Machined Components Systems P.L.C.

Dedicated customer facility

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 17/04/2014

Machined Component Systems (MCS) has opened a dedicated manufacturing facility for customer Stuart Turner Pumps at its Redditch headquarters.

Mark Williams, MD of the Henley on Thames-based manufacturer of exclusive shower pumps, said: We needed true partnership sourcing to answer a number of potential issues facing our business with sales expanding both in UK and especially in Export.

I needed to future-proof both supply and quality and by merging our stand-alone facility into the MCS plant I have instantly achieved a number of key advantages that will guarantee that whatever impossible demands sales put on us, we can now answer them with confidence.

Why MCS? Well I had a number of things on my shopping list and, ironically whilst cost of course was one, it was not in the top three. Firstly, we needed access to a bigger skills pool of people, both in numbers and abilities. We also needed access to significantly more plant to manage peaks and troughs in demand and especially incorporate the latest thinking in process control. Now, not only do I not need to worry about the quality of my components, but we can concentrate more on the development of our exciting new products planned for the next 18 months.

MCS has honed its systems primarily in the automotive sector, one of the most demanding in the world, and to have zero defect production plus access to numerous other machines should one of ours need servicing, means that the bundle of services and skills on offer and the economies of scale made it an easy decision. I can now invest more executive time in the development of the company, expanding its client base and launching the new technology that will win us increased market share.

MCS is now in full production on the 151 turned parts Stuart Turner Pumps needs for its range and has already enhanced prototyping and the R&D function. It will soon be looking to operate a full Kanban system which will keep stock levels and costs to a minimum yet provide the confidence that the production lines will not stop.

Warren Gray of MCS adds: Stuart Turner produces over 140,000 pumps a year, which is a good number from my perspective. We have integrated their machines into the MCS facility and supplemented this plant with our own machines. The upshot is real manufacturing flexibility and increased volume which suit our processes and systems.

We had to be flexible on costs to win this prestigious contract but this is a long term arrangement that suits my expansion plans and assists in financial forward planning. This is the first deal of this type and size but it reflects our recognition that a number of companies are thinking about their overheads and executive time drain arising from running their own small machine shops.

I believe that this relationship with Stuart Turner shows that there is another, better way forward Partnership Shoring as opposed to re-shoring, which should have a real role to play in the regeneration of British engineering.

Taken from Engineering Capacity 16/4/14.

Machined Component Systems enters second year of ‘growing their own’ talent

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 19/11/2012

A Redditch based subcontract-machining specialist has successfully entered its second year of running its own Apprenticeship Programme.

Machined Component Systems have decided to make significant investments in their future by ‘growing their own’ talent through an Apprenticeship Programme which began last year as a direct result of the emerging skills shortage in the sector. The firm has already experienced phenomenal growth during the last twelve months, achieving a 37% increase in turnover. This has placed them well to embark on initiatives to support and ensure their future success.

The firm recruited two young people in September 2011, who enrolled on a college based education during the first year of the programme and have then benefited from Machined Component Systems’ world class equipment and in house mentors from September of this year.

As a centre of manufacturing excellence, supplying turned parts and precision engineered machined components to various industry sectors, Machined Component Systems offer an exposure to the best in cutting edge equipment and in manufacturing expertise for the apprentices.

The programme involves the apprentices gaining experience in a number of areas in the firm to provide a sound foundation for future CNC programme setters. Warren added: “The programme is going incredibly well. We have taken on another apprentice this September and plans are in place to make it a rolling programme going forward with recruitment taking place again next September.”

Mr Gray is well versed in the need to invest in youth, being Chair of the Employment and Skills Board within the North Worcestershire LEP in addition to sitting on the same board for the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP.

Machined Component Systems, currently employing 35 employees, now has 3 apprentices on its programme. The firm knows the importance of, and takes pride in, recruiting the best staff as a key to the company’s success and already invest time and resources in their recruitment.

The progressive and innovative company are successfully providing solutions to a problem experienced across the sector of an aging demographic and an emerging shortage in the relevant skills. Machined Component Systems’ investment in the up and coming generation as a way to grow their staff base is set to secure their innovative and prosperous future.

Machined Component Systems supplies a range of turned, milled and drilled parts and precision engineered machined components to sectors as diverse as automotive, petrochemical, environmental, transport, marine, healthcare and white goods industries.

The Cameras are Rolling at Machined Component Systems

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 13/02/2013

Redditch based, sub-contract machining company Machined Component Systems, have unveiled their new company video. Originally premiered at MACH2012, the video gives an impressive overview of the company as a supplier of a range of turned, milled and drilled parts and precision engineered machined components to sectors as diverse as automotive, petrochemical, environmental, transport, marine, healthcare and white goods industries. Furthermore, the video outlines the state-of-the-art equipment Machined Component Systems has invested in, their dedication to investing in the very best of staff and 'growing their own' young talent in their apprenticeship programme.

