An Insight into
INSIGHT INTO...
Continental Diamond Tool Limited
Building a stronger tomorrow through product diversification and exports Continental Diamond Tool Limited (CDT) is driving success in the region with its advanced manufacturing facility for custom diamond tooling. Located in Kinmel Bay, on the outskirts of Rhyl in North Wales, the company began its journey in 1984. Initially known as Consort Precision Diamond Company, it garnered acclaim for pioneering the innovative reverseplating process, which significantly reduced plating times for its industry. In 2018, it became a subsidiary of Continental Diamond Tool Corporation, expanding its reach, resources, and expertise.
Distinct Offerings and Strengths CDT excels in delivering custom high-quality rotary diamond dressers. Rotary diamond dressers are specialized precision tools used in various industries, primarily in manufacturing, to shape and maintain the abrasive cutting surfaces of grinding wheels. These dressers are essential for ensuring that grinding wheels remain in optimal condition for production grinding applications, providing precise and consistent results during use. The primary function of a rotary diamond dresser is to “dress” or “true” the grinding wheel. This involves correcting for any lost geometry and removing any accumulated metal chips, abrasive debris, and dulling from the wheel’s surface. In addition to cleaning the wheel’s surface, rotary diamond dressers can also be used to profile the grinding wheel into a specific shape or contour, depending on the requirements of the machining process. This profiling ensures that the grinding wheel will produce the desired workpiece geometry.
CDT manufacture custom high-quality rotary diamond dressers “The incredible potential in electroplated grinding wheels has reignited our team’s passion and drive. We are excited to make inroads in this growing industry,” says Troy Giacherio, General Manager of Continental Diamond Tool Limited. Both of these products are useful in applications requiring incredible precision and fine surface finishes. They are vital for many industries such as automotive, aerospace, power generation, medical, and tool making. CDT’s products are custom designed, produced, and delivered worldwide by a tight-knit team of 40 employees, driven by a dedication to excellence and innovation. “We believe in the workforce here, we believe in our people, their work ethic and their can-do spirit, which is really our strength, along with the pride they take in their work,” says Jeff Wirth, Managing Director at Continental Diamond Tool Limited.
Long-Term Relationships
CDT also manufactures electroplated grinding wheels. These tools are made by adhering superabrasive grains like diamond with a layer of nickel metal onto a metal substrate through an electroplating deposition process. With the tough mechanical nickel bond, electroplated wheels have the advantages of faster grinding times and more flexibility to make the complex shapes and geometries needed in a variety of industries. Known for providing precise and controlled grinding, they maintain sharpness throughout their lifespan. Additional savings can be obtained through CDT’s strip and replate services where a used tool is returned to be refurbished like new.
CDT attributes much of its success to its enduring relationships with esteemed clients such as Rolls Royce and AETC Leicester. “We pride ourselves on being adaptable, dependable, and equipped with the in-house know-how that truly cements these lasting partnerships,” says Craig Cox, Sales Manager at CDT. Equally important is the supply chain. CDT relies on a dependable supply chain to ensure a steady flow of materials, components, and equipment for manufacturing. “Our close relationships with suppliers provide the agility we need to respond to changing customer requirements. It is refreshing that we are united with our suppliers in our dedication to the highest quality, which is the very cornerstone of our good name,” says Craig.
Advancements in Modernization In recent years, CDT has focused on international trade, forging long-term relationships with new customers and
distributors overseas. Post-pandemic market competitiveness has driven the company’s pursuit of exports and product diversification. To stay competitive, CDT has made significant facility upgrades with advanced electroplating technology, which came on line in the second quarter of 2023. Thanks to the Smart Cymru project, a Welsh Government Innovation Support initiative, this investment has enabled a significant capacity boost at CDT in the form of its new product line: electroplated grinding wheels.
Maintaining Reputation Through Training and Development As part of its commitment to excellence, CDT has invested in personnel development to ensure its employees remain up-to-date with industry dynamics. Participation in the LEAN Programme has allowed CDT to enhance its processes through LEAN management principles. “It was an honor to learn from some of the best in the industry,” says Justin Hughes, CDT Production Manager who attended the programme. “It has been a great opportunity for us to improve our productivity and competitiveness.”
Recent Successes In recognition of its commitment to growth, CDT has received several awards, including the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce (WCNWC) Export and International Trade Award in 2021. They were a Regional Winner in the ‘Global Player – Export Business of the Year’ category at the National British Chamber of Commerce Awards in 2022. In 2023, CDT was nominated in three esteemed categories by WCNWC: Export & International Trade, Business Growth, and Business of the Year. Jeff Wirth concludes, “Our focus remains on sustained market growth, expanding our customer base, investing in new technology, and exploring new opportunities. We look forward to bringing continued success to North Wales.”
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