Birmingham-based Tooling 2000 is celebrating 25 years in business with a six-figure investment in new machinery.
Tooling 2000 specialises in the manufacture of both prototype and production parts, through the manufacture of tooling, 3 & 5-axis machining, press work and 5-axis laser cutting.
The company has invested over £1m in new machinery including 5-axis milling, large capacity 4.2m x 2.6m machining and a 500mm x 1m CNC lathe. Together with additional investment made in CNC coordinate measuring, an in-house scanning and reverse engineering facility and Auto form die simulation – allow it to provide a complete in-house service.
The company says this investment is part of ambitious growth plans founded on a philosophy of providing a complete metalworking solution, encompassing design and feasibility, CNC machining, prototyping, precision tooling, presswork and laser cutting under one roof.
The company was founded in 1996 to specialize in offering tailored solutions for the metal stamping and component manufacturing industries, from initial concept and part feasibility, through to the finished component.
Managing Director Gary Williams said: “Our existing large-scale capabilities and flexibility has enabled us to build a strong customer base including blue chip brands such as Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Jaguar, Land Rover.
“In what will be our 25th year in business, the significant investment in new machinery and plant further adds to our capabilities enabling us to offer the complete metalworking solution in house setting the foundation for our plans to double turnover within the next three years.
“Our investment also extends beyond CNC machinery. For example, our new press brake and spot-welding capabilities will be live by the end of Q4 2021, and we have also invested £750,000 on a new Trumpf Trucell 7040 Fiber laser with 4m x 2m bed, arriving in Q1 2022 to complement the same size CNC and press capabilities.”
2021 also saw the company gain IATF 16949 accreditation.
At the turn of this year Tooling 2000 took on three new engineering apprentices and has since recruited several time-served engineers, whilst also promoting Brian Abbott to Manufacturing Director.
Several Tooling 2000 staff members are also celebrating 25 years at the business, such as CNC Manager Andy Evans and Purchasing Manager Chris Davies.
Gary Williams added: “As a specialised engineering firm, we recognize that having the latest machining technology and large-scale production capabilities only takes you so far. Our differentiator is the expertise of our people and our continued commitment in developing our team together with the investment in new technology.
“Our customers come to us as they recognize that we have the ability to solve challenging problems or prove the feasibility of their ideas. When customers visit, reporting back how impressed they are at what we have achieved for them, my response is always that it is a team effort - and I’m really proud that all employees are pulling in the same direction. The ongoing investment in people and machinery reinforces our ability to achieve this and ensures that we stay at the forefront of our industry for many years to come.”
Photo: Left to right – Andy Evans CNC Manager, Gary Williams Managing Director, Dawn Jeavons Office Manager, Chris Davies Purchasing Manager and David Williams Director