Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE) is a leading UK-based manufacturer specialising in precision photo-etched components used in a wide variety of high-technology industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical. With a strong focus on innovation and quality, ACE operates at the forefront of chemical etching technology, delivering bespoke solutions to meet exacting customer specifications from their state-of-the-art facility in Telford.
The Challenge
Advanced Chemical Etching needed a reliable recruitment partner to support their evolving staffing needs, particularly on the shop floor where skill, precision, and attitude are paramount. For over 14 years, colleagues at Jonathan Lee Recruitment have worked closely with Jayne Powell, HR & Business Improvement Director, supporting ACE with temporary-to-permanent staffing solutions that meet both the technical and cultural requirements of the business.
Although the initial focus was on manufacturing operatives, over time the relationship expanded to include support across Quality, Manufacturing, and Office-based roles. The challenge has always been sourcing people who not only meet technical standards but also align with ACE’s company culture, where consistency, attention to detail, and long-term commitment are ke
The Solution
Thanks to a longstanding partnership with Jayne and her team, our consultants have built a deep understanding of ACE’s operations, hiring expectations, and values. This familiarity has enabled us to act swiftly and efficiently when new roles arise — often without the need for a formal job description. Our solution has been based on:
- Long-term candidate relationship building, enabling us to quickly match individuals with ACE’s needs.
- On-site visits and ongoing engagement, ensuring we stay aligned with evolving business demands.
- A flexible temporary-to-permanent recruitment model, giving ACE the ability to assess candidates in real-time while maintaining production continuity.
- Support with niche roles, including permanent hires in Quality and Credit Control, where cultural fit and specialist knowledge were crucial.
In the last 12 months alone, Jonathan Lee Recruitment has helped ACE hire 10 new team members, including:
- 9 within Manufacturing and Quality
- 1 in Credit Control, broadening our support to business-critical back-office functions.
The Results
Over the years, our continued success in delivering trusted, tried-and-tested candidates has helped ACE reduce time-to-hire, improve staff retention, and maintain workforce productivity across busy periods.
Our ability to deliver consistently high-quality candidates, backed by local market knowledge and a true partnership approach, has ensured ACE continues to see Jonathan Lee Recruitment as one of their preferred recruitment suppliers.
As ACE continues to grow and evolve within the advanced manufacturing space, we’re proud to remain a trusted recruitment partner, supporting their ambitions with a people-first, performance-driven service.
"...confident they will be able to supply ACE with the right candidate for the role"
Over the years I have developed a very good working relationship with Adam Wheatley and his team at Jonathan Lee Recruitment and feel confident they will be able to supply ACE with the right candidate for the role.
Jayne Powell, HR Director, Advanced Chemical Etching
Need help with your recruitment?
Since 1978 Jonathan Lee Recruitment has been providing a premier recruitment service to the engineering, manufacturing and technology sectors.
Our specialist team of recruiters, many of whom are experienced industry professionals, work closely with our clients to identify their needs and provide them with the best possible solution. We offer permanent and contract recruitment, temporary and project-based staffing, interim management, executive search and design services.
If you're struggling with energy or renewables recruitment or have a renewables or energy vacancy you need to fill then you aren't alone, simply fill out the form below and we'll be in touch.
Work with Jonathan Lee Recruitment
Contact us today to discover how we can help with your recruitment needs
"*" indicates required fields