Carrs Toolsteel Technologies

Carrs Tool Steels exhibit at the Made in the Midlands exhibition.

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 07/07/2017

We recently exhibited at the Made in the Midlands Expo and found it very successful. Following on our Made in the Midlands breakfast meeting, we thought this meeting was very useful and connected us with many like-minded companies from Midlands.

This year, the exhibition was held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. We felt we had a good flow of visitors. We met with several of our customers and interested parties, and had lots of good conversations about current and upcoming projects.

Andrew Eastwood, Managing Director, commented on the event: The Made in the Midlands Expo was very successful for us. Its a great place to speak to Midlands-based businesses. We hope to exhibit again next year!

Carrs Tool celebrates their women in Engineering

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 28/01/2015

Since 1902 Carrs Tool Steels has been supplying its customers with high quality tool steel, originally as Sheffield based Richd W Carr and, since a management buyout in 1992 as Carrs Tool Steels Limited.

Since the management buyout the company has modernised and with Julie Shields as Shareholder and Operations Director, as well as over 30% of their workforce being female, Carrs Tool Steels have always had a focus on women in engineering.

Julie started working at Carrs in 1992 in a sales role and has worked her way up through the company into her current role. As Commercial Director Julie has overall responsibility for purchasing, production and quality, as well as taking an active role in health and safety.

Last year saw the 25 year work anniversary for another dedicated member of the Carrs team; Debbie Clee was originally employed by Richard W Carrs as a YTS trainee in 1988. During her time at the company, Debbie has seen many changes including the folding of the original company and the first management buyout, the move to Tipton from Smethwick, as well as the implementation of many changes in computer systems and introduction of new products and working practices, and most recently the 2nd MBO.

Without the dedicated and continued support of employees like Julie and Debbie, Carrs Tool Steels would not be in the position that it is now; growing, investing and continuing to offer its customers fantastic support and value.

Carrs Tool Steel provides:

Rapid delivery (overnight on standard orders).
Superb range of conventional, special high performance, and extreme high performance tool steels and Aluminium including powder metallurgy products.
Readymilled service provides blocks machined on all six faces -0+0.10mm and square to 0.1mm/m.
Exceptional product presentation and documentation with total traceability.
Industry leading technical advice and support.

For Product, Sales and Pricing information please call: 0121 522 6789

Ground Flat Stock Now available.

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 08/09/2016

We are pleased to announce an addition of ground flat stock to their wide range of products!

Available in imperial and metric sizes, this product is now available at Carrs Tool Steels at competitive prices.

Technical Specifications:
The product is delivered according to DIN 59350.
The thickness (top and bottom) delivered in ground execution, both bar ends are saw cut.
The material will have a surface roughness of max. 3.2 µ.
Supplied fully annealed, ground flat stock is precision ground to close tolerances, enabling finished components to be produced with the minimum of machining. O1 ground flat stock is heat treatable to a high hardness, it possesses good hardenability with excellent dimensional stability and resistance to wear.

Typically, available in BO1, at Carrs, we can supply ground flat stock in other grades too!
If you would like more information, please get in touch. 0121 522 6789

A Day in the Life of a Managing Director

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 19/02/2021

Established in 1902 Carrs Tools Steel has always been at the forefront of innovation and investment into the latest technologies. To find out more about job roles in manufacturing, Made in the Midlands sat down with Managing Director Andrew Eastwood.

As a Managing Director of a leading steel tooling manufacturer, Andrew is often asked what he does within his role. After mentioning his role and the company he works for, he often describes his passion for UK industry and the knowledge and skills available here. However, to his surprise, Andy often gets the response “We don't make many things in this country anymore.” To ensure people understand what his business is capable of, Andy explained:

“At this point, I often look around for an object that has been manufactured in the UK, my absolute favourite being an empty drink can. I can then respond with a question.

Can you imagine the skill of the person that can create a tool to make the top of this can and the ring pull, so that once filled the can will withstand a massive amount of pressure without bursting open, but can still be opened by a 5-year-old? What do I do? I supply that genius with what he needs to make the tool that can do that.”

Andy’s role within the business is to find solutions for people’s problems both internally and externally.

