Alpha Manufacturing, a Staffordshire-Based Family Business, Enhances Capabilities with £450,000 Investment in New Equipment

Alpha Manufacturing, a proud member of The HEX Group, is excited to announce a £450,000 investment in the acquisition of the cutting-edge Trumpf TruBend 5170S. This state-of-the-art machinery will not only elevate the company’s manufacturing capabilities but also contribute to its commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

The introduction of the Trumpf TruBend 5170S signifies a significant leap forward for Alpha Manufacturing in terms of quality, accuracy, and efficiency.

The key features of the new machinery include:

Automatic Controlled Bending: The Trumpf TruBend 5170S enables automatic controlled bending, ensuring greater precision and quality in the manufacturing process.

3D Programme Folding: Alpha Manufacturing can now leverage 3D programmes for folding, enhancing visual management and further streamlining the production process.

Part Indicator Technology: The machinery is equipped with part indicator technology, preventing incorrect folding and significantly reducing errors, waste, and production time.

Environmental Impact: Alpha Manufacturing’s investment aligns with its commitment to environmental sustainability. The Trumpf TruBend 5170S contributes to the company’s 2037 carbon neutrality goal by reducing energy consumption and promoting eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

Paul Clews, Managing Director at Alpha Manufacturing, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “The Trumpf TruBend 5170S represents a significant step forward for Alpha Manufacturing, allowing us to deliver even higher quality products while aligning with our environmental goals. This investment reinforces our commitment to providing the best for our customers, our team, and the planet.”

Gerry Jones, Sales Director at TRUMPF, added: “Alpha manufacturing are a key customer in the UK and a forerunner in terms of technical capability, the TruBend 5170 S strengthens their position.”

We look forward to working with Alpha Manufacturing and supporting their exciting progress.”

Benefits for Alpha Manufacturing and Its Stakeholders:

The Trumpf TruBend 5170S brings a host of benefits to Alpha Manufacturing, its dedicated team, and the environment:

Lift Support: The bend support arm of the machinery can handle parts weighing up to 100KG, enhancing efficiency and capacity.

Reduced Manual Handling: Automation and innovative technology minimize the need for manual handling, promoting a safer and more ergonomic work environment.

Energy Efficiency: The new machinery is designed with reduced energy consumption in mind, contributing to Alpha Manufacturing’s sustainability initiatives.

Offline Programming: The Trumpf TruBend 5170S allows for offline programming, providing opportunities to increase machine uptime and overall output.

A family business – Alpha Manufacturing

At Alpha Manufacturing and The HEX Group, family values are integral to who we are.

As a family business, we’re so proud to have built an environment where multiple members from the same family often work within The HEX Group.

One family duo within Alpha Manufacturing is Sam and Charlie, a mother-and-daughter team who work side by side to help assemble our premium-quality, luxury garden furniture.

Sam and Charlie, mother and daughter who are employed by our family business

To see how they work together at The HEX Group, we asked them a few questions…

How long have you both worked for Alpha Manufacturing?

We joined Alpha Manufacturing in February 2022, so around 17 months now.

We both applied and came for our job interviews at the same time.

Are you in the same job as when you first started?

No, we were initially employed to work in a different assembly area.

When the group started the HEX Living brand, our role focused solely on supporting HEX Living as it grew.

What does your average day look like?

Typically, our day includes everything from picking, packing, building, assembling, and sorting the labels and paperwork out for delivery of HEX Living garden products. This role has a lot of variety, and all days are different. It’s very fast-paced, which suits both of us down to the ground.

How did you both apply/get the job?

We applied online and heard back quickly, and we both started on permanent contracts.

How do you find working with each other?

We love it. We are like best friends, so joining a family business really works well for us. We have loads of fun and really enjoy working together. We know how to work with each other, and we can pick up where the other left off, so it does work like clockwork for us.

Is there much opportunity for progression with Alpha Manufacturing and The HEX Group?

Absolutely, there is plenty of opportunities for career progression. Right now, though, we’re enjoying the role we have.

There are so many different exciting projects going on. When prototypes for new products get approved, we are usually the first ones to build and assemble them, which is loads of fun and quite satisfying getting things right the first time.

