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Group Precision Engineering Services
The business was founded in 1998 by the Partners who had previously worked for a local company. This company decided to close its toolmaking arm and Group Precision was established initially on their premises by a rental arrangement for the use of property and plant. The Partners purchased their own plant and equipment during the first quarter of 1999 and moved the business to the current premises on Folgate Road, North Walsham. Group Precision design, manufacture and repair plastic injection moulds, press tools, jigs, fixtures and CE marked special purpose machinery. They can also accommodate one-off and small batch machining including special parts for custom cars and bikes. The business is proud of its ability to respond very quickly if emergency tool repairs are required. Tool maintenance or modification is gladly undertaken. A combination of the high level of skill and experience, a wide range of machinery and 3D CadCam, allows Group Precision to produce quality products at competitive prices. Andrew MacAllan of Performance Plus Partnership was engaged by the Partners in November 2001 to provide assistance with management development and training. An application for matched funding support from Norfolk Engineering Excellence was approved shortly afterwards. Following an initial review of the business, Andrew led the Partners through a strategic planning process including a Self-Assessment based on the EFQM Business Excellence Model to establish:
Further training was taken during 2002 on Risk Assessments, Financial Control and First Aid. Two Partners also attended a NEBSM supervisory skills training course during the autumn of 2002. Health and Safety issues were addressed with the assistance of an H&S Consultant. Two Partners underwent training in CE marking with particular regard to special purpose machines. Staff and Partner perception surveys were carried out in March 2002 which enabled the Partners to have a better understanding of the relationship issues within the business. The Partners also made a commitment to develop a Quality Management System and seek accreditation to ISO9001:2000. Work proceeded on mapping the key processes and developing procedures and controls during 2002 and 2003. The company was fortunate in obtaining further matched funding from Business Excellence East to continue the process during 2003/4. This award allowed the company to complete the work needed to achieve ISO9001 Accreditation. As part of this process, Self-Assessment based on the EFQM Business Excellence Model and the Staff Perception Survey was repeated in March 2003, facilitated by Andrew MacAllan. Two internal auditors were trained by Performance Plus Partnership and they used their new-found knowledge to highlight further opportunities for improvement. Two Partners also attended a training course on The Management of Sales and Marketing in January 2004. Group Precision have completed several major projects including:
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