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Investing in the future of engineering: How SRD are future proofing their machining practises with the help of ceratizit A family business that prides itself on a personal touch with customers, SRD is an engineering company based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, which specialises in manufacturing automotive parts. Servicing highly competitive industries such as Formula 1 and motorsport, SRD is renowned for a fast turnaround for parts. Having been in business for over three decades, it has grown into a modern company with over 150 employees, seeing a notable amount of growth in the past 6-7 months.
However, even companies who are at the forefront of their industries need to keep up to date in order to stay competitive. This was certainly true for SRD. For many years, SRD has relied on tried and tested machining techniques to provide the excellent service they are known for. Though, with a recent higher demand for products and a need to fulfil more orders at a quicker rate, they turned to Ceratizit for help. Working with Nev Frisby, Technical Sales Engineer for Ceratizit, they examined their machining processes, inserts and tools and outlined some areas where improvements could be implemented. Firstly, the management team from SRD were invited to a training day at Ceratizit’s Tech Centre in Sheffield. Led by Shaun Thornton, Technical Manager for Ceratizit UK & Ireland, SRD learned about the most up to date tooling and machining practises, as well as being given the chance to put these tools and materials to the test in the workshop downstairs. Back in the workshop, Nev set up a tooling ‘swap out’, where new inserts could be tested without expense to see if they would work for them, it wasn’t long before SRD began to achieve some incredible results. In some instances, SRD were making a time saving of 30-40% on roughing cycles meaning that part production significantly increased. Tool life has also been increased through the use of Ceratizit’s inserts, and their EcoCut inserts are now seen across the workshop. The wide selection of tooling and inserts available in Ceratizit’s extensive
Above: Left: Chris Barnes Apprentice Mentor, Middle: Nev Frisby, right: Adam Leadbeater Apprentice of the year
expertise. Speaking to Jack Wignall, Business Developer at SRD, he discussed how Ceratizit ‘encouraged us to continue to grow. It’s a good reminder that there is always room for improvement in engineering- no matter how efficient you think your processes are. I definitely think this is the start of continuous improvement for SRD as we are determined to stay at the top of our game, and futureproofing the company means that we need to be up to date with tooling and machining techniques.’ The focus on futureproofing the company for SRD extends beyond its approach to highly specialised, precise machining. SRD invest in their apprentices, and are passionate about providing high quality, skilful training to their apprentices. Each apprentice working at SRD is given all the support they need to succeed in this industry. Whether that’s more time set aside for them to complete course, or whether it’s speaking to different people in the workshop, SRD are renowned for how positive a place it is to complete an apprenticeship. Amongst the current apprentices is Adam Leadbeater, a hard-working and diligent apprentice who recently won Apprentice of the Year, a national award whose winner in selected from all apprentices in the UK.
Adam completed his apprenticeship at SRD and chose to stay on at the company once he qualified. Adam highlighted how much support and encouragement he was given by SRD, and exaggerated how he felt he was more able to thrive in his apprenticeship because of their constant support. He said how ‘A lot of companies don’t let apprentices take time out of their working day to complete coursework, however, SRD always made sure that I had time to work on my apprenticeship and I felt incredibly supported by everyone in the company. It’s such a positive place to be, and I still feel like I learn a lot every day. There is only room to grow in this company and you can always move forward if you want to. If you’re wanting to push for improvement, then someone will always be there to help you achieve it.’ Dedicated to their apprenticeship programme, SRD even have a Training Mentor, Chris Barnes, who is the apprentices’ first point of call for support in the workplace. Speaking about the value that is placed in the younger generation of engineers, he stated how ‘We value our apprentices as it’s getting increasingly harder to find skilled people who are eager to work hard and learn. SRD sees this as investing in the future of the company and in the future of highly skilled
machinists. Our apprentices, like Adam, are all encouraged to ask questions and learn. Bringing in younger people is the best way to keep a company growing, and to ensure that the company is strong for generations to come.’ Chris supported Adam through his apprenticeship and was keen to say how proud he was of everything Adam has achieved with SRD. He further said ‘We were all incredibly proud of Adam for winning Apprentice of the Year. We value all of our apprentices immensely, and it’s rewarding to know that Adam’s hard work, diligence and eagerness to better himself everyday didn’t go unnoticed.’ The future looks bright for SRD and everyone who works every day to continuously improve themselves alongside the company they are passionate about working for. Paul reflected how ‘the most exciting thing for us working with Ceratizit is that this is still just the start of our relationship. If so much has been achieved already, then we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as we work together.’
Above: Left: Jack Wignall business development manager & Right: Chris Bryant production manager
catalogue also meant that SRD were able to find the appropriate tools for each job. The constant line of communication between Ceratizit and SRD meant that technical support was always on hand. Furthermore, Nev’s regular visits, supported by Drew Pettifar, an Application Sales Engineer for Ceratizit, allowed them to get intimately acquainted with SRD’s machines and machining needs, ensuring that whatever they recommended would be sure to make a positive impact. The professional relationship between Ceratizit and its customers is built on trust and mutual respect.
SRD explained the extent to which Nev has helped them make huge improvements across various aspects of machining and production. Paul Bonham highlighted how ‘Nev has really been incredible through this professional relationship. Nev doesn’t just sell products, he recommends products that he is confident will be beneficial for us. The constant line of contact and support we have from Nev and Ceratizit is invaluable, we receive a great amount of technical support from Nev and Drew.’
For SRD, Ceratizit did more than just provide excellent tooling paired with technical
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plane talk autumn 2023
www.aerospace.co.uk
@NWAerospace
plane talk autumn 2023
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