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.

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.

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.

Meet Harry, a New Member of our Team

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At Warren, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Harry, the latest addition to our Milling department. With his extensive experience and passion for learning, Harry is a perfect fit for our team, and we’re excited to have him on board.

Harry’s journey to Warren

Harry recently made the move to Suffolk after spending many years in Rickmansworth. Before joining Warren, he worked at Martin-Baker, a company renowned for manufacturing ejection seats for aircraft. As a CNC programmer, Harry was responsible for machining critical components, a role he excelled in for over 13 years.

His journey in manufacturing began with an advanced apprenticeship at Martin-Baker, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience in CNC programming. Now, Harry brings that expertise to Warren, where he is eager to apply his knowledge in our Milling department and continue his professional growth.

Why Harry chose Suffolk

Harry’s move to Suffolk was driven by a desire for a better work-life balance. With a growing family (Harry and his wife are expecting their third child in September), Suffolk offered the perfect setting. The move has provided them with more space and the opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. When he’s not at work, Harry enjoys exploring the beautiful Suffolk countryside with his daughters.

When he’s not busy in the workshop or exploring Suffolk, Harry enjoys cooking and indulging in a bit of PC gaming.

Looking ahead

Harry is enthusiastic about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at Warren. He’s looking forward to learning new skills, getting to know his colleagues better, and contributing to the team’s success.

We’re delighted to have Harry join us and can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make at Warren. We wish him all the best as he settles into his new role and prepares for the exciting arrival of his third child!

Holly’s Work Experience Journey

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We are excited to welcome Holly to the Warren Engineering team for a dynamic 10-week work experience programme. From the moment she joined us, Holly has been eagerly engaging with different aspects of our operations, showing an impressive eagerness to learn and contribute.

Holly’s enthusiasm for understanding the intricacies of our business is evident. She’s spending time with various teams, gaining insights into each department’s role within the company. This shadowing experience is designed to provide Holly with a comprehensive understanding of how our operations mesh together to create seamless outcomes.

Holly’s work experience goes beyond observation—she’s a hands-on participant in our core activities. From assisting in client meetings to handling data analysis with spreadsheets, she’s becoming an integral part of our daily processes. Her proactive approach not only enhances her learning experience but also brings fresh perspectives to our tasks.

We are thrilled to see Holly’s rapid development and are confident that her time with us will be filled with valuable experiences and growth.

Illuminating Our History: D-Day 80 Beacon Lighting

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Warren is honoured to commemorate D-Day, the largest combined naval, air, and land operation in history, with a beacon lighting ceremony on June 6th at 9:15 PM. 

As you may remember the beacon was crafted by our talented apprentice, Jed, who also had the honour of lighting it. His contribution not only demonstrated his skills but has also served to strengthen our ties with the community.

We are excited to announce a partnership with Thetford Council to create a smaller version of the beacon for Thetford marketplace that will also be lit on the night, allowing even more community members to participate in this significant occasion, bringing together innovation, history, and communal spirit. 

We invite all employees, community members, and enthusiasts to join us at the roundabout on June 6th to witness this spectacular beacon lighting as we pay tribute to our collective past and embrace the exciting opportunities ahead.

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Scott Fraser Wins This Round of Warren’s Diet Club

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Warren Engineering is thrilled to announce Scott Fraser as the winner of this round of our Diet Club! Congratulations to Scott for his dedication.

Our Diet Club continues to be a popular initiative among our team, with the start of a new round welcoming 16 enthusiastic members once again. This ongoing interest underscores the supportive and motivated atmosphere here at Warren, where we all strive towards healthier lifestyle choices together. Whether you’re looking to make some healthy changes or simply want to be part of a community-focused group, our Diet Club offers a great opportunity to do just that.

Let’s all extend our congratulations to Scott and cheer on all the members embarking on the new round. Here’s to health, commitment, and community spirit at Warren Engineering!

Welcoming Adam Yaxley to Warren’s Quoting and Estimating Team

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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.