What did you do before joining Alpha Manufacturing?

Sam: I’ve worked in many different sectors, including other factory and assembly work, logistics, and office work, including sales and cleaning jobs.

Charlie: I am fully qualified as a nursery nurse. After college, I spent many years in this setting. I have done factory work too.  

Is quality important in your role?

Very important, as we are building and assembling, if we get anything wrong it can lead to delays for the customer – we’re very quality focused and give everything a pre-check before it goes to inspection.

We also have to pay attention to checking the paperwork is correct and labels are correctly put on the packaged parts, or it could cause a huge issue which is very time-consuming to fix. We take great pride in our work, which is reflected in the finished product. 

Any advice for others tempted to join Alpha Manufacturing and The HEX Group?

Working with family suits us; we get on well and enjoy our job, so if that sounds like you, we recommend it. The HEX Group is a great family business and it offers many job roles across its divisions to suit everyone, and it’s straightforward to apply.

Laser Operator: Meet Josh Boothroyd

Laser Operator

How long did it take you to learn the skills of a laser operator?

It takes a couple of weeks to learn the basic process of using the laser machine, and over time you pick up more advanced and effective ways of being a laser operator.

Is there any progression in this area?

Yes, there’s lots of progression. You can start off as a machine operator and then learn maintenance on the machine. And then finally, learning to programme the machines with all different settings. My personal experience of progressing is working on the machines, then into the bend cell working on the Salvagnini panel bender, then to the laser and training new people or apprentices.

What fascinates you about the laser?

The range of parts that the machine can cut. Also, the range of materials it works really well with. Just the whole general function of the machine is really fascinating.

What’s the thickest material you have worked with on this machine?

I have worked with materials up to 20ml thickness; the thinnest material it can accurately work with is 0.5ml.

What did you want to do as a job when you left school/college?

My first job leaving school was in a factory; I have always wanted to work in something to do with engineering as there’s so much choice.

What other experience do you have?

I did my work experience in a machine shop on various things. But generally, I have a machining background, and I’m happy to stay in it and progress as much as possible.

What is one fact about your job?

The laser I work with, Bystronic Bysprint fibre 4020, produces up to 4000 watts, making cutting through the most challenging materials easy.

How long have you worked here, and how did you start?

I started off at Alpha Manufacturing as an apprentice nearly 7 years ago now. I had to work in each area to gain my on-the-job knowledge and experience, and I was happy to accept a job in the machine operative area as that’s my background.

What are your daily responsibilities?

To make sure the machine is running as it should be. Operate and maintain the machine to prolong its life span, it’s used 24 hours a day, so it needs regular checking and maintenance to ensure it’s working at 100% efficiency.

Spotlight on Atlas Coating – Powder Coating Loading

Cheryelle - powder coating

The Atlas Coating facility uses the most advanced powder coating technology available in the world and as a result works with customers to deliver finished products that can withstand the rigours of every environment including heavy engineering and construction.

As a Track Loader at Atlas Coating, Cherelle Woodward plays a pivitol role in setting up products on the track for spraying. Failure to hang parts correctly could result in products not being sprayed as required, and resulting in parts that may be unprotected. From small, intricate parts, up to large parts used for machinery, the number of items she hangs varies from day to day.

It’s also critical that Cherelle and the team load the paint plant as efficiently as possible. With energy prices at a record high its more important than ever to maximise the number of parts we put through the plant every hour in order to give our customers a competitive price.

Cherelle says “I really enjoy working at Atlas Coatings, part of The HEX Group. The team I work in are great. I find it really interesting seeing the variety of different parts that we paint every day for our customers, we never know what we will be doing next!”

Cherelle joined Atlas Coating as a temp doing night shifts, becoming a permanent member of staff in March 2022. Before joining the business, Cherelle worked in goods in and as a quality inspector. Living in the local Hixon village, Staffordshire, she’s right on the doorstep of The HEX Group, and is proud to work for the ever-expanding company.

In her spare time Cherelle enjoys walking, watching films – The Lord of the Rings is a favourite of hers, and reading crime novels.

To find out more about our Atlas Coating and our powder coating technology, click here.