He concluded, “every day brings new challenges and we are always looking for ways we can improve our products and services, so every day is a day we can make a difference.”

Made Futures was created to encourage people to get jobs in manufacturing, in support of those who have lost their jobs over the course of the 2020 pandemic. There's still time to sign up and be part of the exhibition by filling in the form here.

Carrs Tool Steel VBM Kicks Off MIM Networking in 2021

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 21/01/2021

Dudley based tool steel specialist and founder member of Made in the Midlands - Carrs Tool Steel Technologies held a virtual breakfast morning, marking the first MIM networking event in 2021. With over 45 industry-leading members in attendance, everyone was welcomed to a presentation from the hosting company and three rounds of 15-minute networking sessions.

Carrs Tool Steel offers a comprehensive range of tool steel and high strength aluminium alloy to a wide range of industries. Established in 1902 the company prides itself on innovation and investment in customer service.

An example of this is the installation of automatic milling machines which enable the company to supply precision milled blocks so accurately finished that they can go straight into tooling production without further machining. Customers see a much more rapid response to enquiries, efficient communication and quality of labelling and product presentation that is arguable without equal.

The event started with a quick round-robin, giving attendees the chance to introduce themselves and their businesses. This was followed by a presentation about the company from Andrew Eastwood - Managing Director at Carrs Tool Steel.

Carrs Tool Steel dedication to innovation is highlighted through their recent introduction of new improved products and services. On top of offering conventionally manufactured steels, the company also offers a range of powder metallurgy steels, as well as matric high-speed steels and a range of high-quality aluminium plates. Andrew said:

“We cut and stock the latest materials from around the world, and are able to supply items machined to customers specifications. Carrs’ carries in stock over 30 different grades of tool steel and aluminium alloys, approximately 500 tonnes of stock.”

Andrew finished the presentation highlighting the benefits of using Carrs Tool Steels, which includes rapid deliveries, ready milled service that provides blocks machined on all six faces and exceptional product documentation with total traceability.

Finally, the event finished with smaller networking sessions amongst members to encourage networking and building relationships within the industry.

Want to find out what our virtual breakfast mornings are about for yourself? Join us on 4th February at 9 am for our next event with Acoustafoam, click here to register.

Our latest Accreditation - ISO9001:2015

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 25/07/2018

We are very pleased to announce our latest accreditation - ISO9001:2015.

Here at Carrs, our dedication to quality spans our entire operations and we are committed to continual improvements in order to maintain the satisfaction of our loyal customer base.

View our full quality policy for more information.

Back on the Road Again

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 05/05/2021

Carrs Tool Steels Ltd - Back On The Road Again

It has to be said that this has been one of the most trying years on record and Carrs are proud to have been here for its very valued customers all the way through this tough time. Now Carrs are excited to report that we are getting back out to our customers externally and delivering our legendary technical and service support to customers personally.

So, if you would like to arrange a visit or advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our team to discuss how we can help you with any of the following:

• Tailored Stock programmes

• Full Technical Support, including failure mode diagnosis and solution recommendations.

• Competitive price programme

• Material requirements

• Pre-machining service

• Aluminium Stock

All of these materials available:

69S – D2 – 1.2379		Toolox 33 (32hrc)
09B – O1 – 1.2510		Toolox 44 (44hrc)
P704 – O2 – 1.2842		P20S – 1.2312
Ground Flat Stock		P20N – 1.2738
DC53		P20 – 1.2311
53S – H13 -1.2344		Mild Steel
53SR - H13 ESR		EN8 – 1.1730
P576 – 1.2767		P552
P1008R – 1.2083 - 420 Stainless
P1009 – 1.2316
6082 (T651)	7075 (T6/T651)
5083 Aluminium Tooling Plate
Alumold 500 (7000 Series Aluminium)
We also stock a full range of high-performance Particle Metallurgy grades. CPM /TSP

Please call or email us now to see how we can help.

