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Precision Products: A strong legacy, a new chapter
F
or more than 25 years, Precision Products (Portsmouth) Ltd. has been a trusted name in the design and manufacture of airshafts, safety chucks and roll-handling equipment. Founded by Brian Dent and Harry Booth, the business has steadily expanded to serve industries including packaging, printing, labelling and fi lm converting.
With the founders preparing for retirement, the company is entering a new chapter. Backed by investor support, a refreshed leadership structure is in place, with managing director Riccardo Weber leading this next stage of development. The focus is on maintaining the qualities that have earned Precision Products its reputation, while modernising systems and pursuing new opportunities at home and abroad.
BUILDING ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS Precision Products has long been recognised for its technical expertise and reliability. Customers value the company for its quality components and responsive service - strengths that remain central as it evolves.
“First and foremost, we want our customers to hardly notice the transition,” Mr. Weber says. “Service levels and order fulfi lment have to remain seamless, while we gradually put new structures in place.” This continuity means preserving a healthy order book and ensuring long-standing customers remain confi dent, while also transferring the knowledge built up by the outgoing founders. With more than fi ve decades of combined industry expertise, capturing that know-how is a key focus.
INVESTING IN SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES Precision Products is prioritising the modernisation of its operations. Moving away from paper-based processes, the implementation of an ERP system will play a key role. While the current systems work, there are effi ciencies to be gained from digitalising.
The new platform will integrate functions across the company, from order management to stock visibility and capacity planning. “With a wrap- around ERP system, we’ll be able to see instantly with a single mouse click where a customer job is and how our production capacity looks six to eight weeks ahead,” explains Mr. Weber. The goal is not to replace people, but to enhance their work. By automating routine tasks,
P200-254 airshaft 8 September 2025
www.convertermag.com
EXPLORING NEW OPPORTUNITIES Expansion is firmly on the agenda. Precision Products plans to grow not only in the UK, but also abroad, with particular focus on mainland Europe.
“Medium-term we would like to found companies in Germany and Italy,” Mr. Weber notes. “‘Precision Products GmbH’ and ‘Precision Products S.r.l.’ have a nice ring to them - and it would also nicely fit with my roots.”
Closer to home, the company is exploring adjacent product ranges and the potential for “smart” components, working alongside universities and innovative customers.
PEOPLE AT THE CORE
Brian Dent and Harry Booth (from Right) handing the baton (P200 airshaft) to the new Managing Director Riccardo Weber
staff gain more time for value-adding activities such as problem-solving, customer service and product innovation. AI tools are also being introduced in supportive roles - conducting preliminary research into new materials and assisting with programming tasks - all carefully guided and validated by human expertise.
Technology and strategy aside, the business remains rooted in its people. Precision Products is proud of its low staff turnover, with many employees progressing from apprenticeships to leadership roles. Examples include Graham, who rose from junior fitter to general manager in over two decades, as well as Kyle in purchasing and Louis in design, who also began as apprentices.
“This is why I strongly believe in apprenticeships,” Mr. Weber says. “Bringing in fresh talent that learns from the ground up ensures continuity and ambition. It’s a model that doesn’t need changing — it’s part of our success story. And we are proud to announce that we have just hired three new apprentices who started with us in September.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The company’s ambitions are clear: strengthen its role as a leading British manufacturer, expand internationally, and continue to innovate.
P1250 Lift Table
“We see Precision Products becoming an international leader in airshaft and accessory technology,” Mr. Weber says. “New facilities, European subsidiaries and close partnerships with key customers as well as other manufacturers are all part of that picture.” Uncertainties in global markets remain a challenge, but the company is confident that its strong culture, heathy financial footing and customer loyalty will allow it to weather whatever lies ahead.
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