Celebrating the Craft of UK Toolmakers As ASG Tooling Delivers World-Class Solutions
(Rear row from left): Michael Walker, Zbigniew Kazmierczak, Phil Clegg, Nick Hartley, William Williams, Lewis Elyard. (Front row from left:) Graham Lowe (Supervisor and Patternmaker), Damian Jenkins, Dennis Delve.
ASG Tooling, part of the ASG Group headquartered in Stockport, continues to distinguish itself as a leading force in precision engineering, consistently delivering large-scale tooling and fabrications for aerospace primes, including bespoke shipping media for Airbus. This success is a testament to the skill, dedication, and innovation of the ASG Tooling team, who remain at the forefront of the UK’s proud tooling industry.
Graham Lowe, Supervisor and Patternmaker at ASG Tooling, highlighted the challenges of working on such high-profile projects. “Delivering large tooling projects and bespoke shipping media for world-class customers like Airbus requires exceptional attention to detail, precision, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges involved in fabricating components of this size and complexity. It’s not just about making a product; it’s about engineering a solution that meets stringent specifications while being practical, robust, and reliable in real-world applications.”
One of the standout achievements of ASG Tooling is its bespoke shipping media, developed to support the seamless transportation of critical aerospace components, including airframe assemblies. From designing air-freight jigs for the Airbus Beluga to manufacturing multi-million-pound shipping containers tailored to exact specifications, the team’s work exemplifies the precision and ingenuity required to serve the aerospace industry.
Ralph Cannon, Tooling Quality Manager, underscored the dedication required to meet the demands of such projects: “The expectations from aerospace primes like Airbus are understandably high, and every element of the work we produce must align with their standards. What makes our success so significant is not only achieving this quality but doing so while remaining competitive. This is a tribute to the craft and skill of our team and to the value ASG Group places on retaining and developing experienced toolmakers.”
The UK tooling industry has long been recognised for its craftsmanship and technical expertise, and ASG Tooling embodies this heritage while driving forward with modern techniques and technologies. Graham Lowe added, “The skill of toolmakers is often underappreciated, but it’s at the core of what we do. Every member of our team brings years of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table, which allows us to tackle complex and demanding projects with confidence.”
ASG Group’s commitment to skill and experience is a key pillar of its operations. The Group’s leadership firmly believes in the value of investing in its workforce to ensure sustained customer value. By fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, ASG Tooling is able to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace sector while maintaining the integrity and quality for which it is renowned.
Group Managing Director Simon Weston commented, “Our work extends beyond solving engineering challenges for world class businesses —we’re committed to building relationships with our customers who trust us to deliver on their most critical projects. That trust is hard-earned and stems from our commitment to quality; central to our Tooling division in Stockport is the quality of our toolmakers who continue to excel in delivering these exceptional projects on time, on budget.”
ASG Tooling remains well-positioned to address the growing demands for complex tooling and bespoke solutions. By combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering, the team supports its customers’ logistical challenges and upholds the proud legacy of UK toolmaking on a global stage.