A rapidly expanding precision engineering firm has unveiled a significant £4m investment plan, set to double its workforce by adding 40 new jobs and triple its production capacity. The move involves relocating to a 30,000 sq ft facility, nearly three times the size of its current premises in Kinmel Bay.
Celebrating 40 years of operation, the investment is a testament to the company’s enduring success and future prospects, positioning it for substantial growth in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and semiconductor industries.
New Facility and Increased Capacity
The company’s new factory will span 30,000 sq ft, significantly larger than its current site on the Tir Llwyd Industrial Estate. This move is expected to enhance production capabilities and operational efficiency.
Company President Nick Viggiano, during a visit to the Kinmel Bay site, hailed the investment as a ‘big vote of confidence’ in the workforce, citing their strong work ethic and camaraderie as key factors in this expansion.
Strategic Expansion and Product Diversification
The expansion will allow the company to introduce several new high precision grinding wheels. This strategic move aims to capture a larger market share across various sectors.
‘We anticipate rapid growth,’ said Viggiano. ‘With our expertise in the United States, we can help the team here hit the ground running efficiently.’
The new facility is designed for optimal productivity, offering a ‘blank canvas’ to set up operations ideally.
Management and Workforce Optimism
Jeff Wirth, the American managing director, emphasized that this investment followed six years of rigorous preparation and team building.
Current production at Kinmel Bay includes electro-plated products on a small scale, with plans to manufacture vitrified and hybrid products in the new space. The new building will consolidate operations under one roof, maximizing efficiency and improving employee amenities.
Finance manager Michaela Lawton praised the team’s solid leadership and fantastic workforce. ‘It’s clear our team has proved itself worthy of this massive investment,’ Lawton said.
Long-Term Vision and Workforce Development
The company aims to mirror the growth trajectory of its American counterpart, which has seen significant expansion over the past decade.
‘We are following a similar path to our U.S. operations,’ Lawton noted. ‘This will involve considerable recruitment, upskilling, and capital expenditure on specialist equipment.’
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The company’s history dates back to 1984 when it was founded as Consort Precision Diamond, specializing in diamond-encrusted rotary dressers and grinding wheels.
Having been taken over and rebranded in 2018 by CDT, the firm continues to supply a range of manufacturing sectors, including aerospace and automotive, with products in high demand across major industries.
Justin Hughes noted that the 40th anniversary and the investment news were ‘the perfect birthday present’ for the company.
Operational Efficiency and Employee Welfare
The new building will enhance operational efficiency by providing a layout that maximizes productivity and eliminates the constraints of the current premises.
Employee welfare will also see improvements, with upgraded locker rooms and a cafeteria.
‘We expect to be operating in the new facility by the first quarter of next year,’ Wirth commented.
Community and Economic Impact
The investment is not just a boost for the company but also for the local economy, bringing 40 new jobs to the area and supporting community growth.
Continental Diamond Tool’s £4m investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, positioning it for exponential growth and enhanced production capabilities.
The move to a larger, more efficient facility underscores the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation, benefiting both the workforce and the community.