ABOUT
UK Engineering Company Providing Metal Pressing & Stamping Solutions Worldwide
About the Company
Having started in 1973, the growth of Pre-Met over five decades has been a remarkable achievement. In 2021 Pre-Met had a turnover of £6 Million per annum and a workforce of 60 people in Redditch.
The formula of success for Pre-Met is built on financial stability, expert management, a motivated workforce and leading edge innovation of both processes and products. As metal pressing and stamping
engineering experts, our further expansion in the international market for
metal pressings and stampings is ongoing.
Pre-Met is committed to investing in the workforce and facilities to meet the challenges of all our customers with optimal efficiency and agility.As metal pressing and stamping engineering experts, we ensure our technologies and methodologies are always at the forefront of the industry.
Our consistent commitment to
investment means that we remain competitive in the worldwide markets. As metal pressing and stamping
engineering experts, we can compete with low cost economies and keep tooling costs competitive, so that we have the edge on our competition for pressed and stamped metal components.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Pre-Met is committed to improving the customer experience on a daily basis. Our company culture is about innovation and strict quality management. Lean manufacturing principles allow us to streamline all of our processes and departments to develop the optimal efficiency and quality for our customers.
Valuing Our Workforce
The success of Pre-Met relies on the excellent efforts of our workforce. We have nurtured a culture of innovation in our products and processes by encouraging employees to contribute at all levels of the company.
Furthermore, we invest in the skills and training qualifications they need to reach the highest standards in the engineering industry to benefit all of our customers. In-house training (LEAN) is provided in partnership with leading experts from the industry.
Mission
To continue to expand in the international market as a leading supplier and manufacturer of precision engineering for metal pressing and stamping.
To maintain a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to optimise all of our processes and products.
Core Values
Our success in the manufacturing and engineering industry is underpinned by four core values:
Commitment to Excellence
We strive to exceed expectations at all stages of the product life cycle.
Dedication to Teamwork
Working as a team, we can achieve greatness.
Employee Morale
The well-being of our team is central to our success.
Openness to Change
Innovation and agility are both essential to remain at the leading edge of this industry.
A History of Pre-Met
1973
Opened in 1973 and based in Maidstone, Kent. The two main markets Pre-Met supplied were high value accessories e.g. pens, cuff-links and lighters for Gucci, Dunhill etc. The other sector was the telecommunications industry with manufacture of metal switch components and connectors to companies like British Telecom, notably assisting in the development of the white BT431 socket.
Pre-Met soon established a niche as a provider of metal stampings and pressed components to the fast expanding
Telecommunications industry.
2005
Jump forward to 2005, Pre-Met acquired the well-respected Lewis Spring in Redditch, established 1919. The two companies merged and became based on the current Lewis Spring site in Studley Road, Redditch. After a period of efficiency improvements, the now larger company streamlined manufacturing aligned with lean, 5S, Kanban and SMED best practices.
Adverts from 1954 and 1957 - courtesy of the Graces Guide to British industrial history (www.gracesguide.co.uk)
2008
2008 saw the acquisition of J.G. Ross, a low volume metal pressing and stampings business, established in 1961. Joining the Redditch site, it was mainly focused on the Aerospace and Defence market sectors.
2010
Pre-Met bought Mosses & Mitchell, a respected manufacturer of
professional audio, video jacks and patch bays (the No. 1 choice worldwide). Established in 1865 and originally specialising in the manufacture of insulation blocks for railway carriage suspension.
Advert from 1921 - courtesy of the Graces Guide to British industrial history (www.gracesguide.co.uk)
2015
Acquisition of Design Assemblies, established in 1965, and specialising in standard ceiling products e.g. cage nuts, compression rings and retaining clips.
2019
The biggest acquisition in Pre-Met’s history was Berck Limited, a company also producing high precision metal pressings and assembling components for different sectors worldwide. The acquisition of machinery led to increased capabilities in the
aerospace and automotive industries and Pre-Met became less dependent on outsourcing certain stages of manufacturing. This increased the speed with which Pre-Met manufactures new products from conception to production.
Advert from 1961 - courtesy of the Graces Guide to British industrial history (www.gracesguide.co.uk)
2021
Pre-Met successfully navigates the maze of Covid-19 disruptions and ongoing supply chain challenges, bucking the sector trend to grow in sales and strengthen its whole operation. A solid balance sheet, committed workforce, and long term supply base mean our customers can take comfort in the knowledge that we are here for the long haul.