Seven decades of bringing ideas to life

Director Philip Martin reflects on Ogle’s remarkable 70-year history. 

In a landscape of product development and innovation, where precision meets creativity, we have firmly established ourselves as a market leader. We have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, becoming pioneers in the world of prototyping and modelmaking. 

Since our journey began 70 years ago, we have evolved into a symbol of quality. Translating ideas into a finished product has been a driving force behind our success. We don’t see ourselves as just a service provider; we are a partner in the creative process. 

A lot has changed since we opened for business in 1954. But one of the things that remains the same is our commitment to producing the best that we can, in terms of speed, accuracy and quality. 

Agile and adaptable 

As a company, we have had to remain agile and adaptable to be able to move with the times. Our ongoing investment, not just in the latest machines, but also in the best people, means that we have worked with some giants of industry, as well as supporting startups to bring products to market. 

One of the cornerstones of our market leadership is our unmatched expertise in an array of prototyping techniques. From industrial modelmaking to cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, we possess an expansive skillset that enables us to cater to a wide range of client needs.  

Our team comprises seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of experience to the table. Their collective expertise spans various industries, including product and consumer goods, architecture, film and TV, automotive, aerospace and medical.  

This wealth of knowledge allows us to provide valuable insights and recommendations to clients, positioning us as trusted advisors in the realm of product development and low volume manufacture. 

Staying relevant 

Innovation is our lifeblood, and it is embedded in every aspect of the company’s operations. Our desire to stay ahead of the curve is evident in our continual investment in industrial 3D printing, CNC machining and vacuum casting. By investing in and adopting the latest advancements, we ensure that our clients benefit from the most innovative and efficient prototyping solutions available. 

We have always stayed relevant and are always researching key developments. In 1988, we installed one of the first vacuum casting machines in the UK and were also among the first in the industry to introduce additive SLA technology back in 1996, adding SLS machines just a few years later. 

The past 70 years have featured a plethora of exciting and high-profile projects from the Raleigh Chopper, Jetstream 41 and the Aston Martin Sotheby Special, to costumes and props for the latest blockbusters, electric vehicle concepts and the latest aircraft interior mock ups. Every single model or prototype has been created with the expert skills of the team to take what comes off the machines to the next level. 

Understanding our customers 

We work closely with each and every customer, adopting a client-centric approach which is rooted in the understanding that each project is unique. By taking the time to comprehend the client’s vision, challenges and goals, we can tailor our prototyping solutions to address specific needs. This bespoke approach not only fosters stronger client relationships but also contributes to the overall success of the projects undertaken. 

We have built up a reputation for being able to consistently deliver quality models on time, every time. That isn’t something that happens by chance. Our dedicated team work in tandem with the client to ensure the best outcomes. 

We are incredibly privileged to have worked with so many amazing clients over the past 70 years, pushing our capabilities and allowing us to evolve and help shape the future of prototyping. We thank everyone who has supported us over the years and look forward to many more.