Mission possible for Dorset firm supplying forces (From Business in Dorset)

Mission possible for Dorset firm supplying forces

9:00am Thursday 18th March 2010

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A Verwood firm is playing a key logistical role in the war in Afghanistan.

For the past 24 years WG Jones Ltd on the Ebblake Industrial Estate has been a major supplier to Yeovil based AgustaWestland, whose helicopters are engaged on missions in the war zone.

WG Jones manufactures rotor head equipment and transmission for the Chinook, Super Lynx 300, Lynx, Apache, Merlin and Sea King helicopters, all of which play a significant part in conquering Taliban insurgents.

“We produce tens of thousands of parts for AgustaWestland every year,” said facilities manager Peter Evans, adding that the company has just received the helicopter manufacturer’s supplier of the year award.

“We signed up a long-term agreement with AgustaWestland only a couple of weeks ago.”

WG Jones was established by William Jones in Ferndown in 1975 and Mr Evans became an apprentice toolmaker at the firm.

His mother then bought it from Mr Jones’ widow in 1985 when it was loss making with revenues of under £300,000 and 18 staff.

Today’s 60-strong business, owned by Mr Evans’ brother Paul, operates from a 20,000sq ft workshop with 15 CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) milling machines and the £5m turnover generates “steady profits”.

“We keep it simple and deal with 10 companies,” said Mr Evans.

“The company has always deliberately maintained a relatively small, but prestigious, customer base, preferring to work closely in partnership with, and remain committed to, a small number of clients,” Mr Evans added.

Customers include the aerospace division of Rolls Royce, APPH Ltd, which makes undercarriages for the Airbus A380 double-decker liner and Martin Baker Aircraft Company, the ejector seat specialist.

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