, more sustainable manufacturing.
SQP is a company keeping up with a strong demand from a broad customer base in a demanding environment. With the WA economy becoming more buoyant and opening up exciting opportunities for expansion, there is an air of confidence going forward.