Team Knowledge: Tony Tillett

In the fast-paced world of technology, standing the test of time is no easy feat. Yet, Tony Tillett, the founder and chairman of Status Metrology Solutions has not only weathered the storms but also steered the company to unparalleled success and achievements.

Since Status was founded 1992 we’ve seen it all from the introduction of PC-DMIS to Equator Gauging. Throughout the years, we’ve been riding the wave of innovation, pushing boundaries, and having a blast while doing it. Looking forward, our commitment to staying at the forefront of technology remains rock solid.

As Status Metrology continues to redefine the boundaries of innovation and surpass all expectations, Tony shares his remarkable journey, from humble beginnings of CMM measuring equipment and the birth of the Status Metrology brand to becoming a leading provider in the UK.

How did your early career progress?

Reflecting on the early days of my career feels like stepping into a time machine filled with excitement and adventure. My journey began in 1976 when at the age of 24 I found myself at the forefront of the technological revolution. While employed as a computer programmer for the National Coal Board in Staffordshire, fate intervened when a local engineering company, venturing into the emerging field of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), offered me an unexpected opportunity. Tasked with developing CMM software, I grappled with the limitations of the era, where software was stored on paper tapes and memory capacity barely reached a mere 16k of memory!

As the years rolled on, so did the technological revolution. Storage devices evolved from cassette tapes and Floppy disks to CDs and hard drives, memory sticks. Now everything is stored remotely using cloud technology. When I started in the industry PCs were non-existent and we relied on mini computers.  Software measuring capabilities were limited to 2D measurements, and companies like Hewlett Packard led the charge in supplying computers to the metrology industry before being succeeded by IBM and later Dell.

And then came the big leap: trading in my computer room for the dynamic, high-energy world of the Application Programming Department. This change allowed me to collaborate with the sales team, demonstrating CMM machines to potential customers and delivering training courses. Eventually, I was promoted to Applications Manager and during that time, I represented the company at major exhibitions around the world in countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe.

When and how did Status Metrology begin?

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. The recession and economic downturn of the early 1990s dealt a heavy blow to the CMM company I was working for and they went into administration due to two significant factors:

1. A financial recession resulting in a limited amount of funds to invest in new technologies.
2. Advances in technology. For example, the change from DOS to Windows operating systems and the transition from Analogue Controllers to Digital Controllers were two factors which were debilitating for small companies to invest in.

After exploring various new employment prospects, I made the decision to establish my own CMM service company with my fellow senior managers. The process of starting a new business was challenging and daunting, but with the assistance of local business advisors and securing funding Status Metrology was born in 1992, with a little help from our friends at the National Coal Board, Nottinghamshire County Council, and HSBC.

What has happened since those early years in 1992?

Over time Status Metrology has established a niche for itself as the UK’s leading CMM Service Provider. We have provided invaluable support to leading brands like Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and Renishaw, pioneering initiatives such as CMM upgrades and retrofits. We’re not just following the trends; we’re setting them! Ever heard of refurbished CMMS? That was us, leading the charge and still holding the crown for the largest stock of Premium Second User CMMS.

Our contract measuring service is where the real magic happens. With not one, but two cutting-edge laboratories, we’re equipped with everything from touch scanning to laser scanning and optical measurement – you name it, we can measure it!

Our dedication to customer service and technological innovation has earned us a sterling reputation in the industry. We are a proud partner of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and have been over 25 years and were recently appointed as their ‘Prime Partner’.

Our hard work is paying off as our capacity has skyrocketed, and we’ve upgraded to a shiny new 12,000 square foot facility in the heart of the East Midlands.

What are you most proud of during your time at Status?

I am delighted to have invested in our team, helping them develop into specialists within a niche industry and structuring the company into a mature, professional entity. Status enjoys a prestigious customer base, ranging from esteemed OEMs to Tier 1, 2, and 3 manufacturers across a spectrum of industries including Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Formula One, and Nuclear.

As proud partners of Hexagon MI, the world’s leading CMM manufacturer, Status has enjoyed unparalleled access to cutting-edge technology, enabling us to deliver top-of-the-line products and services to our valued customers. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is exemplified by our certifications, including ISO 9001, Health and Safety, and Sustainability standards.

I still feel that buzz when we bring a new client on board and attribute our success to a winning combination of cutting-edge technology, dedicated employees, loyal customers, and supportive partners.

A heartfelt thank you is owed to every member of the Status team, our cherished customers, our invaluable partners, and our trusted suppliers. While our business may be built on state-of-the-art technology, it’s the remarkable individuals who have joined us on this incredible journey that has truly made all the difference. Together, we’ve achieved more than I ever dreamed possible.