Managing Director
Jack Eckersley
I'm the Managing Director at Custom Metalworks Ltd, which was founded in 2023 with the aim of providing innovative solutions to a wide variety of manufacturing problems. We have worked with a range of customers from commercial businesses, motorsport racing teams, landscape garnders and car enthusiasts looking for bespoke parts.
I'm a qualified precision engineer with almost 10 years experience in both manual and modern machining practices, driven by the challenges of creating parts from scratch and coming up with creative solutions to problems.
Our Story
From an early age, I discovered that traditional academic learning wasn’t my strength however, I had a natural talent for creating and building things, an interest that first emerged through playing with LEGO and Meccano.
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After completing high school and college, I joined Lattimers, a well-respected local engineering company. There, I earned the respect of experienced colleagues, who recognised my passion for engineering. Their mentorship was invaluable, and without their guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
During my apprenticeship, I spent three years in the tool room, manufacturing one-off and batch parts using manual milling machines, lathes, and surface grinders. I then transitioned into producing custom fixtures for shop floor parts using a manual Henri Hauser Jig Borer— one of my favorite machines to this day. Alongside this, I taught myself CNC machining on an XYZ turret mill. Determined to expand my skill set, I later moved to the shop floor, where I gained experience setting and operating 3-axis and 4-axis twin-pallet CNC milling machines.
Over time, I progressed into a manufacturing engineering role, where I took on responsibilities including programming, fixture design, tooling, heat treatment, and process documentation.
The turning point in my career came unexpectedly when a former employer presented me with an opportunity that laid the foundation for starting my own business - at 25 years old, I set out to build Custom Metalworks. However, setting up a fully operational workshop required significant investment and preparation. To support this transition, I joined Care Surgical as a CNC machinist, allowing me to work more flexibly full-time whilst dedicating my evenings and weekends to establishing the business.
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In September 2023, Custom Metalworks Limited was officially founded. Over the next year, I balanced both roles, working tirelessly to build a strong client base. By September 2024, I was ready to take the leap and run the business full-time. To enhance the company's capabilities I invested in a brand-new DN Solutions DNM5700 Milling Machine in April 2024. Shortly after, I secured a contract with Care Surgical, manufacturing their components, an opportunity that significantly supported the company’s growth.
Since then, Custom Metalworks has gone from strength to strength, with increasing demand and a workshop operating at full capacity. We are optimistic about the future and are committed to continuing our journey of delivering high-quality, British precision-engineering solutions.