Meet the Team – Micheal Howells

From Quality to Costing, we recently caught up with Micheal Howells to understand his career journey so far and how his new role as Costing Engineer in Alpha Manufacturing is going.

Leaving college, Micheal had a passion for Quality and secured his first job as Quality Inspector at Alpha Manufacturing in 2016. Enjoying the role but finding working shifts a challenge, Micheal left and spent the following number of years working within Construction, volunteering as a Special Constable, and gaining a degree in Professional Policing. Micheal comments, “Quality was my first employment, and although I didn’t want to leave, it allowed me to experience a number of different avenues.”

Luckily for us, Micheal returned to his roots and re-joined the Quality Team at Alpha Manufacturing, and in June last year, he accepted the new challenge of Costing Engineer. Micheal adds, “the experience of working within Quality has given me the understanding of processes and customer requirements, which I can implement within this new role. I think it is important to learn the groundwork of any job to enable career progression, which is what I aim for now.”

During his spare time, Micheal likes to keep fit by playing squash and hiking, socialising with friends and music, with a particular interest in the guitar.

The Biggest Challenges Facing Manufacturing and Engineering in Britain

Confronted with many challenges and barriers that put immense pressure on many British firms’ bottom line, it’s becoming more difficult for UK businesses to remain competitive in global markets. We’ve looked closely at the top three challenges facing Alpha Manufacturing, part of The HEX Group, and how we’re combatting these.

Increased Energy Costs – Due to an attempt to rapidly transition to renewable energy from fossil fuels, and the ongoing world conflict, energy costs are snowballing. Almost 60 per cent of companies within the manufacturing sector highlight how rising energy bills are threatening their business. Tackling this problem head-on, in 2022, Alpha Manufacturing installed 1770 solar panels covering 3,570.5m2 of roof space. Over 12 months, this will save the company 150t in CO2e carbon emissions and take the business one step closer to achieving carbon neutrality by 2037.

Recruitment Challenges, Staff Retention and Skill Shortage – The typical cost to recruit a new employee in the UK is £3,000. As a result of economic inactivity – people not working and not looking for work – labour supply and employment are below pre-pandemic levels. The need for skilled workers continues, but an ageing population and fewer young people taking vocational courses have compounded the problem, especially in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, which rely heavily on the expertise of engineers. Employing almost 500 employees across The HEX Group, Group People and Culture Manager Karen Barnacle faces these challenges regularly says

“Recruitment and retention have become a real challenge over the past 2 years, with vacancies that we would previously fill relatively easily now taking a lot longer.  In order to try and alleviate this problem, we have implemented several recognition and reward packages for our employees including a 10% pay increase, a refer a friend scheme and an employee health cash plan.  However, the lack of available skilled resource is still a real concern for us as a business”.

Supply Difficulties – Supply chain disruption in the UK can be very complex. High transport costs, Brexit trade barriers, global supply problems and panic buying have all contributed to manufacturing delays. Supply chain issues hinder economic development by preventing British companies from exporting goods abroad at competitive prices. Alpha Manufacturing has seen first-hand how the supply chain can affect day-to-day business.

Michael Whitfield, Sales Director for Alpha Manufacturing, explains, “We’re passionate about investing in supply chain integration at Alpha. In the past, we’ve experienced challenges outsourcing certain processes to outside suppliers. By bringing more and more processes in-house and investing in capacity and automation, we take supply chain risk away from our customers and maximise production control. Similarly, since the pandemic, we have seen a surge in UK businesses looking to bring their supply chain back to the UK from overseas. As a British manufacturing business, we are happy to help our customers eliminate their challenges around delivery delays and import complexity”.

UK manufacturers are resilient by nature; however, they face another 12 months of uncertainty and remain stretched. At Alpha Manufacturing, we work closely with our customers to ensure we meet their project deadlines and deliver excellent quality products every time.

The heat pump revolution is underway and we’re here to help you make the most of it

We are a UK-based company dedicated to helping businesses across various industries thrive. One area where we excel is in providing support to companies that manufacture heat pumps.

