Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Precision Engineering Workholding Solutions
Established in 1941, we are a leading UK-based engineering firm specialising in precision workholding solutions for global industries including automotive, nuclear, and medical sectors. Our expertise spans consultancy, design, manufacturing, and commissioning of custom chucks, jaws, fixtures, and prismatic workholding systems. With over 70 years of experience, our team of graduate engineers utilises advanced CAD and 3D modelling to deliver tailored solutions that reduce cycle times and enhance operational efficiency.As part of the Universal Group of Companies, we combine technical innovation with rapid turnaround times, serving clients through a comprehensive service that includes equipment hire, refurbishment, and on-site testing. Our commitment to precision engineering has enabled us to tackle complex challenges, such as nuclear fuel rod handling systems and oversized chucks for pipe manufacturing, while maintaining strict quality standards.
Services
Custom Chuck Manufacturing
Jaw Design & Production
Fixture Engineering
Chuck Reconditioning
3D CAD Modelling
Prismatic Workholding
Collet Systems
Hydraulic Cylinder Supply
Magnetic Fixtures
Vacuum Fixtures
Details
- Year established: 1941
Highlights and features
- We have 80 years of experience in precision engineering workholding solutions
- Our in-house CAD team utilises SolidWorks for 3D modelling and design
- We serve global industries including automotive, nuclear, and medical sectors
- Our Universal Group affiliation provides access to complementary engineering capabilities
- We offer rapid turnaround on custom and standard workholding components
Services
Custom Chuck Manufacturing
We design and produce bespoke chucks for complex workholding requirements. Our engineers create solutions for applications demanding high precision, including hydraulic, collet, and magnetic chucks. Clients benefit from our expertise in delivering tailored systems that meet exact specifications for industries like nuclear and aerospace.
Jaw Design & Production
Our team manufactures replacement and specialist jaws for all major chuck brands. We produce soft, hard, serrated, and cross-tenon jaws from materials including steel, aluminium, and nylon. Clients receive precision-engineered components that enhance grip performance for irregularly shaped or delicate workpieces.
Fixture Engineering
We develop prismatic fixtures for CNC machining centres, including automated clamping systems. Our engineers create solutions for multi-component handling and convert manual processes to automated systems. Clients gain improved efficiency and reduced setup times for automotive and heavy engineering applications.
Chuck Reconditioning
Our reconditioning service restores used chucks to like-new condition. We refurbish all major brands, including Bison, Schunk, and Strong. Clients save costs compared to new replacements while maintaining precision and reliability for critical manufacturing operations.
3D CAD Modelling
We utilise SolidWorks for 3D modelling of workholding solutions. Our design team creates visualisations before manufacture, ensuring accuracy and compatibility. Clients benefit from digital prototyping that reduces development time for complex fixtures and custom components.
Questions
What industries do you supply workholding solutions to?
We serve automotive, nuclear, medical, aerospace, and general engineering sectors with custom workholding equipment.
Can you design custom jaws for irregular components?
Yes, our engineers specialise in creating bespoke jaws for challenging shapes and materials.
Do you offer refurbishment services for existing chucks?
We provide comprehensive reconditioning services to restore used chucks to operational standards.
What CAD software do you use for design work?
Our team utilises SolidWorks for 3D modelling and precision engineering design.
Are you part of any engineering group companies?
We are part of the Universal Group of Companies, providing access to complementary engineering capabilities.
What locations do you operate from?
Our main facility is in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with a registered address in Glossop.
