Craig & Derricott sheds its harnesses to return to basics

The switchgear manufacturer Craig & Derricott has sold its Teepee harness and loom division to the company`s former owner, Peter Clark. The move is part of a "back-to-fundamentals" strategy by Craig & Derricott`s new management team.

C&D`s recently installed managing director, Gordon Barraclough, says the restructuring will allow the company to return to "the basics of British engineering excellence". It will now focus on custom design and manufacturing of items such as switch disconnectors, pushbuttons, rotary switches, grabwires, foot controls, and composite assemblies, particularly for the rail and related industries.

"Today`s market is dominated by high-volume, built-to-cost products," says Barraclough. "That is fine, but there is also a substantial market for lower volume, high-quality products, where reliability and durability are everything."

He adds that the company, which has been in business for more than 50 years, will continue to invest in the latest design and construction technologies, such as a new 3D design software system.

The new management team includes Lee Noble, formerly with Ernst and Young, as finance director, and Andy Dolman as engineering and production director.