“ I’ve started so I’ll finish.”
Whilst the phrase was originally associated with the late Magnus Magnusson during his time presenting the Mastermind TV programme, it could today be applied to Andy Blackett in relation to his earnest endeavours in achieving a successful process for finishing the range of pet tags, nameplates and plaques manufactured by his company.
Andy and his wife Mandy established their company Engraving Studios Limited in 2015 following 25 years of experience in the engraving industry. The business was housed in the couples shed at home for a short period before moving to the Stockton Business Centre.
In July 2018 after continued growth the company was relocated to a 2,400 sq ft workshop on the Arkgrove Industrial Estate, Stockton on Tees and the company now employs seven staff.
Engraving Studios focuses in offering quality deep engraving onto a wide range of solid brass products which are shipped worldwide to both public and business customers.
Within the total range the solid brass components have a requirement to de-burr the cut profile edges, blend in or mask out any surface scratches or marks in the material, smooth the surface and produce a uniform aesthetically attractive surface finish.
The work was traditionally conducted by hand with each part being treated individually with associated high labour content and difficulty in achieving totally uniform results. But Andy saw an opportunity to automate the process using vibratory finishing techniques.
The process sounds easy and following “ no problem “ assurances from a recognised and established supplier, the company invested tens of thousand pounds in two vibratory finishing machines and post process drying unit. This was the start of Andy’s journey up a steep learning curve because despite dedicated efforts by the company supplying the equipment and Engraving Studios staff in trying different process methods and materials, an acceptable result could not be achieved.
Andy therefore approached three other surface finishing companies including Walther Trowal in pursuit of an answer to the problem. In line with their normal project philosophy, Walther Trowal obtained sample components such that empirical, free of charge, process trials could be conducted in order to establish process capability and customer approval.
As part of this procedure, different alternative finishes were able to be displayed and upon selection of the preferred finish, Andy was able to visit the process trial and demonstration facility in order to see his components processed.
A satisfactory process had been developed by Walther Trowal which three other competitive companies could not provide. Furthermore, a subsequent visit was also made to process full load production volumes of components such that total confidence in the process and equipment was gained.
Andy had started the project and had to finish with a successful result and therefore made the decision to de-commission and return the originally installed equipment and place an order for a single, more compact, machine and drying unit with Walther Trowal.
“It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money – that’s all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot – it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.” – John Ruskin 1819 – 1900