Spareys CNC Manufacturing, a long‑established precision engineering company based in Neath, has taken an important step toward securing its future thanks to support from the Tata Resilience Fund.
Like many suppliers and indirectly linked businesses across the region, the company experienced significant disruption as a result of the restructuring at the Tata Steel works in Port Talbot.
A Challenge Driven by Rapid Decline in Demand
Following engagement with Business Wales and Neath Port Talbot Council’s Economic Development Grant Officers, it became clear that Spareys CNC was facing a sharp and unexpected drop in sales. Long‑standing customers were scaling back operations or closing altogether as the steelworks transition plans progressed, leading to a substantial loss of core work.
Recognising the urgency, the company’s Director identified that diversification—not just stabilisation—was essential. The most strategic next step was to invest in a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), a specialist system that would allow Spareys CNC to expand beyond traditional CNC programming and offer high‑precision measurement services to industries requiring certified, standards‑led inspection.
A Targeted Solution Through the Tata Resilience Fund
The Tata Resilience Fund provided the financial support required to purchase a state‑of‑the‑art CMM Measuring Machine. This investment has immediately strengthened the company’s technical capabilities and positioned Spareys CNC to access new markets where advanced inspection, certification and quality assurance are vital.
Measurable Outcomes: Resilience, Growth and New Opportunity
With the new CMM system in place, Spareys CNC is already seeing positive developments:
Strengthened Service Offering
Ability to precisely measure and certify components
- More integrated manufacturing and inspection services for customer:
Access to New Markets
- The CMM opens doors to sectors previously out of reach
- Greater competitiveness in industries requiring specialised quality assurance
Greater Stability and Growth Potential
- A more diverse customer base reduces reliance on traditional CNC work
- Increased sales and turnover anticipated over the coming months
- Protection of existing skilled local jobs
- Potential to create new high‑skill roles as demand increases
A Business Securing its Future
Director of Spareys, Christopher John said:
“As a CNC manufacturing business facing a sharp drop in sales, the Business Resilience Fund gave us the support we needed to adapt. The funding enabled us to acquire a CMM measuring machine, allowing us to expand our service offer and strengthen our quality assurance. This will help us grow, protect our workforce, and generate new jobs locally.
He went on to praise the quality of support provided during the application process:
“I was not looking forward to the application process, but I was amazed at how the Economic Development team took all the stress out of it. Absolutely amazing how they went the extra mile to get my application over the line. They really care about their work and the businesses they are supporting with these Funds.”
A Stronger, More Resilient Future
The support from the Tata Resilience Fund has not only enabled Spareys CNC to navigate the immediate challenges created by the wider industrial transition, but has empowered the company to reposition itself for long‑term growth. By investing in diversification now, Spareys CNC is safeguarding local skilled employment and building a more resilient manufacturing presence in Neath.