Please click on the link below, press play on the homepage and expand to full screen.

http://www.machinedcomponent.com/

MCS win award in Growth in Business category at Made in the Midlands

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 26/10/2012

Machined Component Systems have reported an increase in turnover growth by 37% from 2.2m to £3m in 2012, and the company has also invested £850k in six new CNC machines, marking a hugely successful year.
In addition to this, the company's formal apprentice programme is now in its second year. Machined Component Systems, currently employing 35 people, now has 3 apprentices on its programme. The firm knows the importance of, and takes pride in, recruiting the best staff and it is key to the company’s success. Warren Gray, Managing Director said: “We have made the decision to grow our own and train our own. The state of the art equipment we have in-house and the mentoring that we can offer, provides an ideal start to a bright career in engineering.”

The Made in the Midlands awards ceremony was held this October and featured guest speaker Lord Digby Jones, who was impressed and encouraged by the successful Midlands based companies that were responsible for crucial UK wealth creation.

MCS celebrates 25th anniversary with growth and record investment

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 30/11/2011

Ambitious Midlands based high precision machinists Machined Component Systems Plc are celebrating a significant growth in turnover in what is an exciting 25th anniversary year for the business.

The growth in turnover has been complimented by a record investment in six new CNC machine tools, as the company looks to expand further in 2012 by specialising in parts that others simply cannot produce.

The company, which employs 34 people at its 25,000ft² facility in Redditch, has made the significant investment to not only maintain its partnership sourcing relationships with a host of blue chip manufacturers, but also to build on its ever-effective role that has proven to extend these companies’ manufacturing capabilities.

MCS supplies a range of turned/milled/drilled parts and precision engineered machined components to customers in industry sectors as diverse as automotive, petrochemical, environmental, transport, marine, healthcare and white goods.

Managing director, Warren Gray, is quick to point out that in his opinion, MCS is not just another engineering company: “Our continuous investment in equipment and our people working with a positive 'can do' philosophy sets us apart in our ability to work in close collaboration with customers in providing cost-effective, high quality machining solutions.”

The MCS customer commitment, he stresses, is based on long-term supply agreements that often start with product development and design input, and also embrace open book costing.

Established in 1986 by Warren’s father Jim, now chairman, quality was paramount from the start – the company gained BS5750 in its first year and today is accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and to ISO 13485:2003 for medical devices.

“The strong driver of continuous improvement in every facet of the business naturally embraced the introduction of one hit machining,” continues Mr Gray, “and the initial machines for such a strategy were introduced during the late 1980s. However, it was the introduction of Tornos, Doosan and Miyano machines – from Tornos Technologies, Citizen Machinery UK and Mills Manufacturing that emphasised the benefits in captivating this technology through cost-effective machining times and finished machined quality,” he insists.

However, as MCS continues to invest in its own future and that of its customers, Mr Gray also points to the company’s recent reinstatement of apprenticeships as a sign in his view that any recession in manufacturing may be over. “We regularly invest in equipment; so, investing in the workforce is another measure of our confidence in the future,” he concludes.

In addition to the investment in people and new state of the art CNC technology Mr Gray has also embraced Social Media and for industry insights and to follow the progress of MCS you can follow Mr Gray at #CNCMachiningUK on Twitter.

Machined Component Systems ‘grow their own’ talent

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 03/10/2012

A Redditch based subcontract-machining specialist has successfully entered its second year of running its own Apprenticeship Programme. Machined Component Systems have decided to make significant investments in their future by ‘growing their own’ talent through an Apprenticeship Programme which began last year as a direct result of the emerging skills shortage in the sector. The firm has already experienced phenomenal growth during the last twelve months, achieving a 37% increase in turnover. This has placed them well to embark on initiatives to support and ensure their future success.

The firm recruited two young people last September, who enrolled on a college based education during the first year of the programme and have then benefitted from Machined Component Systems’ world class equipment and in house mentors from September of this year. As a centre of manufacturing excellence, supplying turned parts and precision engineered machined components to various industry sectors, Machined Component Systems offer an exposure to the best in cutting edge equipment and in manufacturing expertise for the apprentices.

Warren Gray, Managing Director said: “We have made the decision to grow our own and train our own. The state of the art equipment we have in-house and the mentoring that we can offer, provides an ideal start to a bright career in engineering.” The programme involves the apprentices gaining experience in a number of areas in the firm to provide a sound foundation for future CNC programme setters. Warren added: “The programme is going incredibly well. We have taken on another apprentice this September and plans are in place to make it a rolling programme going forward with recruitment taking place again next September.”

Machined Component Systems to help produce ventilators

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 09/04/2020

With the shortage of ventilators in the UK, Machined Component Systems (MCS) has joined the help to produce more. Alongside producing the vital components for ventilators, the company has also been helping major within the Assisted Living Technology sector by manufacturing components for stairlifts and patient hoists, enabling the NHS to reduce the demand for beds at hospitals.

Machined Component Systems client recommended MCS to another organisation who approached the company with the challenge. The Blue Chip company designed the ventilators and have assigned other firms to manufacture key components.

