Cube Precision Engineering Ltd is looking to the next generation to find and train the very best tool makers. In answer to a problem faced by manufacturing firms nationally, of an ageing demographic, the Birmingham based toolmaker and subcontractor have decided to take on two apprentices and train their next generation in-house to their own high standards.
The apprenticeships began approximately 10 weeks ago and have seen two students taken on at the firm from Sandwell Training Association. The students have two days in college to continue their studies and the remainder of their time receiving on the job training with Cube Precision Engineering. They are able to benefit from Cube Precision’s extensive CNC machine equipment and considerable recent investments in the very best technology as well as their repository of skills and knowledge and their press tool making expertise. The students have already started assisting the company’s CNC millers and toolmakers and will progress to using a range of milling and grinding equipment, and have opportunities for tool making. Commenting on the progress of the apprenticeships, Neil Clifton, Managing Director said: “We are really pleased with our two new apprentices. They are punctual and enthusiastic and, with the right training in our well-equipped plant, we expect them to progress well.”
Cube Precision is keen to develop their staff and have carried out an apprenticeship before for a member of staff who was originally taken on as a labourer, but showed promise as a potential toolmaker. Neil Clifton added: “Once the apprentices have graduated from their courses there will be many opportunities for them.”
The students will benefit from working in a well-equipped, modern factory with state-of-the-art machinery. The company have recently installed its largest Hurco machining centre; a 3,200 x 2,100 x 920 mm capacity, bridge-type, vertical-spindle DCX32. Cube Precision has had impressive growth and have greatly benefitted from the Midland’s automotive boom. They have successfully manufactured automotive press tools for producing interior and body components for Land Rover, Jaguar, BMW and Honda. The firm are confidently expecting turnover to increase to around £3.5M this year.
Since 2009 Cube Precision has provided leading aerospace, defence and automotive companies with precision tool design, manufacture, sub-contract machining and low volume production. Cube Precision specialise in producing prototypes parts or full production tooling from bespoke concept designs, working mainly for Prime and Tier 1 manufacturing companies.
Such investment in the latest equipment and a commitment to training the next generation is proving to provide a sound platform on which to base Cube Precision’s future initiatives and to ensure their continued success.
