Welcoming Adam Yaxley to Warren’s Quoting and Estimating Team

/in , ,

We are delighted to introduce Adam Yaxley as the newest member of our quoting and estimating team here at Warren Engineering. With his extensive experience and enthusiasm, Adam is a valuable addition to our growing team.

A Warm Welcome

Adam has already spent a month with us, and his excitement about joining the Warren family is palpable. “The first month has been exciting and I’m looking forward to really getting stuck in,” he says. His eagerness to dive deep into the complexities of our projects and contribute to their success is exactly what we look for in our team members.

Professional Background

Adam brings a wealth of knowledge from his background in engineering and construction. His previous roles as an Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, and Commercial Manager have equipped him with a robust skill set that is perfectly aligned with the needs of our department. His experience will undoubtedly enhance our team’s efficiency and accuracy in project estimation and quoting.

Beyond the Desk

Outside of his professional life, Adam has a passion for football. He humorously mentions his efforts to relive his youth by playing on Sunday afternoons, despite a recent mishap that affected his smile. This dedication to staying active and involved in sports reflects his energetic and dynamic personality, qualities that are sure to resonate well within our team.

Looking Ahead

Adam is enthusiastic about the future and keen to meet everyone over the coming months. “I look forward to meeting everyone,” he says, emphasising his commitment to building strong relationships within the team and across the company.

We are confident that Adam will play a key role in our continued success, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our projects and our team. Please join us in giving Adam Yaxley a warm welcome to Warren Engineering.

Welcoming the Future: Warren’s New Apprentices for 2024

/in , ,

Warren is thrilled to announce the selection of four individuals who will embark on an exciting journey as our newest apprentices. This year’s recruitment process has been particularly noteworthy, with a significant increase in applications compared to previous years, signalling a growing interest in the opportunities we offer.

Our approach to recruiting apprentices involves more than just selecting candidates; it’s about nurturing potential and providing opportunities for growth and development. This year, we are proud to have supported six work placements during the Easter break, allowing aspiring individuals to gain firsthand experience and insight into the world of manufacturing.

One of the key factors contributing to the surge in applications is the impactful involvement of two of our current apprentices, Jed and Ali. Their dedication to engaging with Year 11 students during DT lessons has significantly raised awareness about Warren and the diverse range of opportunities available within our organisation. Their enthusiasm and commitment have not only inspired prospective apprentices but also strengthened our connection with the local community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been involved in the work placement process, including our HR Director, Estee, and especially Ali, whose exceptional efforts have made a significant difference. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in providing valuable experiences for aspiring individuals and shaping the future of our workforce.

After careful consideration and evaluation, we are thrilled to announce that offers will be extended to four exceptional individuals who have demonstrated the potential and passion to thrive in our dynamic environment. These apprentices will join our team in September 2024.

At Warren, we recognise the importance of investing in the next generation of talent and providing opportunities for individuals to realise their full potential. As we welcome our new apprentices, we are committed to providing them with the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed, both personally and professionally.

Congratulations to our new apprentices, and welcome to the Warren family!

Saying Goodbye to Salvagnini S4

/in

This month marked a significant milestone for us at Warren, as we bid farewell to the Salvagnini S4, a machine that has been both a headache and a challenge since the day it arrived in our factory. For our Brickfields Production Manager Adam Wheatley, overseeing its operations was a constant battle, but finally, he can say with relief that it’s time to move on.

From the onset, the Salvagnini S4 seemed to have a mind of its own. Constant breakdowns and erratic behaviour made its presence in our factory more of a burden than an asset. It demanded constant attention and care, requiring us to nurse it along just to keep production running smoothly. But today, we can proudly announce that this troublesome machine has been dismantled and scrapped, bringing an end to its tumultuous reign in our facility.

The process of bidding adieu to the Salvagnini S4 was not without its challenges. Weighing a hefty 14 tons, it required careful planning and execution to remove it from our premises. With the assistance of two hiabs and the expertise of our Estates Manager, Scott Fraser, Adam successfully lifted and maneuvered the machine out of our factory doors. It was a collaborative effort, with our Assembly Supervisor, Steve Brimson, and an overhead crane.

As we watched the Salvagnini S4 being loaded onto the trailer, there was a sense of relief as the era of constant maintenance and repairs is behind us, replaced by the promise of efficiency and reliability with our new machine.

