auto-scan celebrates its 25th anniversary
auto-scan has supported manufacturers by identifying, resolving, and preventing defects and issues in their production processes and supply chains for 25 years! Over that time, the business has worked with manufacturers of all shapes and sizes on projects worldwide.
To mark the occasion, we have delved into the archives to tell auto-scan’s story and highlight some of the achievements from the past quarter of a century.
The beginning
Founded in 1999 by John Birch and Les Brown, auto-scan began life when the two ex-members of the armed forces met while working for a major OEM. They soon identified that there was no structured, third-party quality containment operation within the UK, with a perception that it was not a vital service for a successful manufacturing operation.
John and Les utilised their military backgrounds to implement a rigorous, process-driven system for inspections to be completed. Influenced by the RAF’s aircraft maintenance 700 series documentation system and adapting it for the automotive sector, auto-scan developed a fully traceable, job number-based process.
“Although it sounds simple, no one was tracking their inspection and containment jobs in the UK. auto-scan was born, at Les’s kitchen table, out of the need to formalise the inspection and containment process, and we successfully implemented a system that allowed us to track all aspects of the jobs.
“This system was a hybrid of what we had learnt in the armed forces, but adapted to address the pain points we knew existed in the automotive manufacturing sector.”
The business also sought to professionalise the service. It introduced a distinctive green uniform and all necessary PPE, to ensure the team operated safely and stood out.
Moving into Telford, the North East and joining e-ppl
In 2003, the business became the first in the sector to achieve ISO 9001 for its quality management processes, offering reassurance to clients that processes are well thought out, robust, and implemented stringently across all areas.
By the mid-00s, auto-scan had established itself as a leading quality inspection specialist. However, Les and John felt a more proactive approach could be developed. This saw the introduction of specialist engineering skills, to not only contain the quality issues, but also work with the customers to understand the cause and implement robust corrective and preventive measures.
This progress was highlighted by Les winning the regional Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2002, shortly after establishing a head office in Telford.
Once the Telford office was open, new work was increasingly coming from the North East of the UK. With several major manufacturers in the area, the need for a permanent base of operations within the area became clear.
A regional team was recruited, an office was set-up and by 2008, auto-scan North East was fully operational. This gave clients access to the people, skills and services they needed. Crucially, it also allowed auto-scan to continue to provide its solutions-led service on a local basis.
2011 delivered a unique opportunity for a strategic alignment with e-ppl. The principals of both e-ppl and auto-scan had known each other for over 10 years, with early discussions identifying the natural progression for both businesses would be to offer the widest possible range of services ‘all under one roof’.
After several months of discussions and comprehensive negotiations, the purchase of auto-scan by e-ppl was agreed. Paul Simmerson, [CEO] of e-ppl Group, acquired all auto-scan business interests, ensuring a seamless continuation of the business and no disturbance to either company’s customers.
The acquisition was successfully concluded on 1st June 2011. With both businesses now under one roof, the Group was able to offer a wider range of services than those available from any other service provider positioning it to fulfil the total requirements of all OEM’s and tier suppliers.
Since then, auto-scan has continued to grow alongside its customers, working with e-ppl on many projects where both skilled specialists and detailed inspections are required.
The auto-scan name, process and service delivery ethos expanded to include an operation based in India in 2015, because of securing a large-scale, global coverage OEM contract. The sustained strength and growth of the Group now sees a workforce approaching 1,500 strong, spanning the automotive, off-highway, construction and defence sectors.
Looking to the future
“Information Technology continues to evolve at an ever-increasing pace, and here at auto-scan we are proud of our ISO27001 Information Security Accreditation, together with our strategies to embrace technology and innovation. A few years ago, we developed our industry-leading live data capture and reporting system, viewed as a real benchmark within the sector. However, we now advance beyond as we look to further transform the efficiency and effectiveness of inspection processes using Artificial Intelligence – who knows what the next 25 years will bring, but it will certainly be exciting!”
