Eaves Machining invests in the future

AN independent North West engineering company is investing in the future with new machinery and plans to recruit more staff.

Eaves Machining, based on the Vaughan Industrial Estate on the east side of Manchester, is a leader in heavy CNC (Computer Numerical Control) subcontracting specialising in the machining of large castings, forgings, and fabrications.

Among the major industrial users of its products are Alstom; BAE Systems, Siemens and Rolls-Royce.

So far this year the £7m turnover company, which has 52 staff, has invested £2m on four new machines and in upgrading other technical equipment and facilities on site.

It aims to grow turnover to £10m in the next few years as it builds up more business in the energy sector. 

As the business grows Eaves plans to hire 10 new employees and it is also exploring export markets with UK Trade and Investment.

In a further step, it has also launched an ‘Apprenticeship Bank’  a revolutionary incentive scheme whereby the company saves £20 per week on behalf of each apprentice.

The money is then rewarded to each apprentice as they complete their training and become fully qualified.  Eaves currently employ six apprentices, and has 24 skilled shop floor employees at its 72,000sq ft facility.

Eaves Machining managing director Ian Griffiths said: “We are determined to become the supplier and employer of choice in UK for large sub contract machining.

“We have invested in new, more sophisticated, precise and faster machinery to help us grow the business and access fast growing markets such as oil and gas and nuclear.”

Mr Griffiths acquired an 80% share in the business in 2010 and has built up sales from less than £1m in the last three years.

He said the Apprentice Bank idea is about giving his young staff a “leg-up” by paying them a lump sum to help them get on the housing ladder at the end of their training.

Eaves services a wide range of engineering projects in a number of market sectors, including aerospace, manufacturing, tunnelling, and construction. It  is a preferred supplier to the London Underground.