Illuminating Our History: D-Day 80 Beacon Lighting

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

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

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.

Estee Ross Clinches Norfolk Apprenticeships Award for Mentor / Manager of the Year!

In a proud moment for Warren, Estee Ross, our HR Director, was honoured with the prestigious Norfolk Apprenticeships award for Mentor/Manager of the year! The accolade was presented to her on Wednesday night, the 7th of February, at a grand ceremony held at The Assembly House in Norwich.

The event, which witnessed a remarkable turnout, saw attendees from various sectors, all gathered to celebrate excellence in in all things apprenticeship. Adding a delicious touch to the occasion, catering was thoughtfully provided by the commis chef apprentices from City College in Norwich, further highlighting the collaborative spirit of the apprenticeship community.

Estee’s award was sponsored by Investors in People and represented by Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr James Wright, the attendees recognised Estee Ross’s outstanding contributions to mentoring and guiding apprentices.

Apprenticeships Norfolk have lauded Estee’s dedication and hard work and have said. “Mentoring an apprentice takes dedication and hard work, and Estee has shown not only this, but has also pushed her own boundaries, all whilst mentoring 12 apprentices! From the never-ending support of those on-programme and incredible quotes from apprentices, to working with the local community offering pre-apprenticeship work experience. Estee really embodies being a champion of apprenticeships. Well done Estee!”

In response to the recognition, Estee expressed gratitude and emphasised the importance of nurturing talent and fostering growth within the workforce: “Receiving this award is a tremendous honour, and I am truly humbled by the recognition,” said Estee Ross. “Mentoring apprentices has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to support and inspire young talents in their journey towards excellence.”

Warren extends heartfelt congratulations to Estee Ross for this well-deserved achievement, reflecting the company’s steadfast commitment to mentorship, innovation, and excellence in the manufacturing sector.

Congratulations Estee on your well-deserved award!

Adam Wheatley – Celebrating 20 years’ service at Warren

At Warren, we take immense pride in our team members who contribute to our success and growth. We are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone as Adam Wheatley marks two decades of dedicated service with our company.

Adam’s journey here at Warren began as an apprentice, where his passion for the manufacturing industry and commitment to excellence quickly set him apart. Over the years, he has exhibited unwavering loyalty and has become a trusted pillar of our organisation. From the shop floor to his current role as the factory manager, Adam has been instrumental in shaping our success.

We are delighted to honour Adam with a special recognition gift. In a heartfelt ceremony, Will, our Managing Director, expressed gratitude for Adam’s exceptional service and presented him with a token of appreciation.

Will, speaking about Adam’s journey, said, “Adam’s story is a testament to the values we hold dear at Warren Manufacturing – hard work, dedication, and continuous growth. His progression from an apprentice to the factory manager is a source of inspiration for all of us. Adam’s journey exemplifies the opportunities for career development and advancement that we strive to provide for our team members.”

Congratulations Adam, on this incredible milestone! Here’s to 20 years of excellence and many more years of success with Warren.

 

The Laser Cell Floor: Paving the Way for Innovation

Exciting developments are on the horizon as we gear up for the installation of our new laser in February/March. As we embark on this journey towards enhanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology, we want to keep you all in the loop about the remarkable preparations taking place behind the scenes. Today, let’s delve into the meticulous groundwork that has gone into strengthening the foundation for our upcoming laser cell.

Groundwork and tower automation: a huge task

Preparing for the installation of our new laser involved reinforcing the ground works to support the tower automation, a crucial component with load points of up to 40 tonnes. This meant that our dedicated ground workers were hard at work over the Christmas period, diligently digging a hole nearly one metre deep. Thank you to those of you who took proactive measures to cover the machines, recognising that the process was not without its share of noise and dust.

Concrete progress: layer by layer

The efforts put into place during the Christmas break bore fruit upon our return. The first layer of concrete was expertly poured into the carefully excavated space, setting the stage for a robust foundation. A week later, the second layer was added, solidifying the groundwork laid by our team. This critical phase of the project required precision, patience, and collaboration, and we are pleased to report that everything is progressing seamlessly.

A note of appreciation

We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the team’s understanding during this period of intense groundwork. Their cooperation has been instrumental in ensuring the success of these preparations. We understand that the noise and dust might have presented some challenges, and their positive attitude and flexibility have not gone unnoticed.

Stay tuned for more updates as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our cutting-edge laser in the coming months.

Congratulations, Ali!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news that unfolded on 15th January, as we proudly presented Alistair with his well-deserved apprenticeship certificate. The culmination of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment, this moment marked the completion of Ali’s comprehensive training programme, including the successful conclusion of his end-point assessment.

Congratulations, Ali!

Completing an apprenticeship is no small feat, and we couldn’t be prouder of Alistair for conquering every challenge that came his way. It’s been a journey filled with learning, growth, and, undoubtedly, a few hurdles. However, Ali’s perseverance and determination have shone through, proving that hard work truly pays off.