Our new P4 machine represents a fresh start for Warren. With its advanced technology and superior performance, we can look forward to increased productivity and reduced downtime. Already, we’ve noticed a significant decrease in the need for maintenance, allowing our team to focus on what really matters – delivering high-quality products to our clients.

Farewell, Salvagnini S4. Your departure marks the beginning of a new era at Warren, one filled with innovation, efficiency, and success!

Spreading Easter Cheer: Warren’s Successful Charity Raffle

/in ,

At Warren, we believe in giving back to our community and this Easter, we had the opportunity to do just that through our annual Charity Raffle. This year, our efforts were dedicated to supporting a local diabetes charity that provides invaluable assistance to young people and their families. We’re proud to share the success of our initiative and express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed.

The Easter Raffle which was held on Thursday 28th March, was a testament to the generosity and spirit of giving within our company. With the support of our dedicated team and the broader community, we managed to raise an impressive total of £470 for the charity. This substantial contribution we hope will make a difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes, providing vital support and resources where it’s needed most.

Central to the success of our Easter Raffle were the incredible prizes generously donated by local businesses and individuals. We extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed, making our raffle not only a fundraising endeavour but also a celebration of community spirit and solidarity. Among the prizes were:

  • 1 Day Holiday: Offering a well-deserved break and a chance to relax and unwind.
  • £25 Gift Voucher: Providing the lucky winner with the opportunity to treat themselves to something special.
  • Pat’s Diner Voucher: A lovely breakfast or lunch awaits the recipient at Pat’s Diner, a local favourite known for its delicious menu and warm hospitality.
  • Easter Eggs: Symbolising the joy and renewal of the Easter season, these sweet treats brought smiles to the faces of our winners.

Learn more about the incredible work of the local diabetes charity we supported through our Easter Raffle. The NDDYG (National Diabetes Youth and Family Group) is dedicated to providing essential support and resources to young people and their families affected by diabetes. You can visit their website here to discover more about their mission and how you can get involved.

Thank you once again to everyone who supported our initiative and helped make this year’s Easter Raffle a resounding success.

Warren Services Showcases Innovation and Support at Thetford Academy Careers Event

/in , , ,

We made an heroic impression at the Thetford Academy Careers event held on Friday, March 22nd. Our brand-new promotional stand, accompanied by Estee and two former apprentices, stood out among numerous local businesses and training providers attending the event.

The Thetford Academy Careers event drew enthusiastic participation from young people, eager to explore various career opportunities. Warren proudly supported this initiative, engaging with students who showed immense interest in our offerings.

A highlight was our Lego challenge, which this time was to create an electric vehicle along with EV charger – quite fitting as it resonates with our commitment to sustainability, reflected in their electric fleet of vehicles.

Our new stand got attention for its striking design and drew positive feedback from the attendees. The inclusion of the Lego superhero on the display stand added an extra dimension of excitement, sparking the imaginations of young attendees and reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and engagement.

We will be using the stand again at our upcoming Open Evening for parents and students on Wednesday, March 27th.

Our Boys in Brazil

/in ,

Nick Claydon, our Technical Department Supervisor and Rob Jones, our Mechatronics Degree Apprentice, embarked on a mission to install a state-of-the-art Kawahara TXS Blanking system in the heart of Brazil. Their objective was to revolutionise in-mould label (IML) production and equip operators with the tools they need for success.

As Nick and Rob set foot in Brazil, they brought with them not just machinery, but their expertise. Their goal was clear: to empower operators and elevate production standards – and judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces, it’s safe to say they succeeded. The operators were thrilled with the new system, recognising its pivotal role in enhancing their IML production capabilities.

But this success story goes beyond mere machinery installation. It’s a testament to Blankmaster’s commitment to excellence and their unwavering pursuit of innovation. In choosing Kawahara, Blankmaster reaffirmed their dedication to quality and efficiency in IML production – a decision that has paid dividends in South America and beyond.

With four Kawahara machines now operational in South America, Blankmaster’s footprint in the region continues to expand. But the question remains: where to next? As Gary Compton ponders this exciting prospect, one thing is clear: the sky’s the limit for Blankmaster and their journey with Kawahara.

Meanwhile, ANC Machinery, the proud manufacturer behind the Kawahara brand, stands as a beacon of innovation in the blanking machinery industry. Specialising in machinery for processing die-cut sheets of cartons, cards, labels, and IML, ANC Machinery’s commitment to excellence shines through in every product bearing the Kawahara name.

