In this blog we’re highlighting our competencies with having a mechanic and engineer within the business for our turnkey mechanical engineering services.
In the world of bespoke machinery and plant engineering, the difference between a concept that works on paper and a system that performs flawlessly in the real world often comes down to one thing: experience across both design and hands-on engineering.
At Apexis Engineering, this is one of our key strengths. Our Director, Craig Harbron, brings expertise not just as an outstanding and very experienced CAD Design Engineer, but also as a fully qualified Mechanical Engineer (mechanic). This dual capability is a major part of the value we offer as a turnkey engineering partner.
Let’s examine what this actually means for your project when you choose Apexis Engineering.
The value of starting the project with a Design Engineer
Let’s start this section with what a CAD Design Engineer is and does.
A CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Design Engineer focuses on creating detailed digital models and technical drawings of components, machines, and systems.
Their responsibilities typically include:
- Designing parts and assemblies using CAD software
- Producing manufacturing drawings and specifications
- Performing simulations and design calculations
- Optimising layouts for performance, cost, and manufacturability
- Ensuring designs meet relevant standards and regulations
A strong CAD design engineer can turn a concept into a precise, manufacturable design. Their work is largely digital and theoretical if they are purely a CAD person.
What’s great about working with a Design Engineer at the very start of a project for bespoke machinery is that they’ll come up with a range of solutions or concepts to solve the challenges manufacturers are facing or to provide the best option for a specific requirement.
Starting a project with a range of concepts or options enables the best outcome for the project because clients can then select what will work best for them operationally, cost wise and for other factors such as safety.
Progressing a project with a Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers have lots of hands-on, practical skills (they are often referred to as a mechanic in industrial settings) and work directly with physical systems.
Their expertise includes:
- Building and assembling machinery
- Fault finding and troubleshooting
- Commissioning systems on-site
- Maintenance and repair
- Understanding how components behave under real-world conditions
- Reverse engineering
This role is grounded in practical experience, where real constraints such as access, tolerances, wear, and unexpected issues come into play.
Bridging that gap
In many engineering projects these two disciplines are separate.
If you are using multiple suppliers for designing, then manufacturing and finally installing your machinery that can lead to challenges such as:
- Designs that are difficult or inefficient to manufacture and assemble
- Components that are hard to access or maintain
- Over-engineered or under-engineered solutions
- Unexpected issues during installation or commissioning
- Increased costs and project delays
This gap between ‘designed’ and ‘buildable’ is where many projects encounter problems.
Why having both skillsets and one partner is a game changer
This is where Apexis Engineering stands out.
Craig’s combined experience as both a CAD Design Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer means:
- Designs that work in the real world
Every design is created with practical assembly, maintenance, and operation in mind and not just theoretical performance. We call this our commercial awareness, whilst it might be easy to adjust something
- Faster problem solving
Potential issues are identified early, reducing costly changes later in the project.
- Efficient manufacturing and assembly
Design decisions consider real manufacturing processes and workshop constraints.
- Seamless project delivery
From concept through to completion including commissioning, there is continuity in understanding and decision-making.
- Reduced risk for clients
Fewer surprises during build and installation means greater confidence in timelines and budgets. Plus, you can see your machine in action at our industrial unit before it’s shipped to your site for installation.
Providing a true Turnkey Engineering Approach
At Apexis Engineering, we don’t just design; we deliver complete solutions.
Our turnkey capability covers:
- Concept and detailed design
- Manufacture and fabrication
- Assembly and integration
- Installation and commissioning
Having leadership that understands both digital design and physical implementation ensures that every stage connects smoothly. We proven that with multiple projects from our base in Derby with an industrial unit that is set up to provide our turnkey engineering service.
You can read a case study for a plug and play set of machinery we provided the concept to completion turnkey engineering service to a nationwide building product manufacturer here Plug and play plant – Apexis Engineering
The Apexis Engineering Difference
Many companies can design.
Many can build.
Fewer can do both with a deep understanding of how each influences the other.
That’s where we add value.
Craig’s dual expertise allows us to:
- Bridge the gap between design and reality
- Deliver practical, robust engineering solutions
- Provide a smoother, more efficient project journey
When it comes to having bespoke machinery or customised plant for your factory you can rest assured that our knowledge and understanding of making the CAD we develop work into the real world is from experience and deep learning over our years of operation.
Craig will always design to ensure things are spot on for assembly, for example a shelf for a motor, a shaft with shoulders to locate bearings, space for a spanner to tighten a bolt. Because making assembly simple and straight forward means that the machine or plant will be easier to maintain once it is installed onto your processing line or within your factory as a standalone piece of equipment.
Looking for a Partner who gets the Whole Picture?
If you’re looking to move away from standard OEM equipment to developing bespoke machinery or plant and need a partner who understands both how it should look on screen and how it should perform on-site, Apexis Engineering can help.
There are some questions you might want to ask when looking for a partner including:
- Can your CAD designer build / assemble what they have designed?
- Can your CAD design engineer maintain what they have designed?
- Does your CAD design engineer know how and what steps on processes are needed to manufacture their design?
We’ll answer these questions separately in our expert log which is available here Expert Log – Apexis Engineering