Heat pumps are an essential technology in the journey towards more sustainable and efficient heating systems. These systems use electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to provide efficient heating and cooling for buildings. In doing this, they can be used as an alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems, which can help to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our advanced sheet metal fabrication facility is well-equipped to tackle the unique demands of heat pump manufacturing. With the latest technology and talented professionals, we can deliver high-quality parts and components that meet the precise needs of our clients.

In addition to our fabrication capabilities, we offer various services to support heat pump manufacturers. These include prototyping, design support, and project management. We know that the heat pump market is constantly evolving, and we are passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

At Alpha Manufacturing, we are thrilled to be a trusted partner for companies in the heat pump industry. Whether you are a small start-up or a large corporation, we have the resources and experience to support your manufacturing goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.

 

Meet the team – Rafal

Joining Alpha Manufacturing over nine years ago, Rafal Laczkowski has become crucial in ensuring our products get to our customers in pristine condition as quickly as possible.

Rafal joined the business in the dispatch department. After just one year of working within the team, Rafal’s hard work and commitment were recognised – earning him a promotion to supervisor level.

Despite his love for his team and drive to ensure his job was done to a high standard, Rafal had always dreamed of a different career path.

After eight years within Alpha Manufacturing, seeing the opportunities through training and growth available, Rafal decided it was time to talk to Paul Clews, Managing Director of Alpha Manufacturing, about his childhood dream.

Rafal said, “To be a driver, it was my dream. A proper dream. After eight years working for Alpha Manufacturing, I approached Paul Clews and asked him if there were any opportunities to become a HGV driver.”

Alpha Manufacturing is dedicated to supporting apprentices and staff to achieve their best. This case was no different. The Alpha management team agreed to cover all costs of Raf’s training and guarantee him a role as a delivery driver upon completion.

Paul Clews, Managing Director of Alpha Manufacturing, said, “I’m so proud that we were able to help Raf get to where he wanted to be. It’s important to us as a business to know our staff are happy and fulfilled.”

“A major focus of The HEX Group is to ensure our team has the training opportunities to reach their goals.”

Reflecting on the transition to his new dream role, Rafal said, “I’ve been driving for just over a year now. This job is perfect – from start to finish.”

“My typical day begins with vehicle inspections, ensuring the vehicle is safe on the road. Then, it’s time to supervise the product loads ensuring that everything is secured properly to avoid damage.”

“I can be doing a couple of deliveries a day or doing one longer delivery to places such as Southampton. When I’m driving, you can find me listening to the likes of Michael Jackson, the Pet Shop Boys, and other pop classics to pass the time.”

Rafal’s commitment to ensuring that Alpha Manufacturing’s products get to our customers is second to none. We look forward to sharing more about his role here soon.

Keeping emergency blood supplies safe on blood bikes

Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes deliver urgent supplies to medical settings across the three counties and beyond.

Often relied on in times of emergency, they can provide anything from breast milk for neonatal units to urgent supplies of blood or platelets when hospitals are running low. The service is entirely manned by volunteers, and the team’s 16 motorbikes are a lifeline for its users, covering 350,000 miles a year to support people in need.

Unique solution 

When the charity updated their fleet, they needed help to configure a specialist tray which could be fitted to the back of each bike to transport the much-needed blood boxes and containers needed for deliveries.

Alpha Manufacturing designed a specialist modular tray with various fixing kits to fit multiple styles of bike, including the charity’s new BMW and Moto Guzzi models.

“It really has made a difference”, says Fleet Manager Nigel Howells. “We now have a system that can work with any bike we choose. It can be adapted and remodelled as needed to provide a simple solution which can even transport two different products at the same time.”

Collaborative approach

The HEX Group’s expertise in graphics meant they were also able to source and apply specialist motorbike livery that perfectly fit the charity’s new BMW and Moto Guzzi models.

Having clear signage on their fleet of motorbikes is essential in making sure riders are visible on the road and can be safely identified.

“Our 160 volunteer riders rely on clear signage on the Blood Bikes to keep them safe and make them visible on the road,” adds Nigel.

“When we had to change bike models, it was difficult to find a supplier who could provide the livery required. Working with HEX Graphics has made the whole process simpler, and we can now quickly and easily brand up new bikes so our riders can continue to get out on the roads providing the much-needed support to the NHS.”

