About Us
Who we are
Graphskill is a component manufacturer with its core business in the pipework industry, but with customers in a variety of other industries ranging from communications to sanitary ware.
We work with distributors and component suppliers across the world but also work directly with clients such as Racal, AMEC, ICI, Kvaerner, Powergen, Balfour Beatty, McAlpine, John Laing, North West Water, Klargester, Armitage Shanks and BNFL.
Most of our business centres around supply u-bolts, hangers, clips and associated items, however our technical design engineers also work closely with customers in creating bespoke products.
Our lead times and reliability are the best in the business and we have efficient systems that will provide you with prompt quotes for both stocked and bespoke products. We work to very high quality standards with materials in various grades of stainless steel, carbon steel and non-ferrous metals.
Many customers make us their first choice, knowing we deliver a quality product and service that puts them, the customer, first. Reliability is our hallmark. We have a professional and dedicated workforce who are committed to fulfiling the quality and delivery promised, no matter how short the lead-time.
We are sure once you have experienced the products and services Graphskill can offer, you will stay with us for many years, just as our existing customers have.
History
The Company was first registered in 1976, with its main purpose being a Design Office. Two years later, the function was increased to General Engineering, servicing the local Engineering Companies in the county. We found our niche in the manufacture of pipe support ancillaries, such as U Bolts, Pipeclips, Eyerods, etc., supplying the Contract Engineers on the British Nuclear Fuels Limited sites at Sellafield, Springfield, Dounreay, etc. Since the early 1990's we have built up a customer base that covers the whole of the UK and diversified our product range to suit other markets than that of the Piping Industry. Up to present, our involvement in exporting has been through our UK customers, who have exported our products throughout the world. Whilst continuing these associations, we are in the process of establishing agents and distributors within the EC, with a view to breaking into that market and perhaps widening our worldwide supply through EC Contract Engineers.
Our People
The Chairman - Tom Statter and Sybil (O.A.P.s) Co-Founders
Founded the Company back in 1976. Tom was trained as a Draughtsman,
in the Dark Ages when we used chisel-edged 8H pencils on 'Graphos Paper' and 9'-0" Drawing Boards with Tee-squares that
had minds of their own! - and the luxury of Tracers - If you
remember them, get your pipe and slippers ready!
After a fairly successful career in design and engineering
management he decided to change his boss to a Bank Manager.
Although in retirement since 1999, he still has an interest
in the affairs of the Company.
Sybil was trained as an Audit Clerk
and had time out when the first child was born, bringing up
the children being the priority!
In 1976 she took on the roll of Financial Director, which she
held until retirement in 1999. She was no stranger to the 'shopfloor
either, holding the "Threading Championship" title
for several years!
The Managing Director - Martin Statter
Gained his honours degree in Electronic Engineering at Liverpool
University.
Originally joining Graphskill from Plessey Telecommunications
(Liverpool) in 1983 as Production Manager, his main brief
was to manage the growth of the Company.
He left in 1986 to gain more production & management
experience with Ellay Enfield tubes (part of RTZ group). He
returned to Graphskill two years later as Works Director with
shares in the Company; taking over as Managing Director in
1990.
The Administrator - Carole Mulholland
Originally joined the Company as a 'Temp' in 1988 to cover
a two week holiday period; three years later left to move
to London.
Having realised the errors of her ways, she later returned
to Graphskill in 1996. The development of the Company's I.T.
has only served to realise Carole's talents of organisation
and self development to not only run the Company's' accounts
but also to help with the Marketing of the Company both in
the U.K and abroad.
Getting Microsoft Word to deal with idiosyncrasies of the
French and German languages is just one of her many talents.
Works Supervisor - Neil Graham
Originally joining the Company in 1985 through a job placement
scheme organised through a local training company (having
been unsuccessful in his attempt to pass an interview for
the Graphskill apprenticeship a month earlier!).Neil has excelled
in every job he has been given. He has risen through the ranks
with amazing speed and maturity beyond his years to take on
the role of Production Supervisor in 1994. From that time until present day he has shown many abilities
with enhancing production and man management, but his major
talent is with making the most complex of ideas into successful
working models.
His management style is one of 'leading by example' with a
record of continual working without leaving the factory of
48 hours 25 minutes; needless to say the job went out on time!
IT Manager - Ron Taylor
Having worked at British Steel in Moss Bay, Workington, Ron gained an Honours Degree in Materials Science. He went on to work at GEC Turbine Generators in the Metallurgy department at Rugby, specialising in the High Cycle resonant fatigue testing labs. Ron has since turned his hand to a number of professions, most notably a proprietor in a successful Bakery / Cafe and more recently as an Adult Education tutor and verifier in ICT
It is Ron's love of ICT that has brought him to Graphskill to help develop an on-line presence
Our Policies
Quality Management
The Board of Graphskill Limited have implemented a Quality Assurance Policy, which is structured to meet the needs of our clients requiring compliance to BS EN9002 and BS5750 Part 2, or better.
The responsibility for the Quality Assurance within the Company is vested in the Company's' Quality Assurance Manager, who will report directly to the Managing Director.
The Quality Assurance Systems will have the whole hearted support of the Managing Director, all the Management and all Departments within the Company.
The Quality function will be responsible for providing the following:-
1. The Quality Organisation and terms of reference.
2. Establishing and maintaining process controls and recording systems.
3. Controlling the Inspection and N.D.T. Departments.
4. Supplier Evaluation and Internal Auditing.
5. Customer Liaison.
6. Quality Planning.
7. Standards Control.
The Company's' Quality Assurance System has been prepared to comply with and exceed the requirements of ISO9002 and BS5750 Part 2.
M.T.STATTER
MANAGING DIRECTOR
For and on behalf of Graphskill Limited
The Environmental Policy
Graphskill Limited is committed to continuous efforts aimed at:-
Growth by achieving sustainable production.
Recycling all waste wherever possible.
Aiming to go beyond the requirements stated in environmental laws and regulations.
Producing, developing and marketing high quality products that are safe for people and the environment.
Having production methods that are resource-efficient and safeguard both the external and internal environment.
Safeguarding against the occurrence of environmental accidents and assessing the environmental consequences in advance of implementing new operations, or phasing out any existing operations.
Keeping employees informed and providing training and encouragement for them to be involved in environmental matters and improving their awareness.
Introducing environmental management systems that are compatible with EU Reg.No.1836/93
Look to utilising and substituting raw materials and consumables, in order to reduce the total impact on the environment.
Looking to our suppliers and seeking out those who share our environmental concerns.
Equal Opportunities Policy
Graphskill Limited is committed and strives to ensure that no employee, trainee or job applicant shall receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of social background, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origin.
Selection for employment, promotion, training or other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and talents. The resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximize the efficiency of the organisation.
Every employee is entitled to a working environment which promotes dignity and respect for all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
It is the responsibility of all persons associated with Graphskill Limited to implement and support this policy.
The policy applies to employees whether temporary, full or part-time and is supported by senior management.
