Shropshire manufacturer starts 2012 with biggest ever single order
A Shropshire company is celebrating its biggest ever single order following the development of a pioneering product for a National Grid project.
Fabweld Steel Products secured the quarter of a million pound contract thanks to the innovative design of a steel access cover to help protect copper electricity cables.
The Telford-based company is currently bucking the global downturn in manufacturing, with bosses attributing the rise in its order book to FSP's ability to conceive, design and manufacture products in-house.
Managing director Richard Hilton said: “It's a brilliant way to start 2012. This latest contract is worth £250,000, our largest single order to date. We're hoping it will be the first of many this year as we're discovering that utility and civil engineering companies are approaching us directly for input.
“We have been able to develop this unique access cover thanks to a large investment in both our staff and cutting edge 3D software, which means we now have the ability to model and simulate products.”
Mr Hilton said the recruitment of a new sales team and the appointment of former production manager John Tudor in a new role as sales manager, had also been a key part of the company's flying start to the year.
“In just nine months, they have secured our largest ever order. Representatives of the National Grid visited us to discuss issues surrounding the potential degredation of copper cables, and we've developed a unique solution to a problem which could prove astronomically expensive.”.
FSP, which manufactures its products in Madeley, is now exploring a range of applications for the new design and in talks about some major new contracts for the future.
Mr Hilton added: “Like all manufacturers in the UK, we are concerned about the threat of further economic slowdown. However, what we have shown is that companies willing to innovate and invest in research and development, will continue to win orders which, in turn, protects jobs.
“In the middle of a recession, we decided to invest in our new laser cutting machine which was installed last year. This new equipment is being used for the National Grid project and has ensured we remain competitive and able to turn orders around more quickly than our competitors. This is winning us business and the future looks good for FSP.”
The contract is due for completion by the end of March.
