Alpha Manufacturing continues to demonstrate why it stands at the forefront of British engineering, combining cutting-edge machinery with the skill and precision of a highly trained workforce.
A standout example of this synergy can be found in the company’s Press Brake team — a department where engineering drawings are transformed into precision-folded components, ready for the next stage of production. This is where technology meets craftsmanship, and where machines are only as effective as the people operating them.
Mastering the Machines
Alpha Manufacturing’s Press Brake Operators are more than just machine users — they are interpreters of complex drawings, creative problem-solvers, and passionate engineers in their own right.
Kenny Basford is known for his meticulous approach. Trained in-house by TRUMPF, Kenny specialises in interpreting technical drawings and bending sheet steel to exact specifications. He credits TRUMPF’s cutting-edge machinery for streamlining processes and reducing scrap. “No day is ever the same,” Kenny says. “I love the variety and the technical challenge of every new job.”
Adam Gramatyka brings over a decade of experience and a wealth of knowledge across TRUMPF BendCell and Press Brakes, as well as Salvagnini and Amada systems. Precision and problem-solving are at the heart of what drives him. “Each project requires detailed attention — that’s what makes the work so rewarding,” he explains. With a strong interest in AI and 3D printing, Adam exemplifies the kind of future-focused mindset that fits naturally at Alpha Manufacturing.
Kieran Buxton has spent nearly 11 years in fabrication, with the last three dedicated to Alpha. Alongside his TRUMPF training, Kieran holds qualifications in mechanical engineering and fabrication. “I enjoy thinking outside the box,” he says. His dedication to high standards recently earned him The HEX Group’s ‘Extra Mile’ award — nominated by colleagues who admire his care and commitment to the role.
Alex Saunders, one of the newer faces in the team, brings energy and curiosity. After completing Alpha’s intensive TRUMPF training course, he quickly found his rhythm on the factory floor. “Every job is essentially ergonomic with metal,” he says. His enthusiasm for precision, programming, and process improvement highlights his future-focused approach to engineering.
Investing in Technology and People
Alpha Manufacturing’s investment in TRUMPF technology has equipped the team with tools that enhance speed, accuracy, and flexibility. Yet, as advanced as the machines are, it’s the people behind them who unlock their true potential.
Whether it’s Alex refining tolerances down to the nearest micron or Kieran striving to master every machine on the shop floor, the team demonstrates a strong culture of continuous learning and improvement. From automation-ready brakes to intelligent tooling systems, the Press Brake team knows how to make technology work harder and smarter.
Beyond the Factory Floor
What sets this team apart isn’t just their technical ability — it’s who they are beyond the job. Kenny sits on the British Board of Boxing