One of the UK’s leading toolmakers, Elkington Brothers has been at the forefront of industry progress for the better part of a century. This year, the firm celebrates its 85th anniversary.
Founded in 1939, Elkington Brothers has an extensive and successful history of producing quality tools, models, patterns, jigs, and fixtures for OEMs (and suppliers to OEMs) across a spectrum of industry verticals. Over the years, the organisation has proven itself in a number of key markets, such as automotive agriculture, transpiration, aerospace, and medical; key clients acquired across these markets include: Aston Margin, McLaren, JLR, London Taxi, Polestar, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, British Aerospace, JCB, and Caterpillar.
So, what have been the keys to success for Elkington Brothers? In the first instance, it’s about the level of technical expertise that the company effectively brings to the table. Indeed, backed by a strategy of continued investment back into its workforce, the company boasts an impressive level of tooling expertise and access to Master Patternmakers which both ensures the provision of quality product and service, as well as allowing for the addition of substantial value and technical guidance. Naturally, all of this feeds into a far more collaborative service, with customer relationships typically forming more of a business partnership than anything else.
Complementing its talent base, Elkington Brothers has also invested into its infrastructure and technology to ensure the broadest spectrum of capabilities and guarantee client satisfaction. Operating out of its own, 10,000 square foot site, the firm presently has six CNC milling machines, 5 and 3 axis, with the capacity to machine anywhere up to 3m x 1.2m. Such investments have allowed the firm to position itself as one of the few industry specialists capable of producing the models and tooling required by some of the industry’s most demanding clientele.
To learn more, we spoke with James Kelly, Managing Director of Elkington Brothers, who explained the unique skill-set available at Elkington Brothers and the firm’s commitment to continued investment back into its teams.
“Many of our employees have a background in pattern making; the skills of Master Patternmakers coupled with our toolmaking expertise help set us apart from our competitors. We have years of knowledge in the industry,” commented James. “Ongoing training and development are vital to the company. Apart from the apprenticeship programs, continued development is undertaken by employees to maintain their skills and to keep up to date with changing technologies.”
Going forward, James made clear his vision for a further 25 years of success (effectively taking the company up to its 100th anniversary). James stressed the importance of customer satisfaction and, as a by-product repeat business, as key to achieving that longevity. Beyond this, however, the firm has aspirations to continue its trajectory of commercial growth and will continue to explore opportunities in emerging and growing markets, with the EV market being a notable area of focus.
On the investment front, Elkington Brothers plans to continue investment across its technology and talent, including the addition of new CNC machines and plant to facilitate a further growth in the company’s capabilities. We’ll report further on the next 25 years in future issues.
Visit www.elkingtonbrothers.com
Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News
