Welder Luke’s Farewell Bash: A Night to Remember!

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On Saturday 2nd September, Warren bid a fond farewell to one of its finest, Luke Elder. Luke’s leaving drinks turned out to be an epic celebration filled with laughter, good times, and heartfelt goodbyes.

Over 20 of us gathered to give Luke the send-off he deserved, as colleagues, friends, and well-wishers joined forces to make the evening unforgettable.

Our journey through the night took us to a couple of local pubs and then onto a couple of lively bars. The night unfolded with lots of drinks, and dancing.

Luke showed incredible restraint, opting not to indulge in the drinks, as he had an early departure to Gatwick the following day! Luke is embarking on a year-long adventure in Australia, combining work and travel. While it’s a loss for us here at Warren, we can’t help but feel excited for Luke’s upcoming experiences and the stories he’ll bring back.

To Luke, we wish you the most incredible journey Down Under!

Embrace the Challenge: Team Warren Ventures into “Only the Brave”

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The thrill of adventure and the call of camaraderie are leading Team Warren to an exciting challenge – “Only the Brave.” On the 24th of September, 11 of our team will be taking on this exhilarating endeavour at Euston Estate. What’s in store? A spirited 6-mile run punctuated with a medley of daring obstacles. But it’s not just a test of our mettle; it’s a chance to make a difference.

A Run with a Purpose

“Only the Brave” isn’t just about the thrill of the race; it’s about rallying for a cause. This charity event holds a special place in our hearts as it serves as a platform to raise both awareness and funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Every step we take and every obstacle we overcome contributes to making a positive impact on this vital service that saves lives in our community.

Join us in the adventure

As we gear up for this exciting venture, we extend an invitation to all the bold souls out there. If the prospect of running amidst obstacles and being a part of a spirited charity event ignites a spark in you, we welcome you to join us. Your enthusiasm and participation could make a significant difference, not only in your own life but also in the lives of those who benefit from the East Anglian Air Ambulance’s crucial services.

Are you ready to heed the call? If you’re interested in embarking on this journey with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Estee. Together, we can embrace the challenge, create lasting memories, and contribute to a worthy cause.

Stay tuned as we gear up for the event, and we’ll be sure to share our experiences, triumphs, and the indomitable spirit that propels Team Warren forward. Let’s be brave together!

National Manufacturing Day – 28th September 2023

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Mark your calendars, because National Manufacturing Day is just around the corner! We’re excited to be a part of this initiative, collaborating closely with the local council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ignite enthusiasm among young individuals for businesses within our community.

Under the guidance of our Managing Director Will, efforts have been underway to inspire and engage the youth of Thetford in the world of manufacturing. The response from local schools has been nothing short of remarkable, with a substantial number of them eagerly participating in this initiative.

On the day itself which falls on the 28th of September, our premises will come alive with the energy and curiosity of 250 primary school children. The schedule has been thoughtfully planned to ensure a seamless and well-managed experience for both our guests and us. Accompanied by their supportive school staff, these young minds will be introduced to the captivating world of manufacturing.

Given the sizeable turnout, it’s important to note that each group of children will have the opportunity to explore one of our factories. While we would love to offer them a glimpse into all our operations, the sheer volume makes it more practical to focus on one. – and we’re committed to making their visit educational, engaging, and inspiring.

As the event approaches, a comprehensive meeting will take place, to delve into the intricate logistics of the day, ensuring that every aspect is meticulously planned. Rest assured, any vital updates or information that we believe you might find valuable will be promptly communicated to all concerned parties.

National Manufacturing Day isn’t just about showcasing what we do – it’s about nurturing curiosity, sparking interest, and laying the foundation for a future that’s both bright and industrious. We’re eagerly anticipating the opportunity to welcome these young learners into our midst and contribute to their growth, as well as the growth of our industry as a whole. Stay tuned for more updates as the day draws closer!

Welcoming Brandon: A Fresh Face to Our Team

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We have a great new addition to our team. Here’s a message directly from Brandon himself…

Hello everyone, I am thrilled to introduce myself as the newest member of this incredible team! My name is Brandon, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to join this dynamic organisation on the Business Development Team.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received so far. The positive energy and support I have encountered have truly made me feel at home from the moment I stepped through the door.
Let me share a little bit about my interests and background. Magic has always been a passion of mine, being able to bring joy and a sense of wonder to people’s lives is an amazing feeling. I look forward to sharing some of my tricks and illusions with everyone. Get ready to be amazed!

