Futureproof machining with Ceratizit

Servicing industries such as Formula 1 and motorsport, Bicester-based SRD is renowned for the fast turnaround of parts. Having been in business for over 30 years, it has grown into a company with over 150 staff. For many years, SRD has relied on tried and tested machining techniques to provide the service it is known for. However, the need to fulfil more orders at a quicker rate, led the company to Ceratizit. 

Working with Nev Frisby, Technical Sales Engineer for Ceratizit, SRD examined its machining processes, inserts and tools and outlined areas where improvements could be made. Firstly, the management team were invited to a training day at Ceratizit in Sheffield. Led by Shaun Thornton, Technical Manager for Ceratizit UK & Ireland, SRD learned about the latest innovations as well as being given the chance to put the tools to the test in the workshop. Nev set up a tooling ‘swap out’, where new inserts could be tested without expense, it wasn’t long before SRD began to achieve some incredible results. 

In some instances, SRD was saving 30-40% on roughing cycles. Tool life has also been increased through the use of Ceratizit’s inserts and their EcoCut inserts are now seen across the workshop. The constant line of communication between Ceratizit and SRD meant that technical support was always on hand. Furthermore, Nev’s regular visits, supported by Drew Pettifar, an Application Sales Engineer for Ceratizit, allowed them to get intimately acquainted with SRD’s machining needs, ensuring that whatever they recommended would make a positive impact. 

SRD explained the extent to which Nev has instigated improvements across various aspects of production. Paul Bonham said: “Nev has really been incredible through this professional relationship. Nev doesn’t just sell products, he recommends products that he is confident will be beneficial for us. The constant line of contact and support we have from Nev and Ceratizit is invaluable, we receive a great amount of technical support from Nev and Drew.”

The focus on futureproofing the company extends beyond its approach to highly specialised, precise machining. SRD invest in their apprentices and are passionate about providing high-quality training to their apprentices. Each apprentice working at SRD is given all the support they need to succeed in this industry. Whether that’s more time set aside for them to complete the course, or whether it’s speaking to different people in the workshop, SRD is renowned for how positive a place it is to complete an apprenticeship. 

Amongst the current apprentices is Adam Leadbeater who recently won Apprentice of the Year, a national award whose winner is selected from all apprentices in the UK. Adam completed his apprenticeship at SRD and chose to stay on at the company once he qualified. Adam highlighted how much support and encouragement he was given by SRD. He said: “A lot of companies don’t let apprentices take time out of their working day to complete coursework. However, SRD always made sure that I had time to work on my apprenticeship and I felt incredibly supported by everyone in the company. It’s such a positive place to be, and I still feel like I learn a lot every day. There is only room to grow in this company and you can always move forward if you want to.”

Dedicated to their apprenticeship programme, SRD even has a Training Mentor, Chris Barnes, who is the apprentices’ first point of call for support in the workplace. Speaking about the value that is placed on the younger generation of engineers, he stated: “We value our apprentices as it’s getting increasingly harder to find skilled people who are eager to work hard and learn. SRD sees this as investing in the future of the company and the future of highly skilled machinists. Our apprentices, like Adam, are all encouraged to ask questions and learn.” 

Chris supported Adam through his apprenticeship and was keen to say how proud he was of everything Adam has achieved with SRD. He further said ‘We were all incredibly proud of Adam for winning Apprentice of the Year. We value all of our apprentices immensely, and it’s rewarding to know that Adam’s hard work, diligence and eagerness to better himself every day didn’t go unnoticed.”