Wilson and Royston, a manufacturer of bespoke plastics moulds, pressure diecasting dies and rubber moulds, has changed its name to WR Tooling, following a management buyout.
Wilson and Royston has changed its name to WR Tooling, following a management buyout earlier this year. The West Yorkshire based company has been purchased back by founder shareholder Ian Wilson and director Paul Royston, son of co-founder Mike Royston. The business, which trades nationwide, manufactures an extensive range of bespoke plastics moulds, pressure diecasting dies and rubber moulds.

Prior to the MBO it was part of the JL French UK group, formerly Morris Ashby PLC, however, a decision by the parent company to concentrate on core business activities resulted in the sale.

Wilson said: 'The opportunity to purchase back the business arose quite unexpectedly and after a very quick discussion, we were keen to pursue it.

The advantages of operating the company independent of any parent company are huge and it also means that we will not have any conflicts of interests arising from group products.' Twenty four jobs at the company's 10,000ft2 have been safeguarded as a result of the move and it hopes to make further appointments including more apprentices, as and when trading permits.

At a time of doom and gloom generally in engineering, the decision by Messrs Wilson and Royston must come as a welcome relief to those involved in the struggling industry and it also underscores both shareholders' confidence in the future of British engineering.

The business is particularly keen to emphasise its investment in CAD technology which allows it to accept initial data in a wide range of formats, and software includes Unigraphics, Pro/Engineer, SDRC Ideas and AutoCAD 2000.

WR Tooling's bigger machines are CNC shop floor interfaced, allowing instructions to be sent direct from the CAD office.

Recent on-going investments in machinery have seen the purchase of a Mikron HSM 700, with spindle speeds up to 42,000 rpm, and a Huron KX20, capable of spindle speeds of up to 24,000 rpm.

Explaining, the company's sales director Ray Brown says: 'We manufacture a comprehensive range of plastics, rubber and pressure diecasting moulds and dies, many of which are bespoke produced.

The company is fully committed to the industry and draws on more than 30 years of experience.' END About WR Tooling - founded in 1974 by Ian Wilson, a toolmaker, and Mike Royston, a pattern maker, the business grew steadily over the years and has survived the test of time by investing in state of the art plant and machinery, including software systems for 3D modelling and shop floor programming.

CAD facility consists of Unigraphics, Pro/Engineer, SDRC Ideas and AutoCAD.

NC Graphics is employed for shop floor 3D CNC programming.

The business is an active member of the GTMA and is highly respected for its ability to produce precision moulding, often at relatively short notice.