Warren Team Takes on Only The Brave 2024

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This year, the Warren team once again took on the “Only the Brave” challenge and what an event it was! Fourteen of us battled through 6 miles of tough terrain and tackled 25 wet and muddy obstacles. It’s safe to say the challenge lived up to its reputation, extremely muddy, extremely wet and absolutely exhilarating!

A team effort

Every single member of the Warren team completed the course and while some of us finished faster than others, the support and teamwork made the experience truly special. A huge shoutout to Nathan Cubley, who crossed the finish line with the fastest time from our group. Well done, Nathan!

Supporting the Air Ambulance

“Only the Brave” is more than just an endurance test; it’s a charity event in support of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. This year, our team raised over £1,000 for the cause, an outstanding effort that we are all proud of. The entire event has raised an incredible £95,000 so far and we’re thrilled to have played a part in supporting such a vital service.

A special thank you to our volunteer

We also want to extend a special thank you to Wiktoria, who generously gave up her time to volunteer at the event. With over 150 volunteers needed to help run things safely, it simply couldn’t happen without people like her. Thank you, Wiktoria, for helping make the day a success.

No major injuries, just sore muscles

Thankfully, no major injuries were sustained, although I’ll admit my entire body was aching for at least three days afterward! As always, I’m telling myself “never again” for next year but let’s see what happens when the team starts signing up again. It’s hard to say no to such a fun, challenging and rewarding event!

A big thank you

A massive well done to everyone who took part and a big thank you to all who kindly sponsored us. Your support makes a real difference and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Until next year… maybe!

Warren Attends the Future of Work Conference

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Warren Attends the Future of Work Conference

On Friday 4th October, Will and Jed represented Warren at the Future of Work conference, held at the Professional Development Centre in Bury St Edmunds. The event, which brought together leaders, industry experts and businesses from across the region, provided a platform to discuss the  work environment and how technology is transforming industries, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Shaping the future of work in SMEs

Will and Jed were honoured to be invited to speak at the conference, offering their insights into how technological advancements are shaping the future of manufacturing and operations in SMEs like Warren. With our ongoing commitment to innovation, they discussed how Warren is integrating new technologies to enhance production efficiency, simplify processes and future-proof our business.

Industry insights from key speakers

The Future of Work conference was packed with engaging sessions and presentations from notable companies across various sectors. Key speakers included representatives from Lotus, Sizewell, Swift Technology Group, Baxters, and British Sugar. Each shared valuable knowledge into how they’re responding to technological change and preparing for the future.

Looking ahead

The conference was a great opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made as a company and to learn from industry leaders. Will and Jed’s involvement in the event demonstrates Warren’s dedication to technological change, ensuring we continue to grow and adapt in this dynamic environment.

We look forward to continuing this journey and shaping the future of work for SMEs.

Celebrating 20 Years of John “Beaky” Challis at Warren

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During his two decades with Warren, John has played a crucial role in helping the business expand and tackle a range of complex projects, many of which have taken us worldwide. One standout project was with Jackstones Vertical Plate Freezer Systems, where we were tasked with producing vertical freezer plates used for instantly freezing fish on board massive ships. The challenge? These plates were made entirely of aluminium, a material we hadn’t extensively worked with before.

This project required an incredibly precise welding process, one that involved pre-heating the plates, performing a long, continuous weld, and finally pressure-testing the results. John rose to the challenge by undergoing specialist training at the TWI Welding Institute in Cambridge, ensuring that the work met the highest standards. Even today, Martin Odell from TWI still remembers John, and his test piece is held as a testament to his skill.

A commitment to learning and sharing knowledge

Throughout his time at Warren, John has never stopped learning. He’s undergone further training and testing at the TWI over the years and now holds several prestigious qualifications, including a CSWIP 3.1 certification. His dedication to continuous improvement, both personally and professionally, has been an inspiration to all of us at Warren.

What sets John apart even more is his willingness to share his skills with others, particularly our apprentices. His knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment to quality have been passed down to the next generation of welders at Warren. John’s patience and mentorship have helped to shape the future of our company, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

A true asset and character

John is more than just an exceptional welder; he’s an indispensable part of Warren’s culture. His loyalty, unflappable nature, and ever-present sense of humour make him a real character. No matter the challenge, nothing seems to phase him, and he’s always there to lend a hand or offer advice.

As we celebrate John’s 20 years with us, we look back with gratitude for everything he’s done to support Warren’s growth and success. His contributions have been immense, and we are truly fortunate to have him as part of our team. Here’s to many more years of working alongside John and continuing to build on the strong foundation he helped create.

From everyone at Warren, thank you, John, for your unwavering dedication and incredible skill. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

interactive educational video to inspire the next generation of manufacturers

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We are excited to announce the release of an innovative, interactive video created by Orbital Global, a multi-award-winning digital agency. Designed to engage and inspire young people, this video will be used in schools across the country to encourage the next generation to explore careers in manufacturing.

