O.L.D Engineering invests, expands, diversifies

The new Doosan machines are being used to produce complex, high precision components for a diverse and growing range of customers operating in the power generation, electronics, fluid power, packaging, automotive and motorsport sectors. The new machines are: a Puma 600 (large capacity) lathe; three Puma 400 lathes; two Lynx 300 lathes; and two VC 500 (twin-pallet) vertical machining centres. The machines have increased O.L.D. Engineering's manufacturing capabilities and flexibility, and have given the company much-needed extra production capacity because, according to Mary Topp, O.L.D. Engineering's managing director: "Business was, and still is, booming, and we needed to invest in new machines to capitalise on the up-turn.'' Continues Ms Topp: "The relationship between O.L.D. Engineering and Mills goes back to 1995 and a partnership, based on trust and shared values, exists between both companies. Mills knows and understands our business, and it is these strengths, coupled with the reliability, accuracy and value of the Doosan machine tools it sells, supports and services that give Mills the edge." O.L.D. Engineering's investment in new machine tool technologies is part of a company-wide continuous improvement programme that, in recent years, has seen a sizeable expansion in its plant, an increase in the services it provides and planned diversification into different industries and market sectors. Continues Ms Topp: "When the company was first created in 1971 by the three original partners, (Mr Olner, Mr Lusty and Mr Drackley - hence O.L.D), it was located in small premises in Sharnford (Leicestershire) and its primary focus was on manufacturing parts for the rail industry. "In the early 1980s, the company relocated to its current site and, importantly, began manufacturing parts for a leading diesel engine OEM. "During the 1990s, we became a preferred supplier to this customer and now manufacture a comprehensive range of diesel engine parts that include shafts, manifolds, elbows, exhaust connectors, flywheels etc.'' For a relatively small company to achieve such a strategic position within an OEM's supply-chain is impressive – but it also has inherent dangers too. "We didn't want to be in the position of having 'all of our eggs in one basket', and realised that if our diesel engine customer's business slowed down for any reason – the knock-on effect could be particularly damaging to us," says Ms Topp. "However, we knew and were confident that our corporate values and 'right-first-time' business approach were highly marketable and would, alongside further investment in new technologies and an increase in plant, equipment and personnel, allow us to grow our business in different sectors." The decision to diversify, made in 2006, has paid dividends and business is booming. As well as continuing to manufacture parts for its OEM engine customer, O.L.D. Engineering has created a 'Special Projects' division to handle the new work acquired in different sectors and is looking to expand this side of its business further. The company now employs 70 people and operates from four units on Sketchley Industrial Estate, Hinckley, and is currently considering its options to increase its floor space further. To help move into different markets and to further differentiate itself from the competition, the company has gained ISO 9001 certification and expects to gain AS 9100 accreditation later this year.