| 'Virtual manufacturer' offers quality |
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Establishing a solid reputation was a key element of the original founders’ vision for the business. Launched in 1993, the ambitious team sought to achieve this goal through unerring commitment to quality, performance and cost, complemented by regular investment in people and equipment. Steady growth of 15-35% year on year led to progressively larger rented premises, before the company invested in its own premises in 2003 – having reached this milestone the directors fulfilled their long-standing exit strategy and Key-Tech was subject to a 2004 MBO led by Jim Spence and David Weir. The new owners had climbed the ranks of the business, and undertaken a BA in Business Management and Entrepreneurship to prepare for the transition. Today Key-Tech remains a progressive and trusted supplier, with a particular strength in manufacturing complex electronic and electromechanical equipment and products in small to moderate quantities. Working with everyone from start-up companies to large OEMs, the company has evolved from an original focus on the oil industry in Quality has always been a given at Key-Tech. The founding directors brought significant experience of high quality, high reliability work and instilled an efficient and responsive working culture that remains today. This is supported by ISO 9001:2000 accreditation with a quality system that conforms to ISO 13485:2001. Key-Tech is also Defence Contractors listed. Projects range from the prototype stage to medium volume - Key-Tech offers a comprehensive, prototyping service for first-time builds or pre-production quantities. “It’s very satisfying to be involved in the development of a product,” said David Weir. “One oil industry client, for example, came to us for prototype work nine years ago and we have maintained that relationship even after the company was bought over by a multinational and relocated operations overseas. They have confidence in us and we have enjoyed being part of their growth.” Key-Tech maintains long-standing relationships with many clients, thanks to a high standard of service and flexibility. Their approach is to become a ‘virtual manufacturer’; a seamless extension to the client’s own business, supported by a dedicated Liaison and Demand Manager for every client and access to an on-line WIP module. “We blend into the way our customer does things,” explained David Weir, “the customer remains in control of their manufacturing process. We also offer great flexibility in stock scheduling, and keep very much on top of quality control.” Key-Tech is a fully accredited ISO 9001/2000 company, and is in the process of updating to ISO 9001/2008, while also looking at AS 9100:2000 to open up opportunities in the aerospace industry. Aspirations also lie with the renewable energy market, said David Weir: “
Katy Shields
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When Gordon Brown visited Fife-based electronic contract manufacturer Key-tech Electronic Systems last year it was his second appearance at the Kirkcaldy facility, and much had changed for both parties. On his first visit in 2003 he opened the company’s new premises on the Mitchelston Industrial Estate in his capacity as constituency MP. The second visit saw him return as Prime Minister to formally open a £250,000 extension, an investment that reflected the company’s progression from its origins with two operators and two working directors to its current status with a team of 80 and a £5.4m turnover – and predictions for £7m in 2010/2011 – as well as a reputation as a first-choice manufacturing partner for clients from a wide variety of sectors.