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Unit 1, Stubbins Lane
Claughton On Brock
Preston, Lancs
England
PR3 0QH
Tel : +44 (0)1995 643210
Fax : +44 (0)1995 643211
History
In the fabrication industry, the name BODE has been synonymous with Welding Positioners and high quality engineering for over 60 years. The company's range of Positioners, Manipulators and Rotators covers all requirements and the machines are in use in over 30 countries around the world.
The business was founded in 1907, by Ferdinand Bode, when he began making and repairing bicycles. Later, some general engineering work was undertaken for local textile firms and the company introduced several innovative technical improvements to textile machinery. At the same time, the original cycle business had developed into a motor garage and main dealer (which still exists). The whole business was incorporated in 1938.
During the Second World War, the company became heavily involved in munitions work, using the electric-arc welding process. By this time, Ferdinand's son, Eric Bode, had assumed control and he was responsible for the design of the first welding positioner, which led to a great increase in productivity, to the delight of the War Ministry. The company then patented the original Self-Aligning Rotator, which is now built in capacities up to 1,200 tonnes, for the fabrication of large cylindrical vessels.
After the War, Eric Bode increased the range of specialised welding products and demand from all over the world was such that the Engineering Division built a new factory in 1956, giving it 100,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity (the largest of its kind in Europe). This period saw rapid world-wide expansion of the power generation industry and BODE worked very closely with General Electric and Babcock Energy on important projects.
BODE rotators have also proved indispensable in the fabrication of vessels for the Petrochemical, Aerospace, Nuclear and Offshore industries. BODE has produced a range of Column and Boom Manipulators, including machines with maximum height under boom of 14 metres and maximum boom arc travel of 12 metres, capable of supporting welding equipment, etc., up to 1,000 kgs.
The company has also been involved in the modernisation programme at Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (VSEL) providing special Rotators for supporting submarine hulls and incorporating microprocessor-controlled hydraulics to ensure full and even support at all times.
As the industry has developed, BODE has manufactured more specialised and sophisticated machines and now has approximately 200 different types and capacities of standard equipment to offer its international customers. Examples of these are an Octagonal Pole Welding Machine (for the manufacture of lamp posts) and a Trailer Chassis Welder.
The company also operates a Hire and Service Division. This enables customers with a short-term need to hire welding equipment and save the expense of buying outright. At the same time, customers who have purchased BODE equipment are offered a service of refurbishment and upgrading of this equipment by BODE engineers - there is a lifetime commitment to these customers and many take advantage of this service.
The quality of the company's management and staff mean that it is well able to meet the challenges of the future and it will continue to seek fresh opportunities. The future certainly looks bright with BODE!
