History

Milton Keynes Pressings (MKP) was established in 1985, although its roots can be traced back to 1974 when Ryeland Toolmakers (RT) was established as a Press Tool-making company.

RT first operated from a small space in the Old Mill in Stony Stratford, sharing the building with other start up engineering businesses before moving after nine months to a single story building of 1,000sqft close by. Two years later larger premises were required and a suitable building was found in Bletchley. In 1980 the Company had to move again because of space limitations and a factory of 5,000sqft was found close by. Ryeland now consisted of 10 toolmakers and the Company was building itself a reputation for Press Toolmaking expertise and started to develop a large customer base including many blue chip Companies.

In the early eighties with two small tryout Presses in the Toolroom, an opportunity was presented to the Company to get involved in production. Three more Presses were acquired and just by chance a small Factory became available opposite. With the existing two Presses a small production facility was established and production began. This part of the business was separated from Ryeland in 1985 and a new Company was incorporated and called Milton Keynes Pressings Limited. (MKP)

MKP started to expand quickly and new premises were sought and found on the Water Eaton Industrial Estate in Bletchley. In 1989 MKP started to supply parts for the Vauxhall Frontera in Luton: this link with General Motors enabled MKP to quote for new business across the whole of GME global accounts.

Through the nineties expansion continued: Electrolux of Luton decided to close there in-house Press-shop: MKP won the business and were able to acquire there Presses at a modest price. By the late nineties parts were being supplied to most GM plants around the world.

Japanese manufacturing techniques were adopted with cellular manufacturing and kan-ban systems becoming the accepted way to operate.

In 2001 MKP were awarded the Queens Award for Export achievement: the highest award the Government can bestow on a British Company.

In 2003 the assets of Cardale Engineering Limited were bought and moved to Milton Keynes. This purchase enabled MKP to gain immediate expertise in Tube Bending.

In 2004 the Sheet Metal facility of Maine Office Limited was purchased and moved to Milton Keynes.

In 2006 the assembly plant of Maine Office in Kings Langley was purchased. MKP had been a supplier to this Company since the mid eighties. This Company manufactures high end steel storage filing systems for the office furniture industry.

The Group, has expanded into other premises on the same industrial estate and occupies 85,000 sq ft, with a further 26,000 sq ft in Kings Langley.