Another interest of mine is problem-solving. I love the challenge of solving Rubik’s cubes and unravelling intricate puzzles. It’s not so much the solution but finding and cracking a difficult problem gives me that rush of adrenaline and “Eureka!” moment.
Sport is another area that takes up a lot of my time. From football to rugby, to boxing and MMA, I love watching any and all sports! Admittedly I can get a little bit too involved in a match or fight and tend to throw the odd curse word here or there.

And while I’m not doing any of the above, I’m probably spending the majority of my time cooking. A self- proclaimed chef of the home kitchen, there is nothing more relaxing than putting on some music and cooking; it’s almost ritualistic if I must say so.
Thank you all for the warm welcome and support. I am looking forward to becoming fully immersed within the team and getting to know everyone more.

– Brandon

Craig Birch – Celebrating 20 Years of Dedication (and Love!) at Warren

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In a remarkable journey that spans two decades, we take a moment to write about Craig Birch, an integral part of our team at Warren. This month marks his 20th anniversary with us, a milestone that reflects his unwavering commitment and passion for his craft.

Craig’s story with Warren began straight out of school at the Old School Feltwell. It was his father who initiated this journey, approaching us with a simple question: Was there a place for his son in our team? And that single enquiry set the wheels in motion for what would be a remarkable tenure. Guided by Squeak, and buoyed by the support of Dave Banwell, Craig embarked on his path, learning the art of turning. His educational foundation took shape through an apprenticeship at West Suffolk College, where practical skills intertwined with theoretical knowledge.

Though not one to be buried in paperwork, Craig found his balance with Sophie’s assistance, triumphing over the academic aspects of his college work. As they say, the rest became history – a history adorned with achievements, growth, and a little touch of romance.

Love often finds its way into unexpected corners of life, and for Craig, it blossomed right here at Warren. Collaborating closely with Suzie on a Business Improvement course kindled a connection that transcended the confines of the workplace. Over time, this connection deepened and flourished, culminating in a joyous wedding celebration. Both Craig and Suzie became an integral part of our Warren family, contributing their skills and dedication to our shared journey.

While life sometimes takes us on divergent paths, it’s heartening to share that Suzie, after a stint with another company, has rejoined our team at Brickfields. Her return brings a renewed sense of camaraderie and shared purpose to our community.

As a machinist, Craig might not always be the tidiest, but his work ethic, unswerving dedication, and commitment to quality are second to none. His workspace consists of his own cell, housing an array of machines including the two Citizen sliding head machines and the new Haas ST25. These machines hum with productivity, guided by Craig’s expert touch. And thanks to his proficiency, even when customer demand is high, they occasionally run autonomously thanks to the bar feed system.

Beyond his technical skills, Craig’s benevolent spirit shines through. Always eager to impart his knowledge and lend a helping hand to newcomers and colleagues alike, he personifies the essence of a team player.

Away from the workshop, Craig and Suzie’s shared love for rock music and their bohemian spirit come to life. They seize weekends for spontaneous adventures in their trusty van, embracing the freedom to explore and make memories.

Their passion extends to gastronomy as well, both being avid food enthusiasts. Suzie, in particular, has found a new avenue for her talents – crafting delectable baked goods that have garnered praise far and wide. Her cakes, a testament to her culinary artistry, never fail to amaze!

In celebrating Craig’s 20 years of service, we also celebrate the human connections that enrich our workplace. His journey symbolises the harmony between dedication and love, between mastering the art of machining and crafting a life filled with shared experiences. As we toast to the past two decades, we eagerly anticipate the chapters yet to be written in the story of Craig Birch and Warren.

Suzie’s Return: A Boomerang Tale

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Guess who’s back? The prodigal team member, known fondly as “Boomerang Birch,” has returned to the fold at Warren – and there’s a lot to catch up on!

Here’s a message from Suzie…

Uh Oh! Boomerang Birch is back…
After almost 14 years of service to Warren, working my way up from the bottom, I decided I needed to try something new…

I left Warren 18 months ago to try a different company and a different role… Whilst I did learn a lot about myself there, gained some other new skills and found another great bunch of people to work with, the role really wasn’t for me. What else have I been up to in the meantime?

