Profile

A family owned business formed in 1948, R E Thompson started by designing and manufacturing vacuum valves and leak test equipment. The company was an early adopter of computerised manufacturing techniques, purchasing its first CNC mill in 1968 to focus solely on manufacturing precision components for aerospace and industrial applications. You can read about our history here.

Overview

Based in Whitchurch, Hampshire, R E Thompson offer high quality precision CNC machining and assembly services to a UK & global market specialising in the aerospace, defence, medical & optical markets. Keys strengths include computer aided design with a particular emphasis on solid models and quality control. R E Thompson are able to supply zero defect goods to guaranteed service levels and operate a state of the art quality control facility.

Precision Engineering

R E Thompson offer horizontal and vertical 5 axis machining services including mill-turn, working from electronic solid models to tolerances of ±0.01mm with full CMM inspection. R E Thompson operate state of the art, regularly calibrated, twin pallet CNC machines with spindle speeds up to 12,000 rpm, and working surfaces up to 1300mm x 330mm. An overview of our services is as follows:

• Tooling
• Mould Tools
• Turning – CNC & Centre Lathe Turning
• Milling – CNC (3-4 Axis)
• Mill/Turn – Multi Axis Turning Centre (5 Axis)
• Assembly
• Prototyping, with the emphasis on fast turnaround. Using electronic transfer, our technical staff work with minimum customer involvement.

Continual Investment

Since 1995 R E Thompson has invested over £7m in state of the art technology. In 2008 alone the company invested in over £3m worth of machining equipment incuding:

• 4 off NH5000 multi-pallet horizontal Fastems machine centres with 44 pallets
• 1 off Dura 5100 Vertical Machine centre
• 1 off Mori Seiki NL1500 Mill/Turn CNC Lathe

The design facility which is equipped with a range of solid model CAD and CAM software applications, colour A0 printers, and offline inspection programming is fully networked to the shop floor machines, production and inspection departments. By operating a program of continual investment in the latest technology, R E Thompson are able to offer their customers reliable and repeatable production services.

Financial Statement

R E Thompson is a privately owned, family run company. We own our own building and have an impressive track record in capital investment including machinery, technology and training. Accounts can be made available on request.

Outsourced Solutions

R E Thompson have a reputation for providing a high quality complete outsourced solution, from rapid prototyping to long term bulk production contracts using both UK and overseas services. We offer a full one-stop shop service, fully managing sub-contracted services where required.

Workforce

The key to our success is our skilled, flexible and enthusiastic workforce many of which have worked for the company for more than 10 years.

Production Management

With a proven track record in supplying high volume assembled and finished components to satisfy long term production schedules for line side, JIT and KanBan manufacturing systems R E Thompson can guarantee quality products delivered on time in accordance with your needs.

Quality Control

We operate lean manufacturing techniques and operate in accordance with fully documented procedures as set out in our ISO 9001 policy documents. As part of our ongoing program of improvement we undertake regular meetings in accordance with the principals of the 5S's. Long term production is subject to SPC and all processes are monitored by KPI's. Staff also receive regular training in their respective fields.

Zero Defect

R E Thompson’s has the complete confidence of many major international customers, carrying out a ‘Zero Defect’ policy on their behalf. We understand delivery scheduling on large and extended projects and having been in the business of manufacturing and machining for some 50 years, R E Thompson’s understands that good service and quality are paramount – we are always working to achieve the best.

Supplier Approval

For customers that require the completion of a supplier approval form or questionnaire prior to short listing or contract negotiation we have a generic form already completed which can be found here.

Quotations & Further Enquiries

If you would like further information or would like a competitive quotation please feel free to contact us. We provide a fast and responsive turn around on quotations based on solid models (usually within 48 hours), although we also work to conventional 2D digital files and paper drawings.