New ownership team at specialist engineering business

Tadcaster-based engineering firm Tadweld has announced new ownership, as the business celebrates a record-breaking year despite the challenges presented by the pandemic.

Richard Byfield, John Denton, Iain Leedham, Paul Rose and Kevin Wheelock have taken the reins, heralding a new era for the firm.

It was founded in 1978 to create steel and engineering services for the town’s local breweries, businesses and farming community.

Tadweld now works with some of the world’s largest brands – including Coca Cola, Britvic, Guinness, Nestle, Diageo and Tetra Pak – providing steel solutions with its team of skilled engineers.

Its work includes installing time-critical platforms and walkways, which are often the base for significant production line investment.

The new owners bring a wealth of manufacturing, operational and financial experience.

2019/20 – their first full financial year at the helm – has seen a revenue increase of 23% and a 97% increase in profit for the firm.

The team has led on a rebrand of Tadweld, which includes a new logo and new website which launched earlier this month.

With a large proportion of Tadweld’s customers being in the food and drink sector, the company plays a vital role in these supply chains and has continued to operate throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

A sudden spike in demand experienced by these sectors when the Government announced lockdown in March, meant Tadweld worked with its key customers to install new lines and increase production capacity, keeping supplies moving.

Chris Joy, operational director who has been an integral part of the Tadweld team for more than 25 years, sits on the board of directors along with the company’s new owners.

Tadweld’s new chairman and director Paul Rose – formerly an EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Manufacturing and one of Yorkshire’s leading businessmen – said: “This fantastic business opportunity was brought to the team of investors by Richard Byfield who had known the previous owner and the business for many years.

“In a very short time, we have seen some amazing results, improving efficiency, growing revenues and increasing profits during a hugely challenging period for many UK manufacturers.

“The new board is excited to build on these encouraging results whilst retaining a firm commitment to working with our highly-trained specialist engineers to provide the innovative, practical solutions that have been the cornerstone of Tadweld’s success for decades.”