Ginger Singh-Kauldhar
Investing in the Future
As an employee-owned business, we are always looking at ways to improve our facilities, equipment and processes to support our co-owners and continue delivering the quality our customers expect.
Modernising Our Factory
Over recent months, we have started work on improving several areas of the factory. The aim is simple, to create a more efficient working environment, improve the flow of production and provide our teams with the space and equipment they need to do their jobs effectively.
These changes are part of our ongoing approach to improving the way we work, while ensuring our co-owners have a safe, modern and comfortable environment to work in.
Expanding Capacity with New Technology
Our new etching bath has now been installed and commissioned, providing additional capacity and helping us manage production more effectively.
Production Manager Tris Simpson comments:
"The new etching bath has made a significant difference to how we manage production. It has improved workflow, given the team greater flexibility when planning work and allows us to respond more effectively to customer requirements while maintaining the quality and service our customers expect."
Moving Forward from Copper
We have completed the redevelopment of our former copper department, bringing copper die production at Tomlinson to a close.
Copper was an important part of our history, but changes in technology and manufacturing methods led us to move towards the latest CNC technology. This transition has allowed us to adopt a cleaner and more efficient approach to die manufacture, while reducing the use of hazardous chemicals associated with the previous process.
Production Manager Tris Simpson explains:
"Copper served the industry well for many years, but it was important for Tomlinson to look ahead and invest in the future. The move to CNC technology has been a positive step for the business and our customers, allowing us to continue producing high-quality dies using a more modern manufacturing process."
Since making the transition, customer feedback on the quality and finish of our dies has been extremely positive.
The former copper area is now being transformed into a dedicated counterforce press room, creating more space and improving workflow through the factory. Once complete, our existing counterforce area will be redeveloped to expand the finishing department, giving the team additional room to support future requirements.
We are also exploring the possibility of investing in another CNC machining centre as demand continues to increase.
These improvements are all part of our continued focus on investing in the right areas, including our co-owners, our technology and our facilities, to ensure Tomlinson continues to deliver the highest standards of quality and service.
If you would like to learn more about our move away from copper and the benefits of brass dies, read our blog, The Benefits of Brass.