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History

From a small summer house to award winning factories

1973 - Where it all began

David’s summerhouse at the bottom of his parent’s garden was the start of Shearline’s success.
History - 1972

1977 – Water Lane, Cambridge

David quickly outgrew his shed and needed somewhere larger to manufacture prototype parts for spin out companies from The University of Cambridge.
History 1974

1981 – Milton Factory

The continuing success of Cambridge University’s spin out companies meant a need for more space. Machines were running 24/7 predominantly making nozzles for the then-booming inkjet industry.
History - 1978

1989 – ISO 9001 accreditation

To aid with the streamlining of an ever-growing business, it was essential to become accredited to the internationally recognised Quality Management System ISO 9001. An accreditation we still proudly hold today.
BSI ISO9001

1993 – On the move again

Due to outgrowing the Milton premises, a purpose-built state of the art factory was built in Ely (14 miles North East of Cambridge).
History - 1993

1998 – Ely expansion

Continued growth meant it was time to expand - a dedicated assembly floor was built overlooking the machine shop.
Kitting Service

2003 - Sheet metal

The Ely factory was further expanded to allow for Shearline’s comprehensive Fabrication offerings.
Fabrication

2004 – Environmentally aware

Shearline’s commitment to the environment was formally recognised by gaining the internationally recognised ISO 14001 accreditation.
History - 2004

2007 – Hybrid Laser Tech

Shearline further expanded its offering to include precision ceramic cut substrate via the acquisition of Hybrid Laser Tech (HLT). HLT moved into a £1 million, 10,000 square feet custom built facility attached to the main Shearline factory.
Our Company

2010 - acquired large scale sub-contract engineering business

SXL (Shearline Xtra Large) was born.. Specialising in large scale sub-contract engineering – SXL is the number one supplier for many leading motorsport and automotive companies.
History - 2010

2023 – still privately owned

Today, The Shearline Group is run by MD Jon Littlechild. Jon is David’s nephew and despite it being one of the largest sub-contracting companies in the UK, the factories retain a family feel with strong values. David takes more of a consultancy role ensuring The Shearline Group remains one of the UK’s leading centres of manufacturing excellence.
History - 2022