As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what has been an exceptional 2024 at Kirkstall Precision Engineering. This year has been defined by innovation, investment, talent development, and a renewed focus on the medical and veterinary sectors; cementing our place as a leader in precision engineering.
From achieving milestones on the world stage to welcoming new talent and investing in cutting-edge machinery, 2024 has been nothing short of transformative. Let’s take a closer look at the key highlights that have shaped this extraordinary year.
WorldSkills Glory: Cameron Pinder’s Outstanding Achievement
One of the standout moments of 2024 was Cameron Pinder’s success at the WorldSkills UK National Finals. Competing in the highly challenging CNC Milling category, Cameron showcased not only his technical ability but also his dedication and passion for engineering.
Winning gold at the event, Cameron became a source of immense pride for the entire Kirkstall team. His achievement highlights the importance of nurturing young talent, and it reinforces our commitment to fostering the next generation of engineers through our apprenticeship program. Cameron’s journey, from local apprentice to national champion, is a story that inspires us all.
As CEO Adam Thornton noted, “Cameron’s win at WorldSkills isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a testament to the culture of excellence we strive to build every day at Kirkstall. His dedication reflects the very best of what our team stands for.”
Welcoming New Apprentices: Strengthening Our Team for the future.
At Kirkstall Precision Engineering, we believe the future of our business lies in nurturing the next generation of engineering talent. Our apprenticeship programme is not just about training, it’s about empowering individuals with the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience to become specialists in precision engineering.
We were delighted to welcome Ben and Harvey to the team this year, and they’ve hit the ground running. In just a matter of months, their engineering skill sets have developed rapidly, showcasing their enthusiasm, adaptability, and natural aptitude for the industry. Their progress highlights the importance of providing opportunities for young engineers to learn and thrive in a real-world environment.
Our more experienced apprentices (Isaac, Cameron, and Martins) have continued to impress as they transition deeper into the business. Through hard work and dedication, they’ve become specialists in their areas, delivering excellent results and growing as individuals. Their journey so far is a testament to the value of investing in long-term talent development.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to see Isaac, Cameron, and Martins take on even greater responsibility within the business, stepping into roles that will help shape the future of Kirkstall Precision Engineering.
As CEO Adam Thornton puts it: “Our apprentices are the future of our business, and their progress this year has been nothing short of inspiring. Watching Ben, Harvey, Isaac, Cameron, and Martins grow their skills and confidence has been a highlight of 2024. It’s a reminder of the value of investing in people; not just for today, but for the years to come.”
Investing in the Future: Cutting-Edge Machinery
At Kirkstall, we believe that staying ahead in the competitive world of precision engineering requires continual investment in state-of-the-art technology. This year, we added the Brother M300Xd1-5AX CNC Machine to our manufacturing floor, a move that has revolutionized our capabilities. The machine’s multi-axis capabilities and advanced features allow us to deliver even more complex and precise components, meeting the stringent demands of our medical and veterinary clients.
But that wasn’t the only investment. We also bid farewell to our trusty Bridgeport manual milling machine, which had been with us since the early days of Kirkstall. While it was bittersweet to see it go, this change symbolized our evolution as a company committed to innovation and growth.
Renewed Focus on Medical and Veterinary Sectors
2024 marked a renewed focus on supporting both the medical and veterinary sectors, working closely with surgeons and professionals to create bespoke instruments and components that enhance surgical outcomes. From intricate orthopaedic devices to veterinary surgical tools, our work has continued to impact lives, both human and animal.
Prototyping has played a crucial role in this journey. Our ability to collaborate with clients during the design phase, coupled with our advanced CAD/CAM capabilities, ensures that every product we deliver is fit for purpose and exceeds expectations.
Commitment to Excellence
Beyond the headline achievements, this year has been about the small, everyday victories that ensure Kirkstall operates at the highest level. From gaining further ISO accreditations to implementing advanced quality management systems, our team has worked tirelessly to uphold our promise of “Quality without compromise.”
Our dedication to sustainability and efficiency has also been a key theme throughout 2024. Whether through strategic partnerships or adopting new technologies, we’ve continued to evolve in ways that benefit both our clients and the environment.
Securing Investment for the Future
At Kirkstall Precision Engineering, we’ve always had big ambitions; to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value to the medical sector. In 2024, we took a bold step forward, securing a strategic investment that will enable us to continue progressing our organisation and people for many years to come.
This wasn’t just about raising funds; it was about partnering with world-class expertise that shares our vision and dedication to the medical sector.
“This partnership is the proudest moment of my career,” says CEO Adam Thornton. “It marks not just our success as a business but ensures we can continue to invest, grow, and deliver excellence to our clients.” With this investment, we’re excited to build on our strengths, expand our capabilities, and lay the foundation for an even brighter future.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look to the future, the foundations laid in 2024 give us every reason to be optimistic. Our team is stronger than ever, bolstered by new talent and more to come!. Our investments in machinery, people and technology have positioned us to take on even more ambitious projects. Our focus on medical and veterinary manufacturing ensures that we remain at the forefront of industries that change lives.
CEO Adam Thornton sums it up best:
“This year has been a challenging but another successful chapter in Kirkstall’s story. From investing in the next generation to cutting-edge machinery, 2024 has shown what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to innovation. As we head into 2025, I’m excited for what lies ahead and proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. Here’s to another year of excellence.”
2024 has been a year of growth, challenges, and triumphs. At Kirkstall Precision Engineering, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved and grateful for the trust our clients place in us. Here’s to carrying this momentum into 2025 and beyond.
Thank you to everyone, our clients, partners, and team, for making this year unforgettable.