Updating eight new bikes and with another three in the pipeline, the Group is hoping the idea will become best practice in helping other Blood Bike teams across the country providing a simple solution to keep volunteer riders safe on the road.

Stafford manufacturer celebrates as new state of the art facility unveiled bringing new jobs and increased production to the area

Alpha Manufacturing has officially unveiled its new state-of-the-art production facility at Beacon Park, Stafford.

The completion of the 35,000sq ft Alpha Manufacturing Chemical Technologies site, on Wednesday 7th September, significantly increases the precision engineering capabilities for leading sheet metal manufacturer Alpha Manufacturing.

Creating 50 new jobs for the area, the new facility, part of The HEX Group, accommodates high-precision engineering and manufacturing processes supporting the manufacture of components for INEOS Electrochemical Solutions.

Operating 24/7 shift-patterns, the team based at Beacon Park will join over 500 other members of The HEX Group team based at Hixon.  Representatives from both Alpha Manufacturing and INEOS Electrochemical Solutions marked the unveiling which will provide a boost to jobs and manufacturing in the area.

Paul Clews, Managing Director at Alpha Manufacturing, said the new site was part of the group’s continued investment in creating world class manufacturing here in Stafford.

He said: “Our new state-of-the-art facility is the result of months of hard work and testament to our continued commitment to investing in the local area.

“The site will continue to develop and invest in the engineers of the future creating new opportunities and growing Alpha Manufacturing’s world-class engineering facilities in the region.

“Alpha Manufacturing Chemical Technologies is part of our commitment to collaborations which create innovative solutions for products of the future and is a welcome addition to the HEX family.”

Commenting on the opening, Terry Healy, Business Unit Manager, INEOS Electrochemical Solutions says: “It is a momentous day for Alpha Manufacturing Chemical Technologies. We are delighted to be bringing new skills and expertise to Stafford thanks to the world-class engineering standards of Alpha Manufacturing.  Our collaboration is helping to support the future growth of the industry and we are pleased to mark this new partnership here in Stafford.”

Alpha Manufacturing is a family-owned business established in 1989 which specialises in fabricating sheet metal in the UK.

The company now employs over 150 people from designers and engineers to production staff, welders, and machine operators to provide integrated solutions for businesses across the globe.

Talking Mental Health at Work

At any given time, 1 in 6 working-age adults have symptoms associated with poor mental health. From depression to anxiety, lack of self-confidence or stress, mental health can have a huge impact on how people perceive the world around them and make every day working tasks more challenging.

As part of Suicide Prevention Month, we talk to Karen Barnacle, Group HR Manager at The HEX Group, about recognising and supporting colleagues facing mental health.

“One in four of us face mental health illness at some point in our lives. It can affect us all in different ways. Changes in mood and behaviour are often signs an individual is struggling but for some the signs will be less obvious. Recognising an individual who is struggling may be difficult, which is why one of the most important things I can do as Group HR Manager is to make sure that lines of communication are always open and colleagues know where to turn if they need help.

Make time to talk

“Being aware of changes in people’s mental health and taking the time to check in and ask questions is one of the most important steps in helping to support someone who may be struggling. This is why, at The HEX Group, we offer a free telephone counselling service to all staff.  It can be difficult to open up to the people closest to you, which is why we’ve partnered with Wellbeing Solutions, giving our colleagues access to this invaluable, confidential service.

Be mindful of your approach

“As colleagues we are not trained therapists, but we are very passionate about supporting our team, which is why we hold regular one to ones with staff and have free support tools available for those who feel they are struggling with low mood or mental health challenges.

“Staff wellbeing will always be a top priority and we are constantly adding new initiatives to support our staff including the introduction of more Mental Health First Aiders later in the year.

What can you do to help?

Often, when people are struggling the most helpful thing is to have someone who will listen, or to hear a caring voice. It is then important to signpost people to the right place for professional help. Organisations such as Mind or Samaritans are great resources.  At The Hex Group, our door is always open and if you’re worried about a colleague, please share your concerns with us either in person or through our Shout Up scheme.

Small acts of kindness

Offering to help someone you can see is struggling might be the connection they needed. Making someone a cup of tea, asking if they want to join you for lunch are simple things that could make the difference to somebody’s day.

