First female general manager at Wednesfield galvanizing giant

A Wednesfield galvanizing company which operates from 14 plants across the UK has appointed its first-ever female general manager.

Anita Bate, who joined the team at Edward Howell Galvanizers back in 1996 to provide administrative support, will head up both the plant and wider Wedge Group Galvanizing business.

Edward Howell Galvanizers is part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years.

Her appointment follows the retirement of her predecessor, Kevin Addiss, who retired in 2020 after 44 years with the company.

Bate said: “I first joined the team at Edward Howell as short-term maternity cover helping out with the many administrative tasks involved in running the business. But, when the lady ended up not coming back, it was mine to keep — and I’ve never left! Over the last 24 years I’ve worked my way up through the ranks, gaining as much knowledge and insight as I can about the business and wider galvanizing industry.

“While I’ve enjoyed every single role, my appointment as general manager is the one I’m most proud of. As a family business, the Wedge Group is extremely flexible and open in its approach, always providing opportunities for individuals to progress and grow. In fact, I’ve always said that Wedge is a place where you can truly create a career, not just have a job – if you have ambition and are willing to put yourself forward, you can literally achieve anything.”

Chris Woolridge, managing director at Wedge Group Galvanizing, added: “Anita is an extremely experienced and committed member of staff who has been instrumental over the past two decades in helping us to continually do business better and I look forward to her valued input and direction in the years to come.”