Background

R.A.F Engineering Ltd is a family-run SME specialising in precision engineering, producing mild and stainless-steel machined parts, welding, fabrication, and assembly. Directed by husband and wife team Rafal and Aneta, the company prides itself on delivering the highest quality service with a strong customer service ethic. Since its establishment seven years ago, R.A.F Engineering has earned a strong reputation for continuous improvement and innovation, constantly striving to enhance skills and knowledge to benefit its customers.

The Challenge

Over the past three years, the uncertain economic climate (affected by Brexit), the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising energy costs have all posed significant challenges to SME growth across the UK. For R.A.F Engineering, managing rising operational costs while aiming for sustainable growth was a key challenge. Market competitiveness increased, and the business identified a pressing need to invest in new technology and infrastructure to improve efficiency and remain competitive.

A specific challenge was maintaining consistent, high-quality output while meeting increased demand. Manual inspection processes were time-consuming and prone to human error, risking product quality and customer satisfaction. However, the upfront cost of advanced quality control technology was a barrier to investment.

The Solution

Recognising the opportunity to enhance both service offerings and energy efficiency, R.A.F Engineering applied for a grant funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund, provided by Cumberland Council through the Cumbria Business Growth Hub and received £17,104.50. The funding enabled the purchase of a Keyence inspection machine, an advanced system that automates quality control with high precision and speed.

This investment allowed R.A.F Engineering to automate its quality inspection process, significantly improving production efficiency and product reliability. The grant funding removed the financial barrier to acquiring this technology, allowing the company to implement the solution sooner than otherwise possible.

The Impact

The introduction of the Keyence inspection machine has had a substantial positive impact on R.A.F Engineering. The company has experienced a marked reduction in production errors and material waste, resulting in cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction. The improved quality assurance has bolstered the company’s reputation and helped secure new business opportunities.

Automation has also freed staff from manual inspection duties, enabling them to focus on more skilled tasks and continuous improvement initiatives. This aligns with the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.
Since implementing the new technology, R.A.F Engineering has seen increased productivity, improved product quality, and greater consistency. The efficiency gains have allowed the business to take on additional work without compromising quality and explore new markets and customer segments. The project has also created opportunities for staff upskilling and recruitment to support growth.

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