This December, we are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone for Grenville Engineering—our 40th anniversary. It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come since 1984 when Mark Barratt first opened the doors in Stoke-on-Trent with a small team and a single manual punch and Strippit machine. We could hardly have imagined the growth, challenges, and successes ahead.
Building Our Foundation
Our journey truly began in 1985 when we formed a significant partnership with a leader in the Earth-moving industry. That collaboration established us as a trusted name in the sheet metal fabricators sector and laid the foundation for future growth. By 1997, we achieved ISO 9001 accreditation, a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and operational excellence.
Embracing Innovation
In 2000, we invested in our first laser-cutting machine, the Trumpf L2530 1.8 kW. This investment was a game changer for us, enabling greater precision and speed for our customers, especially in laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication. Between 2005 and 2007, Grenville embraced further transformation with a groundbreaking Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project. Spearheaded by Dali Dong, this initiative modernised the company’s operations, laying the groundwork for future growth and earning Dali a prestigious KTP award. By 2007, the business was experiencing fast growth; we introduced 3D SolidWorks into our planning office, setting the stage for more efficient design processes. This period also saw us navigating one of the most challenging times in our history—the 2009 recession.
Despite the economic turmoil, our resilience shone through. Material prices were rising 5-10% fortnightly, and we had to make tough decisions. But we persevered. By late 2009, we were negotiating for our second laser-cutting machine, positioning ourselves to capitalise on the economic rebound. This strategy paid off, and by 2012, we had added a third laser, fuelling a period of fast growth at over 12.5% year-on-year.
A Turning Point
Our 30th anniversary in 2013 marked a transformative chapter for Grenville. We rebranded, launched a new website, and modernised our customer engagement. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about aligning our vision with the future we were building towards.
Our commitment to continuous improvement continued. Between 2016 and 2021, we invested in new Bystronic press brakes, including a 200-ton model, further enhancing our capabilities. Most recently, we’ve invested £800,000 in state-of-the-art machinery, including a CNC tube laser, flatbed fibre laser, robotic welding machines, and CNC milling machines. These additions have allowed us to bring more services in-house, increase capacity, reduce lead times, and deliver more complex, high-quality solutions for our customers.
People at the Heart of Our Success
While technology has been crucial, our people have always been at the heart of our success. Operations Director Dali Dong, who joined us in 2005 through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Staffordshire University, reflects:
“There have been so many happy memories over the years, but one that stands out is when we substantially increased the end-of-year bonus for everyone. We’ve kept that going every year since, and it’s a testament to what we’ve achieved as a team.”
Sales Director Stuart Rawlinson, who started his journey with Grenville in 1995 as an apprentice, shares:
“It’s been amazing to see the business evolve. Always pushing forward has made the biggest impact on me. I’m proud that we make continuous investments, rise to the challenge of attracting new business, and maintain longstanding partnerships across a wide range of sectors.”
We are honoured to have many long-serving employees, with 25% of our team having over 20 years of service, including seven with more than 30 years. Stuart’s journey—from apprentice metalworker to Sales Director—is a testament to the opportunities we strive to create for our team.
Supporting our Communities
Over the years, Grenville Engineering has proudly supported a variety of local community initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the workplace. From sponsoring youth sports teams like the Tythy Tigers football club and the U10, U11, and U12 cricket teams at Bagnall Norton Cricket Club to backing educational projects such as Woodhouse Academy’s Dynamic STEM Project, we believe in fostering opportunities for young talent. One of our earliest sponsorships was the Complete and Utter Chaos (CAUC) F24 racing team from Sandbach High School, reflecting our longstanding dedication to innovation and teamwork in STEM.
Our sponsorships also extend to Crewe Alexandra F.C. and Uttoxeter Family Race Day, showcasing our support for both grassroots and professional sports. Supporting these causes not only uplifts our community but aligns with our values of collaboration, growth, and excellence.
Our partnerships also extend to Crewe Alexandra F.C. and Uttoxeter Family Race Day, showcasing our support for both grassroots and professional sports. Supporting these causes not only uplifts our community but aligns with our values of collaboration, growth, and excellence.
Supporting Our Customers
Today, Grenville Engineering is a 58,500-square-foot operation offering comprehensive services, including design, advanced laser cutting, sheet metal forming, welding, machining, assembly, and transportation, positioning us as a leader among sheet metal fabricators. Our customer base spans industries such as automotive, earth-moving, rail engineering, structural steelwork, and renewable energy.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to staying customer-centric. Our investments aren’t just about improving what we do but delivering better value for you. By working closely with our partners, we aim to provide cost-effective, high-quality solutions that help you stay competitive in your markets.
Thank You for 40 Years
As we celebrate this milestone, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our customers, partners, and team members who have been part of this journey. Your trust and support have been instrumental in our success. We look forward to more years of collaboration, growth, and shared achievements.
