NEWS

QRS Precision Engineering Strengthens Global Position in the Tungsten Heavy Alloy Market

QRS Precision Engineering is strengthening its position in global specialist markets after gaining clearer target market insight and improved sector visibility through the Tees Valley Supply Chain programme, delivered by RTC North.

QRS Precision Engineering has been machining precision-engineering components in Hartlepool for more than 30 years. Originally established as a specialist toolroom service, the business has grown into a full-service precision engineering company supplying machined components, fabricated assemblies, and engineered solutions to blue-chip companies across the oil and gas, petrochemical, nuclear, and industrial sectors. Today, under new ownership, QRS continues to expand its capabilities while maintaining the values that built its reputation: Quality, Reliability, and Service.

With decades of experience manufacturing precision-machined tungsten heavy alloy (THA) components, including source containers, collimators, globe carrier housings and shielding bodies, QRS had strong technical capability but limited visibility within international markets. QRS approached the Supply Chain Tees Valley Programme, delivered by RTC North, to fund its expansion into Tungsten Heavy Alloys supply and Tungsten-Lead radiation shield measurement technology.

While the company possessed deep engineering expertise, it faced two key challenges:

• Limited visibility among international organisations specifying precision THA components in their products.
• No dedicated internal business development function to identify and engage target customers globally.

The objective was clear, identify key global market opportunities and position QRS as a credible UK manufacturing partner within the tungsten heavy alloy sector. Support was delivered through an external provider, Mumble Marketing, a division of Hayward Miller Limited. The engagement focussed on three pillars: market research, capability documentation, and structured outbound activity.

Paul Lackenby, Co-owner, QRS Precision Engineering Ltd commented:

"It is always difficult to outsource market research when you’re offering such a bespoke technical service as ours. The initial investigation of who could provide this for us didn’t give us great confidence, which is why it took us six months to find, engage, and then commit to placing this piece of work with Mumble Marketing.”

The first phase focused on mapping two key markets - nucleonic and radiometric instrumentation, and downhole oil and gas tools to identify global companies specifying THA shielding components. This informed a market research report highlighting priority target companies by tier and geography. QRS also developed a Capability Guide covering its THA expertise, material grades, product range and support services, while building a prioritised contact database.

Paul Lackenby added:

“The monthly engagement reports are clear and thoroughly written, meaning as a business we can ensure our key objectives stay on track. Our initial expectation was UK coverage, but in reality, the reports identified significant export potential for our business.”

A targeted outbound programme was then launched across email, LinkedIn and telemarketing, tailored to QRS’s technical audience. At the same time, the website was SEO optimised around THA keywords to help engineers and procurement professionals find QRS more easily in international searches.

Key outcomes included:

• A clearly defined global target market
• Improved visibility among specialist sectors
• Capability documentation to support business development
• Improved online discoverability through targeted SEO
• A structured pipeline for international customer engagement

The next phase of activity will expand outbound engagement to further prioritise target companies across continental Europe and North America, including participation in industry exhibitions and face-to-face engagement opportunities.

Jim Barr, Tees Valley Supply Chain Project Manager commented:

“It has been a pleasure working with Paul and Sarah over the past two years and seeing the business thrive under their leadership. This funding support has made a tangible and massive difference to how they approach winning work in this critical sector. Our programme has also previously supported them in gaining Cyber Essentials certification which has helped to raise the company’s profile both locally and internationally.”

Paul Lackenby MBA commented:

“Day to day the team are working hard on generating organic growth, bolstered by investment from the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), has created a strong foundation for the region. The planned introduction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) provides a clear roadmap for the future, while ongoing research into Synthetic Aviation Fuels (SAF)—supported by QRS’s engineering services—presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. To navigate these developments, we look forward to collaborating closely with Jim at RTC.”

RTC North is a Certified B Corporation and employee‑owned organisation, reflecting its long‑standing commitment to using business as a force for good. This people‑first model ensures the organisation is governed in line with its purpose, values, and regional mission, with ownership held on behalf of its employees and a strong focus on long‑term impact.

Working with a wide range of partners including local authorities, universities, and the private sector, RTC offers expert advice in areas such as business growth, digital transformation, commercialisation, skills development, and internationalisation. RTC is committed to fostering enterprise, driving innovation, and empowering businesses to achieve sustainable and inclusive success across the North of England.