Professional Polishing Services Ltd, the UK
market leader in mechanical stainless steel surface finishing is fighting back
against the ‘Doom and Gloom’ and is determined to celebrate manufacturing
success. The company has decided that
ahead of their 30th ‘birthday’ in 2013, this year is the ideal time
to take stock of exactly what their team has achieved and to look forward
towards future planned investment.
“Whilst the UK is not out of the woods yet,
2011 and 2012 show that manufacturing can be profitable and based on this we
are able to re-invest profits in people and plant and look forward.” said Managing
Director, Kirsty Davies-Chinnock. “In
the last six months we have won a Manufacturing Excellence Award, been finalists
for two other manufacturing awards and I am also very pleased to have been
short-listed as an IOD SME Regional Director of the Year.”
Whilst it’s good news now, this hasn’t always
been the case for the Smethwick based company. Following on from the start of
the recession like many other businesses they suffered a considerable drop in
turnover and had to make redundancies. “Fortunately we were able to re-employ
three quarters of the people we did make redundant within nine months.” said
Kirsty, “As you can imagine with a fairly small team this period was very bleak.”
The success the Company has enjoyed since
is down to the loyalty, belief and flexibility of the team as a whole. PPS knew
that to come through this difficult period and to not only survive, but prosper
and grow, effective strategy and communication would be the life-blood of the
business. Additional training was put into place for the management team to
increase their leadership skills, and the commercial team focus on continuous
personal development.
“We are stronger as a team than ever
before.” Kirsty comments, “Whilst I never thought I would say this, the recession
in one way was a good thing; it’s reignited our passion and determination and
removed any complacency.”
During 2012 Professional Polishing Services
Ltd plan to build on their success in 2011 and cement plans for future
investment. They are exploring new markets both within the UK and in mainland
Europe, and have various development projects in the pipeline.