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Supporting a growing Space industry
supported by the development of new skill sets which has enabled expansion into the manufacturing of custom passive assemblies. A recent investment has extended the capabilities of in-house value-add engineering and added small-scale production and value-add services. This is particularly useful for low-volume projects which would not warrant engagement with the original component manufacturer. The UK-based custom manufacturing provides customers with access to a differentiated service package which can streamline and accelerate design and procurement. A new department of engineers has
been created to support custom manufacturing projects in addition to the existing manufacturing capabilities. The manufacturing facility gives the specialist manufacturing team additional resources to work on prototypes and development as well as providing space for deeper inventory.
In addition to manufacturing custom passive assemblies, the department also supports customers with flying leads, printing and labelling. This is in addition to
specialist technical solutions and design support, low-volume production and prototype builds. Design support from in-house engineers and technical specialists is also crucial for managing the obsolescence process by enabling life extension for parts. The management of obsolete parts requires close liaison with customer buyers and engineers before identifying alternatives which can meet individual requirements.
A total UK focus
As a fully UK-based business, Charcroft’s manufacturing and distribution activities are housed in a 16th-century listed building in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys. All stock is stored in and shipped from the UK, and all staff are based across the UK. Playing a key role in the local community is important for providing jobs and opportunities for local people. Charcroft will continue to retain its HQ in the UK and invest in its home-grown workforce. Although Brexit has been a source of
concern for many within the industry, Charcroft has supported customers through three separate cycles of allocation over the
past 45 years. The consistency of approach and continual growth confirms that the specialist business model provides a valuable service for customers in harsh and high-end sectors. By operating on a country-wide scale, it is possible to adapt the service model quickly according to the current climate and individual customers. As Charcroft is not part of a global distribution company, it is possible to be dynamic and nimble in reacting to market conditions and responding rapidly to emerging situations. It is considered that Brexit will not have a major effect on the continued growth and success of the company, or the support offered to customers.
Actively promoting sustainability The location of the business in the hills of the Brecon Beacons means that environmental sustainability is at the heart of the company’s culture. Initiatives for delivering an ecologically aware business include the reduction of waste and creating a sustainable working environment. The Sales office is operated as a paper-free department and there is a commitment to roll this out to other areas across the business. The engine size of the company cars has also been reduced, single-use plastic cups have been banned from the office, and each department has its own recycling facility. To continue the drive towards increased sustainability, a new ride to work scheme will encourage employees to leave their cars at home and cycle to work through the spectacular views which surround
Charcroft. This will also give employees the opportunity to watch the Red Kite birds as they fly overhead.
In addition to the in-house initiatives for maintaining a sustainable business, customers are supported in areas that will have a positive impact on sustainability and the environment. This includes engaging with customers who are working within major industry trends such as developing more sustainable transportation systems and the electrification of vehicles. In these applications, power electronics are increasingly being used in the electrification of rail and aircraft, which serves to reduce weight, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the carbon footprint.
Taking the long view With a decades-long track record of growth and consistency, Charcroft has no plans to change its specialist distribution model. Whilst global broadline distributors focus on customers buying high-volume commodity devices, Charcroft will continue to provide the high level of service which is demanded by the relatively low-volume OEMs and CEMs in high-end and harsh applications. It is an approach which has enabled knowledge-led and engaged service which has created long-term partnerships with customers. It is also an approach which will continue to enable Charcroft to remain adaptable and agile in response to changes in the needs of individual customers and the wider electronics industry.
www.charcroft.com
Debbie Rowland, Director
www.cieonline.co.uk Components in Electronics December/January 2020 27
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