Member Article

Ruth Lee to create 10 jobs as it plots next chapter in its history

A world leader in the manufacture of rescue training manikins is to create at least 10 new jobs as it plots expansion in the UK and internationally.

Family business Ruth Lee, based in Corwen, North Wales, exports about 65 per cent of its products to countries including the United States, Australia and Germany.

While it continues to grow in these markets, it is also securing new distribution channels in the Far East and South America.

The company has traditionally provided its manikins to the emergency services, but is now looking at new sectors including the care industry.

Ruth Lee began producing the training manikins in the 1980s when a family friend who worked for Merseyside Fire Service asked if it could repair one of the brigade’s own manikins made from hessian sacking and old hose.

Ruth spotted the opportunity to create something better, leading to the first Ruth Lee training manikin. Merseyside became the company’s first manikin customer, followed quickly by Cheshire and North Wales.

The company’s products have been used by film-makers on the sets of movies such as Peter Pan and Prometheus and are also used regularly in counter-terrorism training exercises.

Paul McDonnell, who joined as Managing Director in 2016, said: “We are the global leader in the manufacture of rescue training manikins with growth of 30 per cent and 20 per cent in the last two years. We are passionate about the need for continual innovation and product development and have further exciting opportunities to expand and diversify the business.

“In order to do so, we need to find more great people to join our family business urgently. We have opportunities for machinists, sales and warehouse staff.

“While the business has traditionally focused on the emergency services market, we are now also entering new areas such as the care home sector where our products are helping to improve health and safety training.”

Founder Ruth continues to live next door to the company in Corwen, while daughter Susan and son Lawrence oversee operations and export respectively.

The company has also gained planning permission to develop new premises seven miles away in the village of Glyndyfrdwy. The new site already houses a modern, computerised cutting table, but will also include refurbished office space, a showroom and training rooms and new warehousing and sewing workshops.

Paul added: “We are embarking on the latest chapter in the company’s story and are looking for people who would like to become part of the Ruth Lee family. We value and invest in our staff with a commitment to paying above the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended pay rates and ensuring the best possible training and skills development.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mason Media .