Winners

Investment Casting Systems – one of three standalone businesses under the CSS Group brand – is proud to announce that it has received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2022 in recognition of its continued growth in overseas trade over the past three years.

Based in Paignton, Devon the business has grown from small beginnings. Founded in a garage by Ted Head, the now-chairman, over 40 years ago, the company’s success is based on a passion for design, engineering, manufacturing and customer service. In 1997, James Head, Ted’s son, joined the business and now, as Managing Director, continues to grow the businesses in both size and capability.

As the world class accredited toolmaking arm of the business, ICS specialises in the design and manufacture of quality metallic mould and associated tooling predominantly for the investment casting, composite, aerospace, industrial gas turbines, commercial sectors and the other CSS group companies.

Ted says: “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious accolade. After 42 years in the industry this reflects just how much the business has grown and expanded internationally.

The award has been received just as we move into our brand-new 6,000 sqm state of the art factory, which will allow future growth and development of the business and employment opportunities within the local area. We thank all employees and associates past and present for their contribution and support.”

As a company we are honoured to have received this award, which is the result of combined effort over many years to gain recognition globally for our products.
Significant investment has recently been made in new machine tools and purpose built 6,000 sqm facilities supporting the growing demand for large mould tools, aerospace components and injection moulded products. The mould tool manufacturing capability has been transformed through the purchase of two bridge mills with the largest having machining capability of 3.2m x 2.4m x 1m and the number of high speed CNC machining centres has been increased to seven. In addition to the highly coveted Queen’s award for Enterprise the company is AS9100 certified.