From left to right, CNC manager Andy Evans, managing director Gary Williams, purchasing manager Chris Davies, office manager Dawn Jeavons and director David Williams

Birmingham-based Tooling 2000 Ltd is celebrating it 25th anniversary in business with a six-figure investment in new machinery. The company specialises in the manufacture of both prototype and production parts, through the manufacture of tooling, three and five-axis machining, press work and five-axis laser cutting.

The company has invested over £1 million in new machinery including five-axis mill, large capacity 4.2 x 2.6m three-axis machining centre and a 500mm x 1m CNC lathe, this together with additional investment made in CNC coordinate measuring, a scanning and reverse engineering facility and AutoForm die simulation — ensures it can provide a complete in-house service.

The investment is part of ambitious growth plans founded on a philosophy of providing a complete metalworking solution, encompassing design and feasibility, CNC machining, prototyping, precision tooling, presswork and laser cutting — all under one roof.

Tooling 2000 was founded in 1996 to specialise in offering tailored solutions for the metal stamping and component manufacturing industries, from initial concept and part feasibility, through to the finished component.

Complete in-house metalworking solution
Managing director Gary Williams said: “Our existing large-scale capabilities and flexibility have enabled us to build a strong customer base which includes blue chip brands such as Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover.

“In what will be our 25th year in business, the significant investment in new machinery and plant further adds to our capabilities enabling us to offer a complete in-house metalworking solution, setting the foundation for our plan to double turnover within the next three years.

“Our investment also extends beyond CNC machinery. For example, our new press brake and spot-welding capabilities will be live by the end of this year and we have also invested £750,000 on a new Trumpf Trucell 7040 Fiber optic laser with 4 x 2m bed, arriving early next year, which will compliment the CNC and press capabilities.”

2021 has been a positive year for Tooling 2000, with the company achieving IATF 16949 accreditation, which demonstrates its commitment to achieving the highest standards.

At the turn of this year Tooling 2000 also announced the re-invigoration of its’ apprenticeship scheme, taking on three new engineering apprentices. The company has also recruited several time-served engineers and promoted Brian Abbott to manufacturing director.

Several Tooling 2000 staff members are also celebrating 25 years at the business, such as CNC manager Andy Evans and purchasing manager Chris Davies.

Mr Williams added: “As a specialised engineering firm, we recognise that having the latest machining technology and large-scale production capabilities only takes you so far. Our differentiator is the expertise of our people and our continued commitment in developing our team together with the investment in new technology.”

He concluded: “Our customers come to us as they know we have the ability to solve challenging problems or prove the feasibility of their ideas. When customers visit, reporting back how impressed they are at what we have achieved for them, my response is always that it is a team effort — and I am really proud that all employees are pulling in the same direction.

“The ongoing investment in people and machinery reinforces our ability to achieve this and will ensure that we stay at the forefront of our industry for many years to come.”