Here’s to Alistair, to new beginnings, and to the bright future that lies ahead for our remarkable team at Warren Manufacturing. Congratulations once again, Ali!

Warren welcomes recently appointed DWP Minister, Jo Churchill to forge pathways for youth employment

In late December, Warren proudly hosted Jo Churchill, the Minister of State for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), for a tour of their Brickfields Way facilities. The visit highlighted Warren’s commitment to championing and supporting young talent in the manufacturing sector and our collaborative efforts with the DWP to create employment opportunities for those furthest away from the labour market.

Commitment to youth empowerment
Warren has long been dedicated to nurturing young talent in the manufacturing sector. Our unwavering passion extends beyond conventional roles, offering work experience across various sectors, including administration, HR, and engineering. This commitment aligns with the broader mission of supporting the youth and creating a pathway for those seeking careers in diverse fields.

Strategic collaboration with the DWP
Collaborating closely with the DWP, Warren has forged vital connections with numerous employers in the area. As a committed supporter of the Kickstart agenda, the company not only provides multiple work trial placements but actively encourages other employers to embrace this initiative. Notably, Warren voluntarily took on the role of a Gateway employer, simplifying access to Kickstart for smaller companies and generously sharing HR resources to facilitate broader participation.

Minister’s support and recognition
Minister Jo Churchill was welcomed by Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman, alongside Managing Director Will Bridgman and HR Director Estee Ross.
The visit signified the importance of the partnership between Warren and the DWP. The company welcomes the Minister’s support in further developing this collaborative effort, reinforcing the shared goal of creating impactful opportunities for youth employment and professional development.

Key figures and insightful discussions

Jo had the opportunity to engage with both current and former apprentices, gaining valuable insights into the company’s commitment to skills development and mentorship.

The visit also included a roundtable discussion over lunch, bringing together key partners pivotal to Warren’s community initiatives. Representatives from The Mason Trust and ICanBeA, Baxters Healthcare, Centurion, Boniface Engineering, and Peerless Plastics & Coatings contributed to insightful discussions on youth empowerment, employment strategies, and community engagement.

 

Gallery of photos from the day:

DWP District Manager Julia Nix helped organise the event

Julia Nix, the East Anglia District Manager for the DWP and who has recently been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk attended the event, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained during her tenure in the Civil Service since 1983. Recognised as a Princes Trust Ambassador for over two decades, Julia was awarded an OBE in 2017 for her outstanding contributions to tackling youth unemployment in East Anglia.

Diverse collaborations with key partnerships for social impact

The roundtable included representatives from organisations like The Mason Trust, an organisation supporting young people in Suffolk and Norfolk, and companies such as Baxters Healthcare, Centurion, Boniface Engineering, and Peerless Plastics & Coatings. Each partner plays a crucial role in creating a collaborative network focused on building a thriving future for the community.

Warren’s collaboration with DWP extends beyond traditional employment initiatives, encompassing projects like Thetford Modern Manufacturing Town, Thetford Partnership Action Group, and Thetford Business Forum. Additionally, their partnership with the High Sheriff of Norfolk, DWP, Norfolk Community Foundation, and Norwich Prison reflects a holistic approach to supporting ex-offenders, demonstrating the company’s commitment to social impact and community development.

Warren’s dedication to youth empowerment and community engagement, coupled with strategic collaborations with the DWP and influential partners, exemplifies a model for creating positive social change. The Minister’s visit underscores the significance of such initiatives, emphasising the shared commitment to building a brighter future for young individuals and the broader community.

Warren’s Festive Raffle for Charity

In the spirit of giving and gratitude, Warren has a tradition. Every year, the generous supplier/customer gifts received over the festive period are not only appreciated but also transformed into a source of support for a worthy cause. This year, the tradition continued, and the result was remarkable.

At Warren, the festive season is about more than just exchanging gifts; it’s about giving back to the community. Instead of enjoying the generosity of supplier and customer gifts within the company, these tokens of appreciation are turned into a charitable opportunity. All gifts received during the festive period go into a raffle.

The raffle raised an impressive £400.00. This substantial sum was given to a the very worthy charity, Headway Norfolk and Waveney. This cause helps to improve lives impacted by brain injury.

On the day of the raffle, Warren had some adorable and enthusiastic helpers in the form of Will’s children and their friend. These little raffle helpers not only contributed to the success of the raffle but also served as a reminder of the importance of passing down the values of giving and community involvement to future generations. A special thanks go to Christine and Becky, whose dedication to managing the selling of raffle tickets ensured the event’s success.

Headway Norfolk and Waveney’s aim is to improve day-to-day life for every individual they work with. They offer a number of services, activities and support in the community to hundreds of clients, family, friends and carers each year.

To find out more about them and the excellent support they offer, visit their website here.