What’s in a name asks Phoenix Engineering 2009

Injection mould manufacturer Phoenix Engineering 2009 of Horsham has celebrated its third year in business, as its name suggests.

The company was started by 13 toolmakers who had previously been employed by Punctual Precision Tooling who went out of business in May 2009. The new company was started virtually from scratch with the directors having to buy back all the machinery and office equipment that had been sold off by the previous owners.

“It was difficult for us initially,” said Robin Rapley, Phoenix Engineering’s commercial director, “but there was a will to make it work and I have to say that our customers were absolutely magnificent in supporting us in our efforts to get the company off the ground.

“I think they recognised the financial commitment we had made and saw us as a group of individuals who could be trusted to be totally focused on supporting them going forward.”

Because of the financial burden of purchasing a complete tool room of machinery it was not anticipated that within the first three years of operation there would be scope to add to the plant but an Agie wire erosion capability is now in place and a full CNC co-ordinate measuring machine has been installed.

“All the original plant is now paid for and that will free up some finances to allow us to look to purchase new kit to add to our current tool room facilities,” said Rapley. “We are also looking to add to our workforce of 18 people and expand the business to cope with the increase in work we are being asked to undertake by our customers.

“It has been a remarkable three years for us and we are all very much looking forward to the future.”

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