Three young engineers who launched their own precision engineering business in Swindon just over two years ago are expanding as demand grows for their specialist components.
Billet Precision, based on South Marston Industrial Estate, works with customers across motorsport, automotive engineering, nuclear energy, medical technology and scientific research.
The company was recently visited by Swindon Borough Council leader Councillor Gary Sumner and the council’s Head of Inward Investment, Andrew Wells, who were given a behind-the-scenes look at the growing business.
Directors Will Casey, Ryan King and James Lewington met through a shared interest in cars around a decade ago and eventually decided to turn their long-standing ambition of running an engineering company into reality.
All three began their careers as apprentices and now want to create similar opportunities for the next generation of engineers as Billet Precision expands.
The company provides high-precision machining services and has already produced specialist components for customers including those working in Formula 1 and other highly specialised industries.
It also works with local colleges to provide work experience and is planning to invest in additional machinery as it grows.
Will Casey, Director of Billet Precision, said setting up the business had been a long-held ambition for the three founders.
“Starting our own business was something we’d talked about for years. We all reached a similar point in our careers at the same time and decided to make it a reality,” he said.
“The first year was always going to be challenging, but we’ve gone from strength to strength. We love what we do, and we’re prepared to put in the hard work needed to keep growing and delivering for our customers.”
Casey said being based in Swindon had also proved beneficial, with many of the company’s customers located relatively close to its South Marston base.
“We originally thought we’d need to look much further afield for customers, but the majority of the businesses we work with are within an hour’s drive,” he said.
“It’s a great location and there are far more opportunities here than we first realised.”
The founders are also keen to expand their apprenticeship programme as the company grows.
“All three of us came through that route ourselves and we know how effective it can be,” said Casey.
“Apprenticeships help create some of the best engineers in the industry and we want to play our part in developing the next generation.”
Councillor Gary Sumner said the company demonstrated the strength of Swindon’s engineering and manufacturing sector.
“It is impressive to see a young business producing specialist components for Formula 1 teams and other highly-skilled industries while creating opportunities for local people,” he said.
He also welcomed the founders’ commitment to apprenticeships and skills development.
“It is particularly encouraging to see successful businesses being created by people who began their careers as apprentices and are now looking to offer those same opportunities to others,” he said.
Billet Precision is now looking at further investment in machinery and expansion as it responds to demand for its services.
The company is based at South Marston Industrial Estate in Swindon.