As Blankmaster’s success story unfolds in South America, it serves as a testament to the power of partnership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to excellence. With each new installation, each new triumph, Blankmaster and Kawahara pave the way for a brighter future in IML production—a future limited only by imagination and ambition.

Empowering the Next Generation: A Day of Mentorship at West Suffolk College

/in ,

West Suffolk College reached out to our organisation for assistance in nurturing the talents of their Level 2 welding learners. Recognising the opportunity to contribute to the development of future engineers, Gavin Bidwell, one of our skilled welders, eagerly stepped forward to share his wealth of experience and expertise on Wednesday, 6th March.

As Gavin walked through the doors of West Suffolk College, he carried with him a passion for passing on knowledge to future engineers.

The ripple effects of this day extend far beyond the walls of West Suffolk College. By investing in the next generation of talent, we not only enrich individual lives but also strengthen the our industry as a whole.

As we reflect on this inspiring day of mentorship, let it serve as a reminder of the profound impact we can have when we extend a helping hand to those following in our footsteps. Together, we can cultivate a brighter future for the world of engineering – one weld at a time.

Positive Feedback

/in ,

In recent months, Warren encountered a significant challenge in manufacturing the V95T hopper and framework for our esteemed customer, Bucher. While this product has been in production for some time, this marked the first occasion we undertook its manufacture in-house, presenting our team with new obstacles to overcome in order to meet delivery requirements.

The hopper attached to the V95t aero project

Just days prior to the scheduled delivery of the initial assembly, we received word that, due to circumstances beyond our control, we would need to produce a second hopper and framework using a different material, and within a significantly tighter timeframe to assist Bucher in resolving a critical situation. This project impacted every facet of our operation, necessitating seamless communication, unwavering teamwork, and unwavering dedication to meet the challenge.

Throughout the process, the lead buyer at Bucher maintained close communication, providing support and guidance every step of the way. Upon completion, the leadership team at Bucher expressed their utmost satisfaction with the outcome. They shared their appreciation with the following statement:

“Just wanted to thank you all for your combined efforts and endeavours throughout both stages of the V95t aero Project. It is testament to all of your hard work that you managed to achieve delivery of the final items for the 2nd build, namely the Hopper, Subframe & Engine Frame Panels, by today (only 4 days beyond the challenging target date you were given).”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in rallying together to deliver this remarkable project. With this success under our belt, we eagerly look forward to tackling the next challenge that lies ahead. Onward and upward!

Make UK – National Manufacturing Conference

/in ,

On February 27th, at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London, the prestigious Make UK National Manufacturing Conference took place, a gathering that brought together industry leaders and policymakers, to delve into the state of manufacturing in the United Kingdom.

Among the attendees was Sophie Hall, our Commercial Manager and Richard Bridgman, Warren’s Found Owner. Reflecting on the event, Sophie shared her thoughts about the day.

“It was lovely to spend time with Richard, catching up and reminiscing. TV Presenter Steph McGovern was the host for the day and was very knowledgeable, funny and passionate about manufacturing in the UK. The conference in the main was very political and dealing with very global policy discussions. It was interesting hearing from both Conservative and Labour MPs.”

In the breakout sessions, Sophie heard about two compelling topics: the UK Defence talk and the discourse surrounding UK steel.

In conclusion, Sophie’s journey to the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference was not just an event; it was a great experience and a reminder of why both Sophie and Richard love this industry. The passion, the people, and the endless possibilities. So, here’s to the future of UK manufacturing!

Warren Sponsors Afghan Refugee’s Cricket Journey

/in ,

We would like to share with you a story from one of our apprentices, Alistair Newey.

Recently, I introduced Warren to an Afghan refugee named Bashir. Bashir’s journey has been remarkable. He travelled to find safety in the UK, leaving his family and friends and he has been a big part of my life for the past 5 years.

Bashir found a love for playing cricket and now plays Division 1 standard for Thetford Town Cricket Club. However, he encountered a setback at the end of the 2023 season when sadly, his cricket bat broke. So Warren extended a helping hand.

They very kindly sponsored Bashir a new cricket bat. Not only that, they provided Bashir with a new laptop and furniture for his new flat!

On behalf of Bashir, I extend a heartfelt thank you. Your support has meant the world to him.

Alistair