Subcontractor celebration
“The information we get via the BTMA is invaluable, as are the networking opportunities,” he says. “I would never consider lapsing our membership.” The family way Founded in 1965, Wealdpark’s original owner sold to Phil Smith’s father (an employee of the business since 1968) in 1995. Phil, along with brother Steve, today runs a steady ship by nurturing a happy and rewarding workplace for his skilled staff. One employee, Ken Jones, has been at Wealdpark for 53 years, while shop foreman Joe Savage will reach 50 years of service in August. Although long-serving employees and low staff turnover are testament to the business, the brothers are also proactive about recruiting the next generation of engineers. “A few years back I visited our local school, which had introduced engineering to its syllabus. We ended up taking on two school leavers, who we put through an apprenticeship in lean manufacturing run by the MTC in Liverpool, which they have now passed. Getting young people interested in engineering is key for our business and industry as a whole.” Record revenues Although somewhat surprised, Phil smith says the current market demand for subcontract machining services at Wealdpark is exceptionally high. “After the election last year we expected a market downturn, but it’s gone the other way. We had our best ever February, while March was the best month in our history. Going to the most recent BTMA meeting, it seems many others are seeing the same - unexpectedly busy!” Initiatives at Wealdpark moving forward include the introduction of solar panels that will help cut the company’s electricity bill by
around a third. Adopting renewables is clearly key considering the high operating costs of a manufacturing business. Material prices represent another example. “The best policy with material prices is honesty. Yes, if material prices spike, we have little choice but to raise our prices in turn, but we always lower them again if prices decrease. Customers appreciate our transparency and it reinforces our position as their trusted partner in precision engineering.” As for now, the company is busy enjoying its 60-year anniversary. All staff and their partners were recently treated to a meal at an Italian restaurant in nearby Ormskirk. It was the same venue used for the firm’s 50th anniversary 10 years ago. The taste of success is clearly proving “After the election last year we expected a market downturn, but it’s gone the other way. We had our best ever February, while March was the best month in our history.”
addictive at Wealdpark. n www.wealdpark.co.uk
26 Machinery & Manufacturing
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