Neville Precision Engineering is a Nottinghamshire-based precision engineering company. Established in 2006, the company was formed after the diversification of Neville Rail Projects, which scaled down its operations following a decline in demand for British-made components for the rail industry.
The company provides 3D computer aided design and manufacture, machining for aluminium extrusion, and, where required, an adonising or powder coating finish, predominantly for the production of components for the transport and automotive industries.
Steering the business in a new direction
In 2013, company owner Edward Neville saw an opening in the market for the business to move into the automotive market.
“The primary focus of our business is in the production of aluminium components for Alexander Dennis and Plaxton Limited. We had talked about moving into the automotive industry for several years, then heard of an opportunity to produce the after-market steps for high-end cars, such as Range Rover, Jaguar and Bentley,” explains Neville Precision Engineering Managing Director, Edward Neville.
“We knew we had the skills, experience and expertise to deliver the contract, but recognised that manufactures such as Range Rover, Jaguar and Bentley needed to feel confident in the quality of their supply chain. So, we decided to invest, not only in the quality of our machinery, but also in the systems and processes that would help our potential new customers feel confident that we are providing a quality product.”
Gearing up for accreditation
Edward was recommended, through a business contact, that he talked to Independent Advice for Business’ quality accreditation and health and safety advisers, Peter Jones and David Dennis, about gaining ISO9001 Quality Systems Accreditation.
“I met with Peter and David, who looked at our systems and processes for the business, including our approach to health and safety and environmental management. They assured me that we were doing things well, but we needed to improve how we documented what we do and also undertake some essential housekeeping, to ensure consistent health and safety.”
“We agreed it was well worth not only investing in ISO9001 Quality Management Systems, but also ISO14001 Environmental Management and BS OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety standards, which would give us a credible accountability for all the company’s operations.
“I worked directly with Peter and David to introduce new reporting systems across the business. The team recognised the importance of improving how we do things, for the future of the company, so introducing greater rigor in our approaches was not a hard task, and became second nature very quickly.
“Most of the improvements were basic housekeeping, such as improving the signage on the shop floor, ensuring walkways are kept clear at all times and investing in LED lighting to make our premises more energy efficient. From start to finish, the process was completely pain free, which I was quite surprised by, and it took less than six months for us to gain all three accreditations.”
Accreditation signals a new route for Neville Precision
Achieving the accreditations meant Neville Precision Engineering stood head and shoulders above the competition, and they now produce a range of after-market components and devices for Range Rover, Jaguar, Bentley and McLaren.
“Our clients have the evidence they now need to feel confident in us as a supplier, and this has led to some really exciting contract gains. We are now a tier-two provider supplying the steps for the Range Rover Evoke, Discovery Sport and Jaguar F-Pace, and a new boot box and load assist tray for the Bentley.”
The journey continues
Now that Neville Precision Engineering has achieved the accreditations and has achieved its move into the automotive industry it is not stopping there:
“This is a really exciting time for the business and we are exploring ways to move from being a tier-two provider to being lineside – supplying the main production line for the automotive industry. To do this Peter and David have supported us to become ISO/TS 16949 standard ready, which is the supply chain accreditation for the automotive industry.
“Gaining that accredited standard will be a big leap for the company, but we are in a good place and by being ‘ready’ to go for it provides assurance in itself for automotive clients that we can gear up at any time to meet their production line requirements.”
Find out more about Neville Precision Engineering at www.nevilles.co.uk
