Robert Johnson, MD of Craftsman Tools wins Industry Award

Congratulations to Robert Johnson, Managing Director of Craftsman Tools Ltd who, at the GTMA's 75th Anniversary celebration at Jaguar Land Rover was presented with the Industry Award originally set up in memory of his father, Cyril Johnson for dedication to the precision engineering industry. He was presented the award by Jake Bishop Chairman of GTMA and Dave Atkinson Head of Manufacturing Lloyds Commercial Bank.

The award was set up in his father, Cyril Johnson’s memory to recognise people who have made a real contribution to the engineering industry. Not only taking their company or organisation forward but who have also made a contribution to British industry as a whole, investing in new technologies and innovations and passing their skills and knowledge to the next generation of engineers.

Robert has worked at Craftsman Tools in a management capacity for 37 years, taking over as Managing Director for the leading precision engineering firm from his father in 1984.

Despite the recent financial climate Robert has lead the company through these challenging times and the company is now seeing positive growth once again.

Robert instigated technical advancements and took the company from punch card and manual operation to fully automated CNC production within a cellular manufacturing system.

He was key in the implementation of Craftsman Capto™ Clamping Units into toolholding which is now sold throughout the world by leading tooling companies including Sandvik Coromant, Seco Tools and Walter Tools.

He also was instrumental in setting up Craftsman Tools sister company Chevin Tools in the USA, together the group now export up to 65% worldwide which has increased significantly throughout Roberts time at the helm.

The loyalty among the workforce is second to none, seeing many employees reach retirement having started their careers as apprentices. The company now have a Retired Members Club which meets for dinner regularly!

Other headlines from Roberts career to date:

• Setting up Craftsman Tools  award winning Apprentice School

• Involved in many award winning projects including Expanding mandrels and the Landis work driver

• Involved in several trade missions

• Shortlisted for Innovation & Design award by The Manufacturer MX Awards 2016

Upon receiving the award Robert said 'It is a great pleasure and honour to receive this award which also means so much to me personally, but I hope this doesn't mean the end of my career!'