James Dowling

UK Sales Manager

07875 537822

james.dowling@carrs-tool.co.uk

Dominic Fletcher

Aluminium Sales Manager

07881 288714

dominic.fletcher@carrs-tool.co.uk

General Sales

0121 522 6789

sales@carrs-tool.co.uk

Or for more details, see our website www.carrs-tool.co.uk

Capital Investment Program to Mark Carrs Tool Steels’ 25th Anniversary.

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 11/04/2017

This year Carrs Tool Steel is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. We are proud to announce that we have just signed off on a £500,000 capital investment program.

The Purpose

The aim of the program is to improve service levels and quality in all areas of our business, including cutting, milling and stock holding improvements, as well as continuing our investment in people and our commitment to reduce our energy consumption and by default our carbon footprint.

The Process

During the first stage of this investment, Carrs Tool Steels premises were fitted with 588 solar panels. Within the first 12 months, our energy consumption was reduced by 50%.
Additionally, our in-house computer system has been enhanced and refreshed, which is now resulting in shorter lead and processing times.

The next stage is to improve the stockholding and cutting facilities. This improvement will be supported by our recent purchase of a state of the art, fully programmable Danobat iDS5A saw (link to the brochure). The saw uses carbon blades and has the capability to increase productivity 3 times over normal bi metal blades. Our investment in new equipment emphasises Carrs commitment to improving services for our customers.

The last stage in our investment program is to improve and modernise our aluminium processing line.

Investing in People

We are proud to support our staff and investing in their professional development. With our support, two young members of our warehouse team enrolled in Team Leader training courses.

Andrew Eastwood, Managing Director

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies host brilliant breakfast event

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies — 11/04/2017

The latest Made in the Midlands breakfast event was hosted by Carrs Toolsteel Technologies Ltd on Thursday 5th April at their premises in Tipton, West Midlands.

Carrs Tool Steels has been supplying its customers with high quality tool steel, originally as Sheffield based Richd W Carr and, since a management buyout in 1992 as Carrs Tool Steels Limited.

Following a major investment in new milling technology the first such machines in Europe, Carrs Toolsteel Technologies is able to offer high precision, blocked up tool steel pieces, to customers specifications at economical prices.

Guests were supplied with a brilliant catering range at the event and were provided with customised gift bags to thank guests for visiting the event. Managing Director of Carrs Toolsteel Technologies, Andrew Eastwood stated: The breakfast event has been really great with around 50 people in attendance. This includes some customers, suppliers and a lot of new people so it has been very good.

Fantastic to see @CarrsToolSteels membership certificate from 2011/12. #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/rvUS1IusBC
Made in the Midlands (@madeinthemids) April 6, 2017

Carrs Toolsteel Technologies have been a member of Made in the Midlands since 2011 and have seen the membership base significantly expand, as Eastwood added: It is incredibly important that people talk to each other as people need to share information and ideas. For example, our Operations Director has spoken to a guard supplier for some machinery and that would not have happened without this breakfast event.

Carrs will offer its wide range of tool steel qualities finish-milled on all six faces. Customers will be able to specify their exact size requirements and the company aims to maintain its existing rapid turn-around of orders.

Eastwood explained: We can do in minutes what it would take an hour or more on conventional equipment. This offers real benefits to our customers both in terms of cost and time. Since starting production in 2009 Carrs have delivered over 200,000 pieces of Readymilled products.

Great photo of @CarrsToolSteels Vicky Preen, @threewaypress Phil Stanley and @LEMAengineering Linda Doughty today! #ukmfg pic.twitter.com/NqN91ZPyYD
Made in the Midlands (@madeinthemids) April 6, 2017

The next breakfast event will take place at I M Kelly Automotive in Coventry, West Midlands and tickets have already sold out due to popular demand. You can still register tickets to our future breakfast events at CeraCon, Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre by visiting our events page here.

In the upcoming weeks, we will hosting our record-breaking Made in the Midlands Exhibition. This year, the event will be hosted at the Ricoh Arena and we are set to welcome over 2,000 guests with 200 exhibitors including Carrs Toolsteel Technologies. You can register your ticket to the event here.

If you are interested in hosting a breakfast event of your own, please contact our Group Events Manager Iwona at: iwona@firstorchard.com and to register your exhibition ticket, please visit this link.