MCS has been tasked with manufacturing manifold blocks and pins for the ventilators. Having produced 20 sets so far, the company is anticipating to make another 100 in the next week and 1000 in the two weeks after. Managing Director of MCS, Warren Gray, said:

“We felt humbled and proud that we have been selected to produce components for ventilators. It has been a hard few weeks after furloughing staff and this has given us a mind shift to something positive, as we will be contributing to a great cause.”

However, on top of producing these important products, the company is still supporting major clients who are also in need of critical components to fight the virus. MCS supplies parts to a stairlift manufacturer who have noticed a demand for more stairlifts from local authorities and hospitals. Warren said:

“The production of stairlifts is also important, during this time especially, because hospitals are looking to free as many beds as possible. Therefore discharged patients who need assistance getting upstairs are able to take a stairlift home to get around.”

Offering advice to other manufacturers thinking of joining the challenge, Warren said:

“This work has given our staff a positive mental boost and also allows us to talk about something positive.”

Are you a manufacturing hero? Share your story with us and get it featured on the Made platforms with a chance to get it published in the Backing Britain book. Email Yasmin at yasmin@madeingroup.com

MCS Increase Capacity with Latest ‘Greener’ Investment

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 18/01/2022

Leading sub-contract machining company Machined Component Systems (MCS), has massively improved their lead times, capacity and flexibility with their latest investment. The company has purchased a state of the art stacking system in an investment worth £250,000. The purchase is already having a massive impact on the business by improving efficiency and being more environment friendly.

The bespoke stacking machine from Citizen Machinery, the first of its kind in the world, is capable of holding hours of production making lead times significantly quicker for customers in comparison to its predecessor. The £250,000 investment also included a Fanuc M-20i robot which picks the castings and places them on to a pallet to be transported straight to customers.

MCS was looking to invest in new machinery to enhance their capabilities back in 2019, however this was stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This lul in activity at the time allowed the company to negotiate a brand new contract. On another note, the pandemic did affect the time it took to install the machine due to the ongoing material shortages in the UK.

Due to the recent investment, MCS has more capacity to complete jobs for current and new customers. With the new stacking machine using less electricity and being 25% more efficient, customers can be certain that MCS’ offering is more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Warren Gray, Managing Director at MCS, said:

“We are now looking into investing in different robot solutions and automations. Whilst we will maintain machines and ensure our employees are protected, we are looking to become more robot reliant for efficiency and to become a major competitor. Our goal is to become a market leader.”

Contact MCS to find out more about their offerings by using the contact details below:

Warren@machinedcomponent.com

‘Conduct yourself locally, think globally’: How MCS’ partnership with Gibbs emphasises the importance of localisation

Machined Components Systems P.L.C. — 05/08/2021

Redditch-based precision engineering specialists Machined Component Systems (MCS) are huge advocates for supporting businesses locally. In fact, Managing Director Warren Gray said: “My first port of call is to support locally, you never know when you will need a helping hand that isn't too far away.” This is no different when it comes to recycling of their materials too. MCS have worked with fellow MIM member Gibbs Metal Recycling for the past 8 years, and haven't looked back since.

As many manufacturing business leaders will know, it can be difficult to find trustworthy suppliers who meet all of their clients' demands. In addition, It can take years to establish this trustworthy and candid relationship. When local businesses work together, recommendations of working with other like-minded businesses in the same region is significantly more reliable.

This was certainly the case for two like businesses - MCS and Gibbs Metal Recycling. As a leading precision engineer, MCS recycles tons of scrap metal every week. Thanks to Gibbs, this process is easy-going and very well organised. As a complex manufacturing firm with vast capabilities, MCS wanted to ensure they were recycling their metal chippings and other materials ethically and environmentally. Gibbs provided them with this confidence and even produced stillages bespoke to their needs. Warren said:

“Previously we were using two scrap metal firms to recycle our brass and mild steel, however, we wanted to be kinder to the environment by just having one. Gibbs facilitated all of our needs and proved they were committed to us by always arriving on time, another great factor is that they are based 30 minutes away from our facility.”

Gibbs was recommended to MCS by one of their customer’s Finance Directors, who had their own direct experience praising them for being great at what they do. Warren says that “It is the people who make the company, and people doing what they say they are going to do is most important.”

Having reliable, trustworthy suppliers close by is paramount to the success of any business. This has most certainly worked in MCS’ favour, with a major example being that Gibbs responded quickly to the firm scrapping an old machine previously - recycling 3 tons of metal from one machine.

Both MCS and Gibbs agree that being part of Made in Midlands (MIM) has enhanced their relationships with local businesses, with vast opportunities to network and connect with like-minded companies. Warren concluded:

“I admire what the MIM team do - championing Midlands manufacturing, as it can be argued that local enterprises aren't doing enough. MIM is the umbrella for all Midlands manufacturers and businesses alike to feed into and it's great to be part of.”