Tyler Bros (UK) Ltd
Ashfield Accelerator is a brand-new business support project designed to help established businesses based in the District of Ashfield find practical solutions to improve commercial operations leading to sustainable growth. This is being funded by Ashfield District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.
Background:
Tyler Bros (UK) Ltd are an award-winning, fourth-generation independent business. Founded in 1914, it provides high-quality precision engineering solutions to a range of industries.
The business’s initial focus was on motor and electrical engineering, but it has developed a niche for precision engineering (specifically milling, turning, fabrication & assembly). Its key selling point is its ability to manufacture bespoke, out-of-the-ordinary items which relies heavily upon the skillset of its team.
Challenges:
The business faces two key challenges: finding skilled staff to deliver the bespoke, precision work required by its customers; and remaining at the forefront of technological changes to provide the best possible customer service.
As a business committed to reducing its carbon footprint and, in turn, that of its customers and their end users, it has also invested in implementing significant changes to aid this journey. The business continues to rise to the challenge of being a critical manufacturing partner to several companies that are creating new green environmental projects such as fusion, hydrogen and electrification.
Actions:
First and foremost, the business has benefitted from expert support from Chamber Business Adviser David Smith. David has identified the right support to meet the business’s needs and challenging growth plans, working closely with Mandy Tyler, who took over as Managing Director in 2021. Introductions have been made to key partners such as the University of Derby’s apprenticeship team and Made Smarter for automation advice & funding.
Outcomes:
The support through Made Smarter has highlighted many of the good practices already being undertaken but has also led to the awarding of a Made Smarter grant. This injection of funding will support the business to invest in new machinery, thereby helping to increase its manufacturing speed and efficiency. The time saved will not only speed up the whole process – as there will be only one set up and set down – but will also leave another machine and operator free for another job. The end result will be an increase in capacity, a reduction in lead times and, ultimately, reduction in production cost. As well as enabling the business to become more efficient, the standardisation of its machines will also help it streamline its training of new staff.
An energy audit has also been commissioned and the business is looking forward to acting upon the findings to identify how it can take further steps to reduce its carbon footprint.
“David introduced us to Made Smarter and was on hand throughout the grant process, helping me to demonstrate what impact the investment would have on the business. We received a £20k grant as a result which will help us increase our manufacturing capability. Our new machine has additional features that our current turning machines don’t, enabling us to undertake multiple operations in one setting rather than manufacturing on multiple machines.”
- Mandy Tyler, Managing Director
This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Ashfield District Council.