Member Article

Family firm Gears up for Growth

As UK manufacturing continues to grow, premium welding supplier Foster Industrial has made another significant step, investing in its own future.

With manufacturing output levels now exceeding the previous peak in 2008, Foster Industrial has appointed a new Operations Director, with 30 years’ experience to maximise growth in trade sales.

Foster Industrial is the UK’s longest established distributor of welding and cutting equipment and supplies. The family run business, established in 1886 is based on a 15,000 sq. ft. site in Shepshed near Loughborough and provides both supplies and technical support to manufacturers across the East Midlands. Still run by the great grandsons of the founder, Foster Industrial’s growing customer base includes the region’s top manufacturers, in sectors ranging from transport and aerospace, through to agriculture and shop fitting.

This latest investment follows the creation of a new 15,000 sq. ft. facility three years ago. This move consolidated the firm’s smaller Nottingham and Leicester sites and increased capacity, creating a new purpose built trade counter, additional warehousing space and a new demonstration area under one roof. Anthony Ashford has the joined the firm in the newly created role of Operations Director, working closely with Joint Managing Directors, Richard and Charles Foster. Foster Industrial is one of the largest suppliers of industrial gases, welding, cutting and abrasive products, supplying over 7000 stock products.

Richard Foster, Joint Managing Director said: “Anthony’s impressive track record includes experience with the Midlands leading names in engineering and construction.

“We’ll be utilising all of his extensive management skills to help develop the business during this dynamic period of growth. “His portfolio at Foster Industrial includes improving warehouse efficiencies and reviewing delivery processes to further enforce our mission to be the premium welding supplier in the East Midlands and beyond.”

Foster Industrial’s product range includes supply and support for leading international brands including Hypertherm, Miller, EWM, Oerlikon, Tyrolit & Sia Abrasives. Anthony commented “I’m delighted to have joined the team at Foster Industrial, having known the firm for many years – as a customer. One of my first ambitions is to increase stock levels to meet growing customer demand. It is fantastic to be working alongside Richard and Charles at such a vibrant time for both the business and the market.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kathryn Greenwood .