About Us
Atlas Machine Knives Ltd was founded in 1981 initially specialising in providing the converting industries with a reliable and comprehensive machine knife sales and sharpening services. In 2004 the ownership of the company changed hands, and Gary France became the owner and Director. Gary implemented a 5 year growth plan with the aim of expanding the business to serve a wider customer base, and to put quality and customer service at the forefront of everything we do.
With Gary’s years of experience in the engineering sector, the company has grown and now provides services and replacement knives to all types of different industries across the UK and beyond.
As part of this growth in 2006 we moved to a new 550 m² workshop in Elland, West Yorkshire and invested in a number of modern CNC controlled machines to increase our sharpening capability. During 2008 our team of highly skilled fully qualified engineers was also expanded, further increasing our knowledge and experience of all aspects of machine knives and sharpening.
In 2013 Gary stepped down as director and wanting to keep the company a family affair, his son Matthew France took over as Director. Matthew aims to grow the company further, and to put even more emphasis on our high quality, customer focused service.
Our Team
Matthew France
Matthew is the manager director of Atlas Machine Knives Ltd. He is following in the footsteps of his father and has been part of the company since 2004.
During this time he has amassed a vast knowledge of machine knives, their application, and solutions to cutting problems.
Matthew is passionate about customer service and is well known for his approachable professional attitude.
Managing Director
Martin Stephenson
Martin is our most senior engineer, and has racked up almost 40 years as an engineer and tool maker.
He previously worked for the world famous David Brown making ship gearboxes. He started working at Atlas Machine Knives Ltd in 2004, and has moved up the ranks to now run the workshop.
He has a vast knowledge of all things machine knives and sharpening and you can rest assured that Martin will have no trouble at all sharpening your knives and providing technical advice.
Senior Engineer
Senior EngineerDan Buckley
Dan is the senior engineer that runs the workshop on a day to day basis.
Hard working, diligent and with more than 10 years of experience working with machine knives ensures that the machining side of the business keeps running smoothly. Dan is the main problem solver at Atlas Machine Knives.
In his spare time Dan enjoys anything motorsport, and is a keen motorcycle racer.
EngineerJoe Bates
Working at Atlas Machine Knives Ltd since early 2011, Joe is Martin's prodigy learning all aspects of machine knife sharpening. Joe brings a younger interest in the company, and is gaining experience in every department.
He is often the main contact for our customers as he runs the collection and delivery service, as well as our sales and marketing team.
Finance ManagerKate Smith
Kate is our finance manager and looks after all the accounting, invoicing, and payments. She has been part of the company since 2008 and in that time has been responsible for improving our company efficiency.
Kate enjoys going to gym, cooking and website development in her spare time.
Office DogPippa
Pippa the office dog is not that interested in machine knives. She much prefers doggy treats and chasing her ball around the workshop.
She’s always ready with a friendly welcome for any guests that visit the workshop 🐾