Manufacturer expands workforce to meet growth targets

An engineering business in the West Midlands has expanded its workforce with a new intake of apprentices.

The move by Shropshire-based Fabweld Steel Products (FSP) is part of the firm’s long-term growth strategy.

The company, which has three apprentices in training, is looking to add to this by recruiting up to three more apprentice welders and fabricators, plus more for its administration team.

Two members of staff are being supported to pursue degrees and the firm has also appointed a dedicated in-house training co-ordinator to drive up skills across the board.

Kacper Zasacki and Ashley Guerra-Rigby are undertaking welding apprenticeships through In-Comm Training, with Jack Loftus following a sales apprenticeship at Telford College.

Production Scheduler Chris James is studying for a degree in Manufacturing Engineering while Design Engineer Dan Brown is following a degree course in Product Design. Both are studying at the University of Wolverhampton’s Telford campus on day release from their jobs at FSP.

Norman Carter has taken on the new role of training co-ordinator and is also overseeing other staff training through Shropshire Chamber of Commerce’s 100% Funded Training scheme, which provides free courses in sales, leadership, online marketing, customer care and health & safety to SMEs.

FSP, which manufactures innovative steel access covers and drainage products at its factory in Madeley, has a strong tradition of supporting staff development. Its Operations Director Wayne Carter began his career on the shop floor as an apprentice.

The firm has grown from a two-man partnership to one that now employs 35 staff and has an annual turnover of more than £3m.

Richard Hilton, managing director, said: “We are committed to bringing on young talent and giving our staff the opportunity to develop their careers and improve their skills.

“It not only benefits our business on a day to day basis but it underpins our long term plans for strategic and sustainable growth. We want to offer more people a career path like Wayne where they can progress from a skilled role into management.”

Sales apprentice Jack Loftus is pictured with his supervisor Chris Corbett.