Kristek Precision Limited
Shaping business for future growth – precisely
- Employees: 18
- Turnover: £1m
- Sector: Advanced Engineering
- Location: Melksham, Wiltshire
The manufacturing challenge
With its order book hit by the recession, Kristek initially turned to MAS for sales and marketing support. This collaboration identified a series of challenges faced by the business:
- 20 years after the firm’s launch, there was a need to plan for the succession of the business, broadening the leadership team
- New CNC equipment was needed to increase the scope of the business, replacing older machinery that was becoming unreliable
- A need to improve skills in key areas
Andrew Phillips, Manufacturing Advisor, MAS
MAS Action
Marketing
A marketing specialist worked with Kristek in developing a targeted sales and marketing campaign.
Quality
There has been a significant focus on quality. A new, improved quality monitoring system has been developed and implemented.
Succession Planning
A specialist worked with the management team in reviewing their personal aspirations. This identified the need to broaden the management team to enable one of the founder directors to step back from leading the business in the medium term.
Investment
An equipment acquisition programme approaching £100,000 was planned. The objective was to replace equipment that was becoming unreliable with new CNC systems that could increase the scope of the business.
Training
To maximise the potential of the new investment, a training plan for key members of the workforce was developed and implemented.
Results
Marketing
A 15 per cent uplift in sales was achieved, with the company gaining a foothold in some important new sectors.
Quality
The improved quality management system has won strong buy-in from the workforce.
Succession Planning
New members have joined the management team, bringing important new skills.
Investment
Replacing less reliable machines with the latest digital CNC systems has allowed Kristek to manufacture fully machined parts in less time and to a more accurate standard. The system upgrade has reduced set up times on many production jobs and allowed a faster throughput.
Training
There has been a concerted drive to improve skill levels through training grants accessed by MAS.
Key Achievements
- New sectors penetrated – sales increased
- Vital new investment has increased the scope of the business
- Monitored visitor attendance to the facility
- Grant supported training has enhanced skills
- Development of a succession plan, identifying the next generation of leaders
- Reputation for quality excellence strengthened
