When Craig Harbron joined the business in 2012, the company was more of a consultancy for projects that required mechanical engineering expertise. Fourteen years later, the company has evolved into Apexis Engineering, we’ve moved to Derby and changed the business to become a turnkey mechanical engineering partner delivering design, manufacture, assembly, installation and practical support for manufacturers and OEMs.

Craig’s journey has been central to that evolution of our business. From his early role providing detailed design and manufacturing packs, through to becoming Director and finally the co-owner. Craig has helped shape a business built on simple solutions, meticulous engineering detail and a commitment to doing things properly always.

Today, Craig leads the engineering and operational side of Apexis Engineering, making sure projects move from concept to completion with clarity, accuracy and purpose. His practical approach is reflected in the company’s wider promise: to make mechanical engineering projects happen, whether that means designing and installing bespoke machinery, customised plant and equipment, or undertaking design for manufacture projects, or providing assembly services or manufacturing support to OEMs.

So, as we celebrate his work anniversary, we thought we’d look back over Craig’s 14 years with the company, exploring the experience, values and vision that have shaped both his career and the next chapter for Apexis Engineering.

Craig’s Q&As

What has been your most memorable moment over the last 14 years?

The first time I saw a design that I had worked on in CAD being assembled at a UK car manufacturer in person. Being able to see the solutions, improvements and ideas I had come to life as a fully operational Dynamometer was a big moment for me personally.

What has been a funny moment?

I was asked to attend a logistics warehouse to solve an access issue to a conveyor which I was told was extremely challenging. After a one-hour drive and seeing the challenge in front of me, in less than 1 minute I had a solution which I explained it to those on site. They all laughed and said, “well that was quick and simple”. They had been scratching their heads for days and thought this going to be a very tough and long challenge to solve. I spent longer in the car that day than on site.

Which projects (that we can talk about!) have been your greatest achievement or you’ve had most pride in?

There’s a few I can talk about that I have a lot of pride in (the Dyno above being one) but the following projects are ones where I have seen a great outcome for our clients or the users.

The first one is the gauge holders for use within operating theatres; these were made from fabricated and folded stainless steel making them expensive consumables. They were also very fiddly to attached or remove before, during and after operations making it hard for the users to actually use them. When I looked at the material options, I identified that these gauge holders could be 3D printed and still meet all the parameters required in such a demanding environment. Not only did using an alternative material dramatically change the approach to manufacturing, but also saved hundreds in cost, time and massively improved the usability of the product. Hearing the staff feedback was a feel-good moment to know I had helped improve things for people doing such important work.

The second project is the factory in the box; when we saw the designs for the prototype it was clear to see that the initial design was very complicated to build and would be hard to maintain. This was a time sensitive project and we need to completely reengineer the factory in a box in record time. As you can imagine an entire factory in a shipping container that needs to complete multiple processes to achieve the outcome required has a lot of elements to it. I managed to deliver a new, improved, more cost effective and much easier to clean and maintain option within the required timescale. I was then part of the assembly team to order the thousands of parts needed and be on site for the commissioning of the improved factory in a box. It was really impressive to see everything in life sized scale and doing what it was designed to do, more importantly it became a product that the OEM could sell and did around the world.

How would you describe your 14 year journey?

It’s been fast, inspiring and, even with the tough times, very rewarding and enjoyable, hence why I’m still here. I find it just amazing to see how things are made and getting to be a part of that process.

What are you looking forward to most in next few years?

I want to start growing a team within Apexis Engineering; people who fit our values and want to be part of a small company that really packs above its weight with what we deliver. And obviously I am looking forward to continuing supporting existing and new clients with their design, manufacturing and assembly needs. We get some really interesting projects come in and we deliver world-class solutions every time which is something I am really proud of.

What has been biggest change to the business that you have led?

Back in 2017/2018 I developed a business plan with our coach; it was something I personally really wanted to do which was to offer more to our clients than just design and for the business to be in control of lead times, costs and most importantly the quality of the final outcomes for projects. Today I can say that making it happen, with the support and belief from Seleena, has radically changed the business for the better.

What 3 words would you use about the last 14 years?

Fulfilling, transformative, and challenging.

So as we celebrate Craig’s 14 year anniversary we’ll also say here’s to the next 14 years of fulfillment, transformation and challenges (in a good way!).