From humble beginnings,
to manufacturing perfection…
Founding
Fine Cut Group – founded 40 years ago, our history peppered with amalgamations, acquisitions and developments. Going from strength to strength over the last 40 years making it what it is today.
Fine Cut Precision Ltd was formed in 1982, when four employees from J.W. Blewett organisation took over the engraving and hot foil departments when the company ceased trading. (One of these founders was Managing Director Peter Tyler, who solely owns and runs Fine Cut today.) The business was set up in Southwick, West Sussex, focusing on general engraving, bookbinding tools and foil printing. But following quick growth, in 1985 we moved to larger premises in Lancing, West Sussex.
Evolution
In 1988, we created our sister company Fine Screen Limited to meet the evolving market’s increasing demands for a broader range of labels and nameplates and specialised in screen printed labels, graphic overlays, and membrane switch panels. In 1990 we then expanded into the supply of rotary foiling heads and cutters for the roll form label industry and became sole UK agents for overseas companies in the label industry prompting the formation of Fine Cut UK Ltd.
It became clear that amalgamating the companies would enable us to service the demands of our ever-growing customer base with greater efficiency, enabling us to respond to our customers’ needs in a more dynamic fashion, streamlining the supply chain and enabling greater collaboration between divisions. Therefore in 1993 Fine Cut International Limited was born.
Growth
Further investment was made in 1994 as our business expanded into label press supplies, and two new 4-axis 3D engraving machines were purchased, enabling us to offer a matchless service in the production of rotary and flat-bed brass foiling dies for the paper and plastic roll form label industry.
As the companies continued to grow and dominate their respective industries, the decision was made in 1998 to combine all operations under one roof. Premises were located just 200m from the initial unit, on the now-named Lancing Business Park where we have been ever since. In 2001 we combined Screenprint, General Engraving, Foil Printing and Bookbinding Tools and Fine Cut Graphic Imaging Ltd was born.
Expansion
In 2003 our advanced engineering division was formed, installing the first 5-axis CMS machine, this division thrived for over 15 years when it was then sold in 2018 to make way for expansion in to the laser and engraving division.
In 2005 we acquired Clarke & MacKay, Valley Screenprint and Circuitape Ltd, and all production was moved to our site in Lancing shortly after. Dedicated to this day to providing the best quality manufacturing solutions possible – and with a skilled and experienced workforce across all divisions – we are justifiably proud of our heritage.
Acquisition
2015 saw the acquisition of Attach A Tag – clothes labelling supplier, we had laser marked their tags for many years and now operate the business from under the same roof catering for care homes to parents to the yachting industry.
In 2016 we rebranded the company as Fine Cut Group – an updated and rejuvenated impression of the company, reflecting the innovation and the excellence which lies at the heart of what we do.
In 2017 we acquired two new brands; Dragonfly Design Ltd, the leading supplier of customised Rally Plates, Event Badges and Regalia. Dragonfly Design had been the market leaders for over 30 years and has now become Dragonfly Rally – continuing to thrive. As well as renowned bookbinding tool manufacturer, P&S Engraving. Well respected within the bookbinding industry for their fine engraving capabilities and handmade tooling, P&S joined our growing stable of specialist brands.
Investment
After the purchase of the first 360 degree digital rotary printer in the UK in 2019, the brand Orbit was created – a stand alone brand offering direct digital print to straight walled and tapered cylindrical substrates, aimed at the drink and bar ware industries.
Our acquired brands have either amalgamated in to the business or are stand alone brands trading under Fine Cut Group – read more about each of our brands.
In 2021 we streamlined our offerings as an industrial manufacturer by launching our new website. Committed to shaping the future of British Manufacturing through our continual collaborations with customers, suppliers and associates, investing in personnel, technology, skills, resources and knowledge to ensure we continually supply the highest quality products and services