Press Tool Maker

About Pre-Met

Pre-Met Limited is a precision manufacturer based in Redditch, Worcestershire, with more than 50 years of engineering excellence. The company manufactures complex metal pressings, stampings, wire forms, springs and welded assemblies for customers across the automotive, aerospace, defence and industrial sectors, supplying components to more than 35 countries worldwide.

The Tool Room is central to the business, supporting an estate of over 80 presses and more than 500 active press tools. Significant investment has been made in maintaining a modern tooling facility, including an AgieCharmilles wire erosion centre, reflecting the company's commitment to engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

Certified to IATF 16949 and EN 9100, and recognised within the Grant Thornton Worcestershire Growth Index, Pre-Met continues to grow through both organic expansion and acquisition, creating opportunities for skilled toolmakers to develop their careers within a forward-thinking engineering business.

The Role

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Press Tool Maker to join the company's well-equipped Tool Room. Reporting to the Tool Room Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for the manufacture, maintenance, repair and continuous improvement of press tools used across a wide range of high-speed and progression press applications.

Working with Bruderer, Bihler, Haulick & Roos, Chin Fong and Worcester presses, the role offers genuine variety, combining new tool manufacture with preventative maintenance, breakdown support and tooling development.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Manufacture new press tools from engineering drawings and specifications, working to tight tolerances using conventional and CNC machining, grinding and EDM/wire erosion equipment.
  
• Carry out preventative maintenance, refurbishment and repair of the company's extensive press tool portfolio.
  
• Respond to production tooling breakdowns, diagnose faults and restore tooling to service efficiently.
  
• Support the commissioning of new tooling through first-off trials, PPAP submissions and First Article Inspection activities.
  
• Operate the AgieCharmilles wire erosion centre and other precision machining equipment.
  
• Interpret engineering drawings, tooling specifications and inspection requirements with minimal supervision.
  
• Manage workload effectively whilst communicating progress and priorities with the Tool Room Manager.
  
• Support and mentor apprentice Tool Makers, sharing knowledge and promoting best practice.
  
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance tooling reliability, productivity and quality.
  

Requirements

Essential

The successful candidate will possess:

• A recognised apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in Toolmaking or a related engineering discipline.
  
• Proven experience building, fitting and maintaining press tools, including progressive, blanking, forming or compound tooling.
  
• Strong conventional machining skills, including milling, turning, surface grinding and jig boring.
  
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and work accurately to tight tolerances.
  
• Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving abilities.
  
• The ability to work independently while managing priorities effectively.
  
• Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to supporting production.
  

Desirable

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Wire EDM or spark erosion.
  
• CNC milling or turning.
  
• Bruderer, Bihler, Haulick & Roos, Chin Fong or Worcester press tooling.
  
• PPAP and First Article Inspection processes.
  
• Coaching or mentoring apprentices.
  

Benefits

What Pre-Met Offers

Pre-Met offers the opportunity to join a respected precision engineering business where craftsmanship remains at the heart of everything it does.

Employees benefit from:

• Permanent, full-time employment.
  
• A modern, well-equipped Tool Room with continued investment in equipment and technology.
  
• A supportive and experienced engineering team.
  
• Opportunities for professional development.
  
• Competitive salary based on experience.
  
• Company pension.
  
• Holiday entitlement.
  
• Overtime opportunities.
  
• A stable business with ambitious growth plans.