Driven by quality. Committed to continuous improvement.
About us
We pride ourselves on getting the job done right first time – and on time. No matter the industry or challenge, we’re here to deliver reliable, high-quality tools and models you can count on.
Where we started
Our History
1985
The Phoenix Pattern & Tool Co formed by Barry Elsmore, Tom and Chris Johnson, at the Fordhouse road industrial estate.
1995
Phoenix Patterns purchase the first 3 axis CNC machine. Cincinati machine, more details needed.
2000
Phoenix moved into they’re current facility in Heath Town Wolverhampton.
2002
PPT invested in CAD/CAM software.
2004
Developed our own management system and integrated it into ISO 9001-2015. It encompasses all that we do, from quote to invoice. We are very proud to have achieved the accreditation in December 2004.
2010
Phoenix Patterns purchase the first 5 axis CNC machine. Job Blitz machine with 2200mm x 1800mm x 1060mm parameters. Brought from the Renault Formula 1 team.
2012
Phoenix invested in FARO Arm technologies with both measuring and scanning capabilities.
2015
Phoenix's machine investment program
went on to purchase a Hurco 2.2m x 1.2m x 0.9m steel cutting 3 axis CNC milling machine, at the time this was one of the largest and most advanced machines in the UK.
2017
Phoenix's investment in CNC machines continued with the purchase of the CMS Antares 5 axis 2.6m x 1.5m x 1.1m milling machine.
2025
New ownership by management buy out, led by Darren Knowles and Gary Timmins. Phoenix Patterns enhance the model cutting capabilities with the purchase of the Fanum 5 axis machine. 4.6m x 1.7m x 1.0m
Fordhouse Road Site - 1985
Cincinnati Machine - 1995
Job Blitz Machine - 2010
Hurco Machine - 2015
Fanum Machine - 2025
Meet our team
Who we are
Darren Knowles
Managing Director
Darren brings more than 30 years of experience in Pattern and Toolmaking, with over 25 of those years spent at Phoenix Patterns. As a hands-on leader, Darren leads the business with a proactive, front-line approach. Having taken on the role of MD in 2025, he is eager to tackle the challenges ahead and embrace the evolving technologies that drive the business forward.
Gary Timmins
Production Director
Gary brings over 25 years of expertise in Patternmaking, with much of that time focused on mastering the CAD design aspect of the business. His deep experience in Pattern Tooling plays a crucial role in the success Phoenix Patterns has achieved with its Foundry industry clients. Gary stepped into the role of Works Director in 2024, and with his hands-on leadership style, he has earned the respect of both the Phoenix Patterns team and the broader Foundry community.
Tony Neal
Production/Project Manager
Tony has over 30 years of experience in the automotive model and tooling industry, having worked on both the supplier and OEM sides of the business. He brings a wealth of knowledge in patterns, moulds, jigs, and fixtures to Phoenix Patterns. Joining the company in 2020, Tony thrives on the challenges of exploring new markets and building relationships with fresh, exciting customers and their projects.
Darren Knowles
Managing Director
Darren brings more than 30 years of experience in Pattern and Toolmaking, with over 25 of those years spent at Phoenix Patterns. As a hands-on leader, Darren leads the business with a proactive, front-line approach. Having taken on the role of MD in 2025, he is eager to tackle the challenges ahead and embrace the evolving technologies that drive the business forward.
Gary Timmins
Production Director
Gary brings over 25 years of expertise in Patternmaking, with much of that time focused on mastering the CAD design aspect of the business. His deep experience in Pattern Tooling plays a crucial role in the success Phoenix Patterns has achieved with its Foundry industry clients. Gary stepped into the role of Works Director in 2024, and with his hands-on leadership style, he has earned the respect of both the Phoenix Patterns team and the broader Foundry community.
Tony Neal
Production/Project Manager
Tony has over 30 years of experience in the automotive model and tooling industry, having worked on both the supplier and OEM sides of the business. He brings a wealth of knowledge in patterns, moulds, jigs, and fixtures to Phoenix Patterns. Joining the company in 2020, Tony thrives on the challenges of exploring new markets and building relationships with fresh, exciting customers and their projects.
Contact
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