Dark Sheet Metal Product’s rapid growth lays foundations for a promising future

By Dark Sheet Metal Products
schedule9th Oct 12

Dark Sheet Metal Products have grown from inception in November 2010 to a £2 million turnover business in under two years. Such rapid growth and success has been attributed to the company’s attention to detail and an approach designed to deliver quality at all stages.  The Bilston based company have made significant investments in equipment and personnel, added a joinery element to their offerings and maintained stringent quality standards to sustain such impressive growth.

The company was set up with the capabilities to laser cut, punch, bend and weld sheet metals. Recent investment has been made in equipment and processes to aid metal finishing. The purchasing of a flat bed linisher and other polishing equipment means DSMP can control the quality of the end product.  This has proven to be particularly beneficial in meeting the needs of the retail sector, a growing area of demand for the company, in producing either stainless steel or chrome plated finishes.  In addition to this, Dark Sheet Metal Products are already in possession of a 4kW laser with automatic load/unload capability. The option to produce components “lights out” has continued to offer a competitive advantage to their customers. 

To further ensure that growth continues, DSMP begun the year by employing a Sales Manager and a specialist Business Development Project Manager and then further added to the team during the summer with two specialist retail interiors contract managers.  Ian Clayton, Operations Manager responsible for project managing this rapid growth, said: “The focus is on repeat customers requiring added value services such as inventory management as well as high quality products. Enquiry and quotation levels are exceeding our expectations.”

To compliment the metal work element of some retail packages Dark Sheet Metal Products are now offering a joinery element to their customers due to the sheer volume of enquiries received which required wooden bases, display boards and framing in addition to the metal components. Dark Sheet Metal can now provide a ‘one stop’ shopping experience.  Mike Dell, Managing Director of Dark Sheet Metal Products and a Group Board Director commented: “The production processes involved in these joinery elements utilise equipment and skills we have elsewhere in the group of companies that DSMP belongs to. When demand grows it is a short step for us to invest in the necessary equipment and space to provide this facility in house.”

DSMP operate a quality system which complies with ISO9000 and is currently being assessed to this standard. In addition, the company operates an “automotive” style approach to new product introduction and advanced quality planning. Simon Latham, Technical Director and responsible for the production process from engineering through to despatch, explained: “Our customers demand a rapid, right first time approach to their work. Getting all of the information early and understanding the needs of the customer are key to our continuing success.” To ensure the process is as lean as possible they have invested heavily in the front end engineering function.  They are also aiming to eliminate paper from the process to reduce delays in the order processing cycle to remain even more competitive.  With such significant investments in personnel and equipment, alongside a continuing dedication to quality, Dark Sheet Metal Products have laid excellent foundations for future prosperity.