Some dreams really do come true

What really provides differentiation in the UK’s highly competitive subcontract machining market? Quality, price, delivery? In truth, most take those metrics for granted these days. According to a growing number of industry commentators, ‘solutions’ rather than products, is the key to getting ahead in the subcontract arena. One company tapping into this sentiment is Burlow Engineering, which is currently undergoing a process of complete rejuvenation. The company’s ambitious owner, Mark Eavers, speaks to Machinery & Manufacturing about how he is turning a long-held dream into reality.

 As a subcontract machinist based in Cheltenham, Burlow Engineering is not dissimilar to many others across the country. The business is doing well thanks to a solid customer base accumulated over the 12 years since Mark Eavers acquired the company. However, just recently it seemed something wasn’t quite right. An epiphany moment arrived courtesy of a brutal but honest customer comment, prompting the company to embark on a chapter of total reinvention and regeneration.

“About 12 months ago, I called a director of a large engineering firm whom I see as both a customer and a friend,” says Mark Eavers. “He told me that while there was no problem with quality, price or delivery, there would be no new work heading our way without investment in our plant and machinery. He said any external work requires full transparency for his customers, and he was not happy sending anyone to our premises. It really hit home. Sometimes it’s easy to rest on your laurels and you need someone to speak out.”

New brooms sweep clean

The first step on Mark’s journey to business revitalisation was to appoint a business coach.

“I’m now eight months into a five-year business plan,” he explains. “We’ve already moved to a much nicer and larger [+50%] unit on the biggest industrial park in Cheltenham. The unit has scope to construct a mezzanine floor, potentially offering space for R&D, rapid prototyping and 3D printing activities. I’ve also invested in three additional machine tools to help grow the business.”

Mark is now completely comfortable about customers, suppliers and other visitors calling by.

“Even though we offer the same high levels of expertise, integrity and ingenuity, it’s a complete change of perception. It already feels like a transformation – a kind of detox – and it’s given me a whole new energy.”

Solid start

Progress to date is only the start. There’s plenty more to come because Mark has a complete new vision and ethos to create. None of the overhaul activities will affect the first-class products and services that his existing customers receive, but it will certainly enhance the culture and experience of working with this ISO9001-accredited company.

In-house capabilities at the new facility include three/four-axis milling, turning and welding, with grinding to follow shortly. However, Burlow Engineering is far from a conventional batch-work machining business. Yes, that activity is prominent, but a real differentiator is its consultative design and development expertise.

“We have plenty of experience helping customers in sectors like oil and gas, aerospace, medical and motorsport, including Formula 1,” states Mark. “We have the capability and the necessary IQ to serve these precision-led industries, both now and in the future.”

Rocket science

A recent example saw the company provide the machined engine parts for a motorcycle drag bike. The three-cylinder engine serves the ‘Rocket Top Fuel Bike’ of Phil Baimbridge Racing (PBR) and it now completes 0.25 miles at Santa Pod in around 5.5 seconds. Pushing out 1200 bhp, the bike goes from 0 to 100 mph in 60 ft.

“It typifies some of the project work we undertake to complement our batch work. These days, more and more customers want solutions, not just products.”

Mark also gives back to the engineering community he loves so much. The company is a machining partner for True Heroes Racing, the UK’s first and only motorcycle racing team dedicated to supporting wounded, injured and sick UK service personnel and veterans. In his spare time, Mark supplies the team with machined parts free of charge.

Living the dream

The current journey of transformation is based on a dream that Mark has held for over 30 years. It involves an attractive industrial unit with a really vibrant atmosphere that feeds energy and positivity to staff. Two floors comprise a manufacturing hub downstairs and design office upstairs.

“That’s my dream company; that’s what’s waiting for me at the end of this process. It feels like my wings are just beginning to open.”