Click the image below to view the interactive video in a new tab/window:

Orbital Global did a fantastic job with the filming, bringing the manufacturing process to life in an accessible and engaging way. The video not only showcases the technology and skills involved in the industry but also highlights the opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.

Inspiring young minds with a hands-on approach

Aimed at helping young people understand what a career in manufacturing can look like, the video provides a unique, interactive experience. With a blend of education and entertainment, students will learn about the real-world processes behind the scenes in manufacturing facilities, giving them a clearer idea of the wide range of roles available in this sector.

One of the highlights of the video is Kieran Stewart, our Welding and Fabrication Manager, who stars in it. Kieran’s enthusiasm and passion for his craft really shine through, as he walks viewers through various aspects of the welding and fabrication process. His participation not only brings an authentic perspective but also makes the video relatable for students considering a similar career path.

Watch the video

We invite you to watch the video and see for yourself how this educational resource will help to shape the future of UK manufacturing. Watch the interactive video.

We are incredibly proud of this initiative and the role our Kieran has played in making it happen.

National Manufacturing Day 2024 – the video!

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On 26th September 2024, we opened our doors to 300 school children as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day celebrations.

The event was designed to introduce the next generation to the fascinating world of manufacturing and give them a behind-the-scenes look at the industry.

A team effort
We are incredibly proud of our team for the successful delivery of the event. Special mention goes to Mia Nixon, who is currently studying Social Media and Journalism at college. Mia narrated the official video of the day’s events, providing a professional and engaging overview of the celebrations. Although she’s currently studying at college, Mia would love to an apprenticeship in the field that she is working in rather than pursuing the traditional university route.

We think her narration added a personal touch, and she did a fantastic job showcasing the day’s activities.

Check out the video below to see the day’s highlights.

A bright future for UK manufacturing
At Warren, we recognise the critical role of manufacturing in the UK economy, and events like National Manufacturing Day play a crucial part in engaging the next generation. We were thrilled to be part of this nationwide celebration and look forward to continuing to inspire young minds in the years to come.

Three of our apprentices started at Reagit this week

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At Warren, we’re proud to support the next generation of engineering talent. This week, three of our promising apprentices, Alfie McElvogue, Tadas Difartas, and Reino Monument, have started their six weeks of study at Reagit in Norwich. This marks the first step in their journey towards achieving their Level 2 Engineering Operative qualification.

During their time at Reagit, Alfie, Tadas, and Reino are gaining essential theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that will form the foundation of their careers in manufacturing and engineering. After completing this intensive study period, they’ll return to Warren to begin their factory rotations, where they’ll apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.

We’re excited to watch these apprentices grow and develop their expertise, and we’re confident they’ll become invaluable members of the Warren team. Supporting apprenticeships is a key part of our commitment to nurturing talent and helping shape the future of engineering.

National Manufacturing Day 2024

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Warren will open up to 260 primary school children as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day celebrations on 26 September 2024

Warren will open up to primary schools in the local community on National Manufacturing Day to showcase first-hand the amazing careers that are available in Britain’s manufacturing sector.

During the day the company will put on a series of tours and interactive activities, designed to demonstrate what manufacturing is really about.

Warren has been part of the Thetford community, manufacturing for over 30 years.

Will Bridgman, Warren’s Managing Director said:

“We are delighted to be taking part in National Manufacturing Day and have the chance to show our products, processes, tools and people. We can’t wait to welcome so many young learners!”

To make it easy to see what’s going on across the local area, Make UK has created a dedicated microsite www.nationalmanufacturingday.org where companies taking part will post what they produce and detail the events they are planning for National Manufacturing Day itself.

Manufacturing covers a wide range of sectors including aerospace, engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical, food and drink, defence, automotive and renewable technologies. So there will definitely be something around on the day to interest everyone.

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation added:

“This is a really exciting day where the whole manufacturing sector will come together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes.

“Britain’s manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world.”

To find out more www.nationalmanufacturingday.org

About Make UK

Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, is the representative voice of UK manufacturing, with offices in London, Brussels, every English region and Wales.

Collectively we represent 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. We directly represent over 5,000 businesses who are members of Make UK. Everything we do – from providing essential business support and training to championing manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU – is designed to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow.

From HR and employment law, health and safety to environmental and productivity improvement, our advice, expertise and influence enables businesses to remain safe, compliant and future-focused.

The Plantlife Project: Supporting Biodiversity

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We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to contribute to our community and environment. Recently, we had an exciting encounter that aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and conservation. During a lunchtime walk, Ian, Becky, and Sophie spotted Jo Jones from Plantlife outside our Brickfields factory, and it turns out she’s working on a fascinating project that we’re thrilled to support.

