An advanced precision engineering firm has made a significant investment of £4m, resulting in the creation of 40 new jobs. This move involves relocating to a larger facility, thus tripling its production capacity.
The American owners of the company are confident in the capabilities of the North Wales workforce, signalling a robust vote of confidence in their future growth. The relocation will enhance production and efficiency, marking a milestone for the company.
Expansion Overview
The company plans to move to a new 30,000 sq ft factory on the Tir Llwyd Industrial Estate. This space is almost three times larger than their current premises, enabling them to increase their range of products.
The expansion will allow the company to accelerate its production processes, including the manufacture of several new types of high-precision grinding wheels. The move is seen as a strategic step in the company’s growth plan.
Historical Significance
Established in 1984 as Consort Precision Diamond, the company has a long history of manufacturing diamond-encrusted rotary dressers and grinding wheels.
The North Wales operation is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and the investment is being hailed as the “perfect birthday present” for the company.
The firm was acquired and rebranded in 2018 by CDT, which is based in New Haven, Indiana. The merger has been fruitful, combining expertise from both sides of the Atlantic.
Product and Market Expansion
The company supplies various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and semi-conductors.
Their products are used in aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner, as well as the Airbus range A330-A380, whose wings are made in Flintshire.
The new factory will enable the company to produce additional high-precision grinding wheels, capitalising on the demand in these sectors.
Leadership Perspective
Company President Nick Viggiano expressed optimism about the investment, stating it reflects confidence in the workforce. He expects the company to triple in size within a few years, driven by the new product lines.
American managing director, Jeff Wirth, highlighted the extensive preparation that led to this investment. The new facility offers a blank canvas to optimise production efficiency.
The team’s camaraderie and work ethic have been pivotal, contributing to the decision to invest substantially in the North Wales operation.
Operational Improvements
The new facility will include improved amenities for employees, such as fresh locker rooms and a cafeteria. This is part of the company’s commitment to enhancing working conditions.
The consolidation of all operations under one roof will maximise efficiency, eliminating the need to work around the constraints of the current building.
The move to a larger facility will also streamline production processes, enabling a quicker ramp-up of new product lines.
Strategic Vision
Finance manager Michaela Lawton outlined the strategic vision for the company, emphasising recruitment, upskilling, and training. The leadership team is focused on following the successful growth trajectory of their American counterparts.
The investment includes fitting out the new factory with specialist equipment, ensuring the company is well-equipped to meet future demand.
The leadership team’s confidence in the workforce and strategic planning are key factors driving the company’s expansion.
Community Impact
Production manager Justin Hughes expressed excitement about the investment, describing it as a ‘marriage made in business heaven.’
The local community stands to benefit from the creation of 40 new jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the Kinmel Bay area.
The £4m investment in a larger factory is a testament to the growth and potential of the company. With improved facilities and an expanded workforce, the company is well-positioned for future success.
This strategic move not only enhances production capacity but also signals a strong vote of confidence in the North Wales team. The local community and the company alike stand to gain significantly from this development.
