HISTORY

1953
Company formed on site in Yeadon, North Leeds.

1963
First sub-contract partnership agreement reached with local oil-field equipment manufacturer.

1965
Moved to its present location in Otley, West Yorkshire - standard range of products includes Expanding Mandrels, Chuck Jaws and Special Fixturing.

1966   
First extension to site, doubling floor space from 5,000 to 10,000 sq. ft.

1981   
Installation of first CNC lathe.

1983   
2nd extension to shop floor

1986   
Introduction of Cratficube range of cube-type workholding

1987   
Agreement to supply range of Mazak standard tooling

1995
Cellular manufacturing introduced on shop floor, creating 4 separate cells

1997   
New office block built and in-house pressure testing facility added

1998
Worldwide licence to produce range of Sandvik Craftsman Capto™ toolholders

1999
USA sales office – Chevin Tools Inc. opened in Chicago Illinois

2001   
Range of power driven tooling introduced

2003   
Three 3D CAD stations installed in design office

2005   
3rd extension to shop floor opened, increasing working area to 25,000 sq.ft.

2006 
 Production of fully integrated Craftsman Capto™ turrets

2007 
Opening of 5th manufacturing cell as annual turnover breaks £5M level.