Arc Energy Resources Ltd

Gloucestershire manufacturer energises itself for future growth

Arc Energy Resources Ltd is a Gloucestershire-based engineering company specialising in supplying weld overlay clad products and fabrications to the oil and gas, water and defence industries. Global economic uncertainties prompted the company to approach the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) for help to become more efficient and expand its operations by diversifying into new markets.

“I don’t think that any manufacturer could fail to benefit from MAS. They provide support from both the top down and the bottom up and gave us the confidence we needed to go forward and grow the business.”

Alan Robinson, Managing Director, Arc Energy Resources

Key Achievements

Developed a business strategy in preparation for future expansion
Restructured the Sales and Projects Departments
Preparing the business for entry into the nuclear market
Increased efficiency through improved organisation of the shop floor
Brought three apprentices into the company

“Arc Energy has risen to the challenges of widespread financial downturn to become even stronger and is growing all the time. With our support in developing a strategic plan, the company is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities to expand its operations.”

Mark Garner, Manufacturing Advisor, MAS

The manufacturing challenge

Arc Energy’s turnover had been growing year on year but widespread economic decline prompted the directors to review all areas of the business and look at ways to expand into new markets.

“We decided that we wanted to progress the business rather than just sit still so, we took on three apprentices and purchased some state-of-the-art welding machinery. Having worked productively with MAS for a number of years we knew that they would be able to help implement plans to take us forward,” said Alan Robinson, Managing Director, Arc Energy Resources.

MAS Action

“MAS helped us look at how to increase efficiency by reconfiguring the layout of the shop floor and taking us through a 5S factory simulation programme. They ran a value stream mapping workshop that led us to reorganise the Sales and Projects Departments to ensure we had an organised, professional structure in place. MAS also provided us with some funding to train staff on our new welding equipment and the advisor helped us look at how to target new markets and our plans for growth,” said Alan.

Results

“Since reorganising the shop floor, our production has become more efficient because everyone in the team has the tools, materials and information they need ready to hand. The strategy map enabled us to look closely at all areas of the business for the first time; from our infrastructure through to the quality of training our staff receive. MAS has been key to every part of our business improvement and we would not be where we are today without their support. We are very positive about the future,” said Alan.