Solar Power Becomes New Energy Source For Alpha Manufacturing

Leading sheet metal manufacturing business, Alpha Manufacturing, part of The HEX Group, has completed the installation of 1770 solar panels covering 3,570.5m² of roof space at its manufacturing facility in Hixon, Staffordshire.

The solar panels on the Alpha Manufacturing roof will allow the business to generate enough power to run its machinery as long as the sun is shining! Over 12 months, the company will save 150 tCO₂e carbon emissions, the equivalent of a two-litre diesel car travelling one million miles, and taking us a step closer to achieving our carbon neutral commitment by 2037.

As a renewable energy source, solar power is the Earth’s most abundant energy source and free. Officially discovered in 1839, solar energy was first used in the 7th Century, but it is only now that we are starting to recognise the cost-saving benefits and the positive impact it has on the environment and global warming.

Did you know; that there is enough solar energy hitting the Earth every hour to meet all of humanity’s power for the entire year?

In the coming years, The HEX Group plans to develop a four-acre field near the site and install a solar farm generating one megawatt of power for battery storage. This, combined with the 735 kilowatts already fitted, will make us an off-grid company.

Staffordshire firm announces 10% pay rise to help employees with cost of living

Hixon-based engineering and manufacturing business, The HEX Group, is providing an above inflation rate pay rise to all its 500 staff to help its employees cope with the soaring cost of living.

From July and part of a £1.1 million investment, every member of staff across the Staffordshire group will receive a 10% pay increase as UK inflation currently sits at a 40-year high. Further support is also being introduced to help staff feeling the strain as the UK faces its biggest financial squeeze with food prices and energy costs at a record high.

The move follows continued growth for the Staffordshire business as work nears completion on their new multi-million pound site at Beacon Park. The group is currently looking to recruit 45 additional roles across a number of sectors following an increase in demand for UK sheet metal manufacturing.

Martin Smith, The HEX Group CEO said: “The cost of living crisis is one of the worst affecting families in modern times and as a company we will continue to monitor the economic situation to support and look after employees in the best way possible. Employee wellness doesn’t just stop at the factory gate, we have always put the needs of colleagues at the centre of everything we do and as the cost of living escalates on an almost weekly basis, we have a duty to do more to protect the welfare of our entire workforce.

“The 10% pay rise works alongside other benefits to make sure that all of our loyal workforce are given the very best support.”

The HEX Group, which includes Bri-Stor Systems, Alpha Manufacturing and Atlas Coating employs approximately 500 people and specialises in sheet metal fabrication, vehicle conversion solutions, engineering and advanced powder coating technology.

A leading British manufacturer in the heart of the Midlands the company occupies a 35-acre site and has maintained its reputation as a first-class employer, investing heavily in staff welfare, since the business began back in the 1980s.

Karen Barnacle, Group HR Manager has worked in the business for over 25 years and says the wage boost is just one part of a continued commitment to staff welfare: “The HEX Group has always offered employment packages that reflect the needs of today’s workforce.  Last month we launched our Health Cash Plan, entitling all employees with two-years continuous service to claim back the cost of medical services ranging from dental treatment through to physiotherapy and hospital scans.  In addition to this, from day one of employment, all colleagues can access a free and confidential counselling service, designed to support team members on any issue affecting them or their family.”

Started in 1989 the firm is continuing to see strong growth following continued demand for UK manufacturing solutions.

Last year the company opened two new divisions – Alpha Integrated Technologies and Alpha Manufacturing Chemical Technologies to keep up with demand.  This month Alpha Manufacturing will unveil its new £4million 35,000 sq ft site at Beacon Park, a collaboration with INEOS Electrochemical Solutions.  Earlier this year the firm launched HEX Living, its first retail division manufacturing outdoor furniture and garden storage solutions.

