Defence sector work adds one more string to Kennewell’s bow
Meet CNC machinist Adam Cooper, part of the team at this growing Murray Bridge manufacturing firm.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Kennewell.
A Murray Bridge manufacturing firm is contributing to Australia’s national security, completing work of the highest quality for a defence sector client right here in the Murraylands.
But we can’t tell you much more about that – it’s confidential.
So we’ll tell you about the team members who are getting the work done instead.
Meet CNC machinist Adam Cooper.
How did you get into this line of work?
When I was in high school I did a Certificate II in Engineering. That was my introduction to the trade. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do at that point. My family were all mechanics, but I didn’t want to be a mechanic, I wanted to do something different. When we moved up to Murray Bridge, I thought I’d give this place a go. I did some casual work here for a few weeks … then Brett (Kennewell) put me on an apprenticeship. I’ve been here ever since – four and a half years.
What do you do on a typical day?
The job basically entails 3D modelling, CAD programming, setting up the machines, working out which tool will be best to do a job, making fixtures (to keep a work piece in place) … We also have a robot which loads our mills, so making fixtures to suit the robot is a whole other world. Then (once parts are being manufactured) we’re inspecting, making sure they’re (up to spec). I prefer doing it this way … because you see that whole product over (the production run). To know where you’re at from the start is a big help.
What’s your favourite bit of tech in the workshop?
I like either the machines themselves or the robot. You can do some really cool things here.
What are you working on at the moment?
There’s the project I can’t tell you about, for defence. I’m also making some stainless steel cubes that mount like a curtain. I’m part of the process.
What do you like best about working at Kennewell?
I enjoy getting (assigned) the tricky parts, having to work out how to make them. I like the variety of parts we do, too. There’s no two days you’re doing the same sort of part, generally, unless it’s a big production run. There’s always something different: different materials, different tolerances. And I like getting pretty much free reign, getting told “here, make this part, and do what you’ve got to do to make it”.
Contact Kennewell today
Do you have a problem that needs solving, a part you need made or an idea for a product?
Contact the team at Kennewell today.
- More information: Call 8532 4977, email brett@kennewell.com or visit Kennewell at 8 Sturt Reserve Road, Murray Bridge between 8am and 4pm on weekdays.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