To de-stress myself, I turned my baking hobby into a small business! Some of the Brandon dwellers of Warren have popped in to see me (Baker 39); I have a little stall at The Original Factory Shop in Brandon as part of their scheme to promote small businesses. I am also lucky enough to supply a lovely tearoom in Brandon with delicious baked goods too! I also try to get myself to local community fairs/fetes as well. It’s really helped me be part of my local community and I LOVE chatting the day away with people at my stall!

A big thanks to those that support me 🙂

So here I am again! This time I’m in a different role, supporting Sophie and the team with all things Tech Grocer, and I’m sure there will be other things along the way. It’s great to see so many familiar faces again – I have missed you! Also spotted some new faces, and I look forward to getting to know you too.

– Suzie

Will’s Trip to India

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In June, our MD Will embarked on an exciting adventure, travelling all the way to India to visit our machine partners at Suba Solutions. The journey was quite a long one, spanning nearly 24 hours in total. Will’s journey began at London Heathrow, then took him to Abu Dhabi before reaching Delhi. From there, he hopped on another 3-hour flight to his final destination in Coimbatore.

The purpose of this extensive trip was to address any challenges when machines arrive at our factory. As we aim to increase the number of machines coming from India, it was crucial for Will to ensure they meet our desired quality standards. He also examined the supply chain for the machine parts and discussed any problem-solving strategies that may be required.

To streamline the process, Warren has agreed to work on the software of the machines arriving from India. This will ensure that the software matches the same high standard as our other machine builds. We will also provide ongoing support for any software issues once the machines are sold. Will reported that the trip was fantastic for strengthening our relationship with Suba. It was his first time visiting India, and he couldn’t help but be amazed by the country’s beauty, the incredible food and the friendliness of the locals.

Will also mentioned that he was relieved he didn’t have to navigate the roads himself, as India has various modes of transport and it could be quite challenging to drive without prior knowledge of the area. Overall, it was an incredibly beneficial visit, strengthening our partnership and paving the way for future success.

Here are multiple photos from Will’s remarkable trip…

Launch – A Modern Manufacturing Town

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Will, our Managing Director had the exciting opportunity to speak at the grand launch event in May, held at The Light cinema in Thetford. Warren played a major role in the creation of a brand new promotional video. You can check out the video below. Who knows, you might even spot yourself in the video!

For more information and to get a glimpse of the exciting developments, here’s a press release shared by Breckland Council. Take a look and enjoy!

Community Champion – Royal Norfolk Show

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We want to give a huge congratulations to Will for being recognised as a Community Champion at a special evening event held at the Royal Norfolk Show. This event was an opportunity for Norfolk to show appreciation to individuals making significant contributions to their community or charitable organisations. The tribute directly aligns with His Majesty the King’s vision of fostering community cohesion and promoting volunteerism.

The event itself was quite entertaining, with an evening ceremony that Will described as slightly embarrassing, as they were asked to parade around a field while wearing a vibrant pink sash. Fortunately, Will had the pleasure of being joined by a group of friendly faces who were also being recognised. One being Scott Stones (from Waites & Stones), who was acknowledged for his tremendous efforts in delivering essential supplies to Ukraine.

Well done, Will, and to all the other individuals. Your dedication and hard work truly make a difference in our community. Keep up the excellent work!

Warren's Managing Director, Will Bridgman and Scott Stones from Waites & Stones

Will Bridgman, our Managing Director and Scott Stones from Waites & Stones

Danny Goodman – 10 Year Anniversary

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Here’s a big shoutout to Danny Goodman, for reaching an incredible milestone of 10 years of dedicated service! Danny has been a rockstar over the past decade, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement. We’re thrilled to announce that he has recently taken on the role of leading our Quality department, in addition to heading up our Turning department.

Danny’s journey with us began on what was the old night shift, working from 6pm until 6am on a 4-on-4-off pattern as a skilled machinist. It didn’t take long for his exceptional problem-solving and people skills to shine through, earning him a promotion to shift manager and later to running the day shift turning department.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Danny for his unwavering loyalty throughout the years. We eagerly anticipate celebrating many more milestones and achievements together in the future. And who knows, if you’re lucky enough Danny, we might buy you a pint down the pub to celebrate – which will be an achievement itself! Cheers, Danny!

Danny Goodman with Lee Charlton, our Operations Director