Customer: Jamestan Engineering Ltd
Location: Bideford, Devon
Industries: Aerospace, Autosport, Oil & Gas Contact: Paul Jeffrey, Managing Director
Jamestan Engineering operated on a paper based system until they realised that Fitfactory would be the key to achieving accreditation compliance and operating with ISO9001 and AS9100.
Overview
Jamestan Engineering Ltd is located in Bideford, North Devon and was formed in 1979. It employs 35 staff and has an annual turnover of £2.5m.
Using the latest CNC machinery, Jamestan manufactures precision components for the Aerospace, Autosport and Oil & Gas Industries. Situated in an enviable location by the bank of the river Torridge, and having a 10,000 sq. ft. facility, Jamestan possesses the skills and equipment to satisfy one-off tooling and fixture requirements through to precision components in significant volume. A skilled workforce, coupled with investment in new machinery has resulted in a company able to deliver quality products at the prices demanded by today’s market.
Managing Director Paul Jeffery was originally employed as manager in 1998, and purchased the company, with his business partner, Andrew Wilson, in 2007. At that time, the turnover was £1.4m. per annum and the company was managed on a purely paper system – 3 and 4-part NCR sets, using different forms for different functions and departments. This was not ideal or very efficient, he decided to look for a better system.
Selection Process
Paul spent the year after purchasing the company researching and looking at what systems were on the market. He asked around other companies to see what they had in place, how they operated and how efficient they were. It was when he visited a company in Crediton that had a Fitfactory system installed, that he realised this could be the right one for them. He then asked Fitfactory for a demonstration and was convinced it was necessary for their business to take it into the future.
Implementing the System
In 2008 Fitfactory’s system was installed. Paul commented, “The installation went well, the training was excellent and ongoing training is available. Fitfactory’s staff are helpful, supportive and always quick to respond to any questions or queries.”
Impact on Business
Paul continued, “The system has made a tremendous difference to our business: It has enabled us to almost double our turnover, without increasing our administrative staff; It has sped up the complete process, made us more efficient and increased our awareness of many aspects of the business and it has given traceability and transparency to the whole operation; It has been key to us operating with ISO9001 and AS9100, giving our customers confidence that they are dealing with a progressive and continually improving company.
Paul concluded by saying, “Fitfactory is a great, forward-thinking company and I have not hesitated to recommend it to other people.”