Portsmouth manufacturer Diamond Cut Refinishing expands and takes on new staff as orders for its lathe come from all corners of the world
A MANUFACTURER from Portsmouth is putting the city on the global map as its innovative products are being snapped up by countries all around the world.
Diamond Cut Refinishing, in Norway Road, Hilsea, is one of the few companies that were saw a positive knock-on effect from the coronavirus pandemic.
The firm manufactures an alloy wheel diamond cutting lathe called the DCR Pro.
The lathe is designed to cut away kerb and scruff damage from the surface of a diamond cut alloy wheel, making them look new.
Diamond Cut Refinishing Ltd or DCR manufacture in Portsmouth an alloy wheel refinishing lathe that is then shipped all over the UK and exported now to nearly every continent in the world Pictured: Managing Director, Steve Barrett with his steam at Diamond Cut Finishing, Hilsea, Portsmouth on 23 June 2021 Picture: Habibur Rahman
Diamond Cut Refinishing pride themselves on their machinery being the only machine in the world designed to be workshop and mobile workshop compatible.
During lockdown, the firm’s bosses used the time to regroup, refresh and expand – and their hard work is paying off.
Despite challenges around Brexit, and changes to exports, the business is busier than ever and has recently taken on new staff.
Diamond Cut Refinishing Ltd or DCR manufacture in Portsmouth an alloy wheel refinishing lathe that is then shipped all over the UK and exported now to nearly every continent in the world Pictured: Evan Crowe operating on a DCR machine at Diamond Cut Finishing, Hilsea, Portsmouth on 23 June 2021 Picture: Habibur Rahman
Tony Neville, 48, who has been the group operations manager for the past 18 months, said: ‘We export our machinery to countries all around the world, but because of Brexit this has caused a few additional challenges and delays.’
Since the company’s product design began in 2011, the company has gone from strength to strength.
With only having four or five members of staff prior to the pandemic, their workforce has recently increased to 15 people, which is all down to the growing demand for their machinery.
Alongside this growing demand, Diamond Cut Refinishing has increased its unit sales from two to four machines per month to three machines a week.
Diamond Cut Refinishing Ltd or DCR manufacture in Portsmouth an alloy wheel refinishing lathe that is then shipped all over the UK and exported now to nearly every continent in the world Pictured: Managing Director, Steve Barrett with his sons, Bill and Adam Barrett at Diamond Cut Finishing, Hilsea, Portsmouth on 23 June 2021 Picture: Habibur Rahman
Tony, married with two children who originally comes from Portsmouth and now lives in Durham also, said: ‘We are massively proud of what we have achieved throughout the years, Steve Barrett, our managing director is Portsmouth born and bred and created our machinery from nothing to where it is.
‘We are very proud that we make our products in Portsmouth, this is why all our new products will now have the made in Britain logo on them.’
The business has plans to expand further, and its hard work has brought acclaim – with the firm being named Medium Business of the Year at The News’ Business Excellence Awards, held last week.
- Story by Sophie Gibbons
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