| History of R.A.Chilton (Workwise) |
| I started employment at Rolls Royce (Aero engine division) as one of 150 Graduate Trainees in 1970. While I was on a 2 week training assignment at a subsidiary company ( EHE Runcorn,Cheshire), Rolls-Royce went into receivership and sacked all its graduate trainees. Yours truly conveniently neglected to tell RR where he was and continued his "training assignment" for another 4 years until EHE itself closed down. I then started an electroforming business in a small shed with initial business coming from a previous customer of EHE and from selling my own range of electroformed jewellery. |
| In the beginning........ | |
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The business gradually expanded into precision engineering (and shed building!) ......and then the lathe shed.... |
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and by 1987 outgrew its home. An industrial site was purchased upon which 5000 sq ft of industrial units were built and in mid 1987 the business moved into a 1000 sq ft unit with the remainder being let to a medical company. | 
The Units |
| The business expanded further, another 10,000 sq ft of units were built of which 2000 sq ft was allocated to my sub contract precision engineering with the remainder being let. In February 1995 the business was split with the precision engineering being sold to two of its employees. The electroforming (and associated CNC machining) was retained. While glancing through the local paper I noticed the following advert |
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Next day the sales brochure arrived, the day after I and my wife viewed the property and the next day our offer to purchase was accepted. We moved to our new home in October 1996. |
| The electroforming business production is now run by its very capable workforce with occasional short visits by myself. The installation of a computer at my new home enables me to carry out design work, keep in touch with the business and its customers and enable me to devote much more time to my leisure interests. |
| April 1998 |
| At least that was the plan. The last year has seen a 50% increase in turnover with a similar increase expected over the next 12 months. My short visits to work are turning into longer ones. I will soon need some help. I would be delighted to hear from any experienced nickel electroformers or electroforming managers or even prospective purchasers. |
| July 1998 |
| How wrong could I be? Our biggest product (shafts) shows a massive shrinkage in orders which on past performance indicates a worldwide recession in 3-6 months. On the plus side I have more time for mycology and mountain biking. |
| August - December 98 |
| Orders for our shafts show a small increase but cone orders and new enquiries forge ahead. |
| January - November 99 |
| We have seen a 50% increase in turnover over this period. More to come. |
| December 1999 |
| Well I guess its no secret anymore. We put the windings into high speed air bearing spindles using a process devised by myself many years ago. And yes its busy again. Thanks to Ian and Amanda for working every day of the holidays including Xmas day to keep the show on the road. |
| April 2001 |
| After building to record highs orders for the shafts business crash to zero. |
| April 2002 |
| 12 months later there are still no significant shaft orders. The business has been split into its two main products and the cones business has been sold to three of its employees. I remain as consultant and technical advisor to the cones business. I still own the shafts business in which we are now investing heavily ready for the long awaited upturn in this chip/PCB related market. |
| April 2003 |
| The shaft orders have returned and built up steadily through the year. |
| April 2004 |
| Orders at record levels. |
| April 2005 |
| A second year of orders at record levels. |
| April 2006 |
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A third year of orders at record levels. Statistically the next crash in this market is overdue. When it does come this time I won't make the mistake of starting up yet another business..we'll just paint the factory units, take some holidays and await the next boom in this crazy market |
R.A.Chiltone.mail onygena@onetel.com
fax Bob Chilton +44(0)1829 749224
phone Bob Chilton +44(0)1829 749225