More information and details of current recruitment opportunities are available at www.thehexgroup.co.uk

Charlotte Allen: Reflecting On My Apprenticeship So Far

First year Apprentice at Alpha Manufacturing Charlotte Allen has thrown herself into her Apprenticeship from day one, and following on from her last blog, Charlotte updates up on what’s she’s been up to these past few months:

“So, where to begin? I am now eight months into my apprenticeship with Alpha Manufacturing and a lot has changed since I first wrote about what it’s like to be an Apprentice. During these past eight months I have attended a number of events such as Careers Fairs with our Apprentice Manager William Davies-Hill to discuss with Year 11 and 10s all about the amazing opportunities that can come from going into an apprenticeship after leaving school. It is so inspiring to speak to the young people, especially girls who are in the same position I was in only a year or so ago, and learn about their opinions on engineering and encourage these girls to take the leap and join myself and so many others in the industry.

“I have also ventured onto the factory floor for the first time since starting the apprenticeship and – wow – there was so much to learn! From spending a week with some of the second-year apprentices making crawling boards for our sister company Bri-Stor Systems, to learning all about how to fit tools into the CNC Punch machines. I have also had the privilege of working inside the brand-new Chemical Technologies factory under the supervision of the manager Justin Kelly, getting an insight to all the ground-breaking work that is going to be taking place in the factory and helping set up production ready for June.

Elan Valley“During the Easter Holidays, us first year apprentices took the annual trip to Elan Valley. It was a fantastic week full of team building exercises to really get us working better as a group. We climbed our fair share of Dames, attempted to build a raft to get across the river and lots of orienteering activities. On our last day we helped the local nursery spruce up their outside garden space. It was such a pleasure to give back to the amazing community and give the children a new and improved space to spend their time.

“On a personal note, I finished the week off very happy as I finally passed my driving test- so no more early mornings and coach trips to the JCB Academy for me. Hooray!

“Meanwhile at the JCB Academy, I have started my welding course – I definitely think a master class with Alpha’s very own pro welder Chloe Sales is needed! It’s great to be able to look back from where I started and really see the progress, I’ve made from being scared to make mistakes to learning from them every single day with the help from our tutors. I have loved every second of the courses so far and I am sure it will only grow for the months left to come.”

The Bri-Stor Group becomes The HEX Group in 2022

Staffordshire engineering and manufacturing business, Bri-Stor Group, which includes multi-award-winning businesses Bri-Stor Systems, Alpha Manufacturing, Atlas Coating, Hex Graphics and HEX Living has announced that from 3rd May 2022 the Group will be known as The HEX Group.

With the company launching its Alpha Manufacturing Chemical Technologies business in 2021 coupled with the recent launch of HEX Living – a new division designing and manufacturing leisure and garden products – 2022 is the time to present a new Group brand that better reflects the businesses’ total market offer.

Martin Smith, The HEX Group CEO, has led the development of the new brand and he comments: “The Bri-Stor Group has stood for world-class engineering and manufacturing for almost 40 years, and I am proud of our achievements as a Group.  From its inception, our family values have underpinned the success of our business, resulting in long-term trusted partnerships and today, we continue to form strong alliances in new and exciting markets.

“This is more than a name change.  It’s our opportunity to present to the market a new and reinvigorated strategy that better reflects the breadth and diversity of our total Group offer.  For those familiar with the Bri-Stor Group, the hexagon shape has always formed part of our brand story, so it seemed fitting that we bring it to the fore and not lose sight of how it all began.  These are incredibly exciting times for the business and as we continue to grow and extend our market presence, we create more jobs and further contribute to the wider economic prosperity of the region.”

The five trading divisions of The HEX Group remain central to the commercial output of the business, yet new for 2022, the business is formally launching HEX Careers – the sixth component of the Group.  With a highly respected Apprenticeship and Higher Apprenticeship programme in its 12th year, the Group is now focused on a wider people-development strategy which includes several new initiatives including The HEX Group Accelerate Programme.

Martin Smith explains more: “We have always placed a great deal of emphasis on the development of young people seeking a career in engineering and manufacturing and last year, we further enhanced our Apprenticeship Programme with the launch of nine Higher Apprenticeships.  As we continue to grow the Group, we recognise more than ever that we need to give the wider team every opportunity to enhance their career with both formal and informal education and training.  I want The HEX Group to be a business that people aspire to join and in doing so we reinforce ‘family’ as the central value that will continue to drive our great business forward.”