The Field Wormwood project

Jo Jones, who gave an inspiring talk at the Thetford Business Forum in July, is involved in a crucial conservation project at Plantlife. The focus of her work is the reintroduction of a rare plant called Field Wormwood to our local area. This plant is critically endangered and can only be found in two sites across the entire UK. Interestingly, the most thriving population is located on an industrial estate on London Road in Brandon.

Field Wormwood has seen its habitat diminish due to the increasing nutrient levels in the soil and the encroachment of building projects. However, verges on industrial estates, like those around our Brickfields factory, present an ideal environment for this plant. These verges are remnants of old heathland that have never been fertilised or sprayed, providing the perfect sandy and chalky soils that Field Wormwood thrives in.

A unique ecological relationship

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Field Wormwood project is its connection to a rare beetle known as the Moonshine beetle. This beetle has a unique and exclusive relationship with the Field Wormwood. In the autumn, the Moonshine beetle climbs the flower stalks of the Field Wormwood to eat its seeds. What’s remarkable is that this beetle has only ever been found in areas where Field Wormwood grows, despite extensive searches elsewhere. This rare plant and beetle duo highlight the importance of preserving such unique and delicate ecosystems.

Warren’s role in the project

It turns out that our MD Will had already been in touch with Jo to explore whether our sites might be suitable for assisting with this vital conservation effort. As we completed our walk, we saw Tim from The Horticulture Industry Scheme C.I.C. was deep in conversation with Jo, discussing the best locations to plant Field Wormwood at our sites. Their goal is to ensure that these rare plants are protected and thrive without interference from regular maintenance activities.

We’re excited to be part of this project and to contribute to the preservation of such a rare species. By reintroducing Field Wormwood to suitable areas around our industrial estates, we’re helping to safeguard not only the plant but also the unique Moonshine beetle that relies on it.

This collaboration with Plantlife is just one of the ways Warren is committed to supporting biodiversity and environmental sustainability. We’re proud to play a role in this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our local ecosystem.

Welcoming David: Our New Mechanical Engineering Intern

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At Warren, we’re committed to nurturing the next generation of engineering talent, and we’re thrilled to introduce David, our new Mechanical Engineering Intern. David joins us for his work placement year as part of his Aerospace Engineering degree from Leicester University. At just 19 years old, David brings a fresh perspective, a passion for engineering and a wealth of experiences that make him a valuable addition to our team.

David’s background and education

David’s journey in engineering began during his A-Level studies, where he gained hands-on experience working part-time at a saw servicing company. This early exposure to the mechanical aspects of engineering sparked his interest and led him to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Now in his placement year, David is eager to apply his academic knowledge in a real-world setting at Warren.

A passion for the outdoors and volunteering

When David isn’t immersed in his studies or working at Warren, he loves to explore the great outdoors. Cycling through the countryside is one of his favourite ways to unwind and stay active. His love for nature also extends to his volunteer work. As part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award, David volunteered with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust at Lackford Lakes.

Ambitions and future plans

David’s ambitions extend beyond his current studies. He’s particularly excited about the prospect of joining the Formula Student Team during his Master’s degree, where he hopes to contribute to the design and development of an ultimate racing car. His experience as a CAD design engineer during his second year at university, where he worked on a Beetle weight BattleBot project, has equipped him with practical skills and a keen understanding of the engineering design process.

Looking ahead

David’s enthusiasm for learning and his dedication to his craft make him an excellent fit for Warren. As he begins this work placement year, we’re excited to see how he’ll contribute to our projects and grow as a budding engineer. David is eager to gain as much experience as possible during his time with us, and we’re confident that his time at Warren will be both productive and enriching.

Welcoming Natalia: Our New Business Admin Apprentice at Warren

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We’re delighted to introduce Natalia, who has recently joined us as a Business Admin Apprentice. With her passion for learning and strong dedication to her family, Natalia brings a fresh perspective to our team.

Natalia’s background and career transition

Natalia comes to us with a background in Childcare, having spent several years working with children. As a proud mother of two boys, Natalia’s experience in nurturing and managing a dynamic environment is impressive. Her decision to switch career paths reflects her eagerness to explore new challenges and develop a broad set of skills in a different field.

The transition from Childcare to Business Administration is a bold move, and Natalia is excited about the opportunity to grow and learn within a new professional setting. She believes that Warren is the ideal place to embark on this journey, and we couldn’t agree more.

A family-oriented life

Outside of work, Natalia’s life is very much centered around her family. She enjoys spending her spare time with her two boys, engaging in creative arts and crafts projects, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether it’s taking walks with their Shih-Tzu or finding new ways to stay active together, Natalia values the quality time she spends with her family.

Looking forward to new opportunities

As Natalia steps into her new role at Warren, she is keen to contribute to the team’s success while expanding her own knowledge and abilities. The warm welcome she has received from our staff has made her feel at home, and she’s eager to dive into her work and start making a difference.

We’re confident that Natalia’s dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to personal growth will make her a valuable addition to our team.