This month marks the one-year anniversary for our Production Manager, Ian Prince, who joined our team from the world of Motorsport. Having known Graphite’s managing director, Kevin Lambourne for nearly twenty years and sharing similar roles within F1 teams, Ian’s transition to Graphite-AM was a natural fit. Over the past year, Ian has played a key role in strengthening the internal processes, developing the operations team and ensuring the Company continues to deliver top-tier service to our clients.
Kevin Lambourne, the Managing Director, praised Ian’s impact:
”Ian has integrated seamlessly into our motivated and driven team, helping to refine our workflows and enhance efficiency. His firsthand experience as a former customer provides him with unique insights into what clients need, and his commitment to excellence has reinforced our reputation for outstanding customer service.”
Celebrating this milestone, we’ve asked Ian to reflect on his first year with Graphite team and gain his perspective on the journey ahead.
Looking back on your first year at Graphite Additive Manufacturing, what have been the key highlights for you?
“It’s been an incredible year. Reflecting on the past 12 months, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve made major investments in our quality department, technology, and team, all of which have strengthened our operations respectively. We’ve maximized the potential of our in-house equipment, which has been utilised by numerous F1 and BTCC teams.
A standout moment was achieving a record-breaking month in February – a testament to the dedication and expertise of our projects team, programmers, and workshop technicians. Their openness to new ideas and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in our success.’’
What impact have the investments had on operations?
‘’Our recent investments, particularly in the quality department have had a transformative impact on our operations. By refining our processes and implementing more advanced quality control measures, we have significantly improved efficiency across all areas of production. These enhancements have not only led to a noticeable reduction in material waste but have also streamlined workflows. This allowed us to deliver projects faster and with even greater precision.
Additionally, our focus on cutting-edge technology and team development has empowered our staff to work more effectively, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. As a result, we’ve seen a substantial boost in overall operational output, ensuring we can meet increasing client demands while maintaining the highest standards of quality. These advancements position us strongly for future growth as we continue to push the limits of additive manufacturing.”
What do you think makes the Graphite Additive Manufacturing stand out in the world of 3D print?
“The team is without a doubt the standout aspect of Graphite-AM. They’re enthusiastic, dynamic, and exceptionally skilled. We’re fortunate to have strong leadership and a culture that values innovation, which allows us to provide exceptional support to our clients.”
”What truly sets us apart is our ability and commitment to understand and prioritise clients’ needs. We continuously strive to enhance their experience. We focus on what aspects of our service they value most, offering expertise and guidance to ensure they receive the best solution for their projects. Every project is handled with full attention, and we make sure we deliver the highest standard of work every time. Our long-term partnerships reflect our commitment to excellence and are a mirror to the ways we evaluate our progress.”
Beyond Motorsport, where do you see the greatest opportunities for the business?
“Our ambitions extend beyond Motorsport. We’ve made great strides in expanding our reach into low volume production for automotive, UAV and marine. Our Graphite online service, which we reinstated this year, is gaining momentum and opening up new opportunities for both us and our wider client audiences. I see incredible potential as we continue to explore these new avenues.”
What exciting developments can we expect from Graphite Additive Manufacturing in the future?
‘’At Graphite-AM, we’re always looking ahead. We’re continually investing in new technologies that push the boundaries of additive manufacturing. By the end of the year, we plan to introduce an innovative material that could really make a mark on the industry.
This is just the beginning – we are not just focused on meeting today’s needs, but on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the future. Our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction remains at the core of everything we do.”
”I look forward to the next chapter of our journey, working with this incredibly dedicated team and our new and existing partners, exploring new industries, and delivering solutions that make a real difference.’’
At the heart of every successful team are individuals who bring diverse experiences, fresh ideas, and a drive to make an impact. Having Ian on board has been a game-changer for Graphite, and we are excited for the road ahead.
As we continue to grow and innovate, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to reach out to our dedicated team with your ideas, and let’s explore how we can collaborate to support your projects and drive success together.
