It is that time of year again when we manage to pull Andrew away from his busy schedule to reflect on the highs and highlights of 2024. From exciting achievements to what’s on the horizon for 2025, we get the inside scoop from our Managing Director in this year-end chat.
Hello Andrew, Good to speak with you as we are nearing the end of 2024. It’s been a momentous one for the DK Team, hasn’t it?
“It truly has been. This April, we celebrated our 65th Anniversary, a significant milestone, especially considering the challenges UK Manufacturing has faced over the decades. This achievement is a testament to the incredible dedication of our team, without whom it wouldn’t have been possible. We also welcomed several apprentices to the team, continuing our tradition of producing Diamond Tooling solutions to the highest standard for our partners worldwide. It is always inspiring to see young talent join the industry, and I am excited about their contributions to the future of DK Holdings.
On top of that, we had the pleasure of promoting some of our former apprentices. Dan Sharp now expertly leads the Electroplating Department, and we were thrilled to appoint John Emptage to the role of Sales & Marketing Director. It has been a year of growth, celebration, and looking ahead to what’s next for DK Holdings.”
The team visited two major trade shows this year, JEC WORLD and more recently glasstec in Dusseldorf, how important are trade shows to the success of DK Holdings?
“It was great to be back out there, meeting and reconnecting with partners old and new. Over the years, I attended many trade shows, but the excitement of representing UK Manufacturing, and especially DK Holdings, never fades.
This year, we attended JEC World via the Composites UK Pavilion for the first time, which was a new and exciting format for us. Being part of a shared stand alongside other member companies facilitated interesting discussions about new material developments and the overall direction of the composites sector.
Glasstec in Düsseldorf was equally valuable, showcasing how Diamond Tooling continues to support the evolving needs of the glass processing sector. We were particularly thrilled by the influx of interest in our Flexible Diamond range, both Electroflex and Electroplus, especially for applications on machine systems. I have said it before and I will say it again, trade shows remain crucial to our success, providing unparalleled opportunities to stay at the forefront of industry developments and connect with the people who drive these sectors forward.”
The company’s Finance Director, Darren Mills, is a driving force in optimising the company’s green credentials and ensuring we work towards a Net Zero goal, what have been your highlights this year and what’s in the pipeline?
“Darren and the team have been instrumental in driving our journey toward achieving Carbon Neutrality. A significant highlight this year has been the performance of our solar panels, installed in 2023, which now generate 40% of our energy requirements. This translates to annual CO₂ emission savings of approximately 60 tCO2e, a fantastic step forward in reducing our environmental footprint. Looking ahead, we are planning to enhance our internal wastewater treatment facilities, with the aim to complete this project by 2025.
This initiative will further strengthen our commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. Watch this space!”
Demand for Quality Diamond Tooling remains high across industries, how have you ensured the continued development & success of DK Holdings?
“We ensure the continued development and success of DK Holdings by prioritising innovation, quality, and collaboration.
This includes using superior raw materials, continuously reviewing and refining our processes, and working closely with our partners. More recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming new team members to our Front Office, which further strengthens our ability to support our customers and meet their growing demands.”
What’s in store for 2025?
“I’m excited to share that we will be attending JEC WORLD again in 2025, joining our fellow members on the Composites UK stand. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the event.
In addition, I, along with other team members, am planning visits to our partners worldwide. While video calls have been a fantastic tool for staying connected, nothing compares to the value of a face-to-face conversation for strengthening relationships and exploring opportunities.
The board of directors is also committed to continuing our investment in new machinery and expanding our Apprenticeship Program. These initiatives are essential for meeting the growing demand for precision diamond tooling and ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation in our industry.”
We can not finish our interview without talking about Christmas – What is the secret ingredient that makes the Gentle Christmas Day lunch perfect?
“Well, as the main architect and head chef of our Christmas dinner, I’d say it’s all about using quality goose fat and polenta for the best roast potatoes in the world if I do say so myself! And, of course, the chef’s own personal supply of wine to keep things festive!”