Will Laughton, Director of Perfect Bore Manufacturing (PBM), discusses how strategic expansions, innovative mortar systems, and key collaborations are transforming the UK defence sector, securing the British Army’s edge and PBM’s leadership in precision engineering. PBM won two awards at this year’s Army Technology Excellence Awards for Business Expansion and Product Launches.
“We are prepared to go to any length to support and provide to the nation’s armed forces. We will provide all services with the most premium firing system made on British soil, in the hope this makes the user feel proud and safe to fight for their country.“
– William Laughton, CEO, Perfect Bore Manufacturing
Global Defence Technology: How do the Army Technology Excellence Awards reflect Perfect Bore Manufacturing’s strategic goals and vision for the future?
Will Laughton: The Awards are a true reflection of our strategy to grow around our core disciplines and contribute to the sovereign manufacturing that the country is in need of.
Global Defence Technology: What were the key factors that contributed to Perfect Bore’s impressive financial growth which has doubled over the past four years?
Will Laughton: A reason, a plan, an action and a sign off. Our company, established in 1988, has been through some major highs and major lows. From 2019, the second generation of this family business stepped in with a fresh set of eyes and new ideas. The growth contribution was down to the ever changing world and the opportunity to understand the UK’s needs. Perfect Bore, the company now operated by brothers, seized the opportuninty to grow and plan for the business’s prosperous future.
Global Defence Technology: Can you elaborate on how the recent expansion of your manufacturing facilities will impact your production capabilities and business operations?
Will Laughton: The expansion of our operational facilties will significantly boost our production capacity, enabling us to increase manufacturing from approximately 1,000 barrels a year up to about 4,000 barrels a year, with potential for further growth if needed.
Global Defence Technology: How did Perfect Bore identify and respond to the national capability gap in UK barrel manufacturing, and what challenges did you face in this process?
Will Laughton: Among the business owners we identified the gap as a strategic investment opportunity. After a gentle 18-month study, we seized the moment to act. There have been many challenges along the way. Picking up the correct certification, sorting out the hardware, machinery, and security. The most difficult was manufacturing and proofing a barrel, stating the fact that we have acutally made and proofed a weapon as opposed to saying that we could manufacture and proof it.
Global Defence Technology: What are the most significant innovations in your new mortar systems, and how do they enhance the operational capabilities of the British Army?
Will Laughton: Our new mortar systems include the successful manufacturing and test-firing of a 60mm system made from a material that is easily procured within the UK. The same approach will be applied to the production of the 120mm system demonstrated at DVD 2024. These innovations significantly reduce the procurement time by at least 50%, providing the likes of the British Army with a fast, precise, and reliable solution sourced domestically. Additionally, they enhance the Army’s operational capabilities by offering a comprehensive range of mortar systems, ensuring access to high-quality, UK-produced equipment that meets the demands of modern warfare.
Global Defence Technology: How does Perfect Bore plan to maintain its leadership position in the precision barrel manufacturing sector amidst increasing competition?
Will Laughton: We plan to maintain our leadership position by continuously innovating and expanding our product offerings, particularly in the area of medium to large barrel manufacturing. By advancing barrel manufacturing technology and aligning with the evolving needs of the defence industry, we aim to remain at the forefront of technological advancements and sustain our competitive edge.
Global Defence Technology: Could you share insights into the ongoing development of current barrel projects and their potential impact on the defence industry?
Will Laughton: We are actively engaged in developing medium to large barrel projects, which are set to redefine the standards of barrel manufacturing. These projects not only expand our product line, but also push the boundaries of technological capabilities, positioning us as a key player in the defence industry and enhancing the UK’s defence infrastructure.
Global Defence Technology: How does Perfect Bore differentiate itself from competitors in the precision barrel manufacturing market, particularly with your recent product launches?
Will Laughton: Perfect Bore sets itself apart by revitalising UK mortar system capabilities and successfully manufacturing advanced barrel technologies. Our ability to onshore UK barrel manufacturing and provide a comprehensive suite of mortar systems for the British Army distinguishes us from competitors, reinforcing our reputation as a leader in precision engineering.
Global Defence Technology: With your extensive experience in high-temperature corrosion-resistant alloys, how does Perfect Bore maintain quality and compliance with stringent industry standards?
Will Laughton: We operate a world-class facility spreading across multiple sites. Within our organisation, we have some of the UK’s top analysts and quality specialists ensuring compliance with industry standards and maintaining exceptional quality.
Global Defence Technology: How does your collaboration with major OEMs and primary contractors influence Perfect Bore’s strategic direction and innovation efforts?
Will Laughton: Collaborations with industry giants and primary contractors allow us to integrate cutting-edge technologies into our products and align our innovation efforts with industry leaders. These partnerships enhance our strategic direction by ensuring we remain competitive and at the forefront of technological advancements, ultimately benefiting our clients and the defence sector.
Global Defence Technology: How do you see the consolidation efforts of the British Army’s vehicle fleet influencing Perfect Bore’s strategic direction and product development in the coming years?
Will Laughton: The British Army’s consolidation efforts to streamline vehicle types present opportunities for us to align our product development with the Army’s strategic goals. By focusing on providing versatile and compatible firing systems, we can support the Army’s objectives and strengthen our position in the defence sector, ensuring our products meet future operational demands.
Company Profile
Perfect Bore is a premier provider of precision engineering services. They pride themselves on being the UK’s solution to long diameter to length or complex bore detail components. Having over three decades of experience in manufacturing precision tubular components, they are well equipped to deliver the future projects in hand.
Their expertise extends to working with high-temperature corrosion-resistant alloys such as Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy, and stainless steels, meeting the stringent requirements of major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and sub-tier companies.
Perfect Bore is a key supplier to the aerospace and defence sectors, with its bore solutions present in components used by leading manufacturers like Airbus, BAe, Goodrich Actuation Systems, Boeing, Moog, and Rolls Royce in projects such as the B787 Dreamliner, A400M, and A350. The company is committed to quality and on-time delivery, adhering to ‘just-in-time’ schedules and lean manufacturing initiatives to provide cost-effective solutions.
Perfect Bore maintains a fully accredited integrated management system compliant with AS9100:D/ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2023, and is the NDA’s Supply Chain Charter for Nuclear Decommissioning Sites.
Contact information
Perfect Bore Manufacturing Ltd
Sterling Park, East Portway Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3TZ
Tel.: +44 (0)1264 360800
Email: sales@pbm-ltd.com
Web: www.pbm-ltd.com
