On Thursday 30th October, we were delighted to host a STEM Experience Day at our Brickfields site in partnership with ACE and Saxon Air. The Norwich-based aviation company, known for their private jet and helicopter charters, brought along a range of exciting, hands-on activities designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and aviators.

Upstairs at Brickfields, students got stuck into online flight simulators equipped with realistic controls, giving them a taste of what it’s like to pilot an aircraft. They also took part in a wire locking workshop, learning about the importance of precision engineering in aviation before having a go at creating their own wire lock examples – with expert guidance from the Saxon Air team.

Meanwhile, other groups headed outdoors for two more aviation-themed challenges. In a secure tent, students tested their skills in a drone challenge, flying small drones through a figure-of-eight obstacle course and landing on miniature drums. It was a fun and competitive way to learn about drone technology, the rules around flying them and their growing role in engineering and aviation.

Next up was the cockpit simulator, featuring two large monitors and a life-size replica of a plane cockpit. Each student took a turn at the controls of an all-electric aircraft, taking off, climbing to altitude, flying around the O2 and then attempting to land safely (with varying levels of success)!

To round off the day, the group explored the topic of flight safety. Saxon Air demonstrated how to put on survival suits and life jackets, explaining the features that make them vital in emergencies and why they’re mandatory for certain flights.

It was fantastic to see every participant fully engaged, asking thoughtful questions and getting involved in each part of the experience.

A big thank you goes to Jed for hosting site tours and to Estee for coordinating the day. Also to the team at Saxon Air for bringing aviation to life for our visitors. We’re proud to have played a part in inspiring young people to think about the many exciting career paths in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

After the success of last year’s National Manufacturing Day, we knew we had to do it again – only bigger and better! This year, we were thrilled to welcome even more young people through our doors for another day of hands-on learning and discovery in the world of modern manufacturing.

We hosted six classes from different schools across the region, with group sizes ranging from 30 to 65 students. Their day began with visits to Boniface and Peerless Plastics before making their way to our sites for the final part of their tour.

At our Fison Way site, Ella and Richard led the tours, introducing students to the fascinating world of welding – especially our robot welder, which was a huge hit! They also watched demonstrations in the Quality Room, saw the Bystronic laser and water jet in action, and got a close look at our turning and milling processes.

Over at Brickfields, Jed, Sophie and Will took over, giving classes a glimpse into our production work on Sapphire balconies and other current projects. There was even time for some fun, with students building their very own Warren Lego figures!

For many of the children, it was their first time stepping inside a factory and seeing the machines and technology that bring real engineering projects to life. The curiosity and enthusiasm they showed throughout the tours were fantastic – and their teachers and school staff told us how valuable and inspiring the experience was.

A huge thank you goes to Will, Richard, Ella, Jed, Sophie, Suzie, Louis and Gavin for their brilliant support with tours and demonstrations, and to everyone across both sites who helped make the day run so smoothly.

We received lots of great feedback (and some excellent questions!) from the students and it was a pleasure to see so many young minds excited about engineering and manufacturing. We’re already looking forward to welcoming students next year!

This month we’re proud to celebrate 10 years of hard work, dedication and growth from one of our valued team members, Dmitrijs Ahundovs.

Dmitrijs first joined Warren through an employment agency, working the night shift with very little prior engineering experience. He later moved over to the twilight shift, and it didn’t take long before we recognised his potential and offered him a permanent position.

From day one, Dmitrijs showed a willingness to learn and a natural ability to pick things up quickly. He settled in brilliantly and has made an impression on everyone with his focus, precision and positive attitude.

Danny Goodman, who was running the shift at the time, played a key role in training Dmitrijs during those early months. But it wasn’t long before Dmitrijs took ownership of his development. Originally brought in as an operator, he has steadily built his skills – and today, he is confidently programming his own work and using all of the measuring equipment with ease.

His attention to detail, tidiness and consistently high quality of work make him a standout team member and a great example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and support.

Thank you, Dmitrijs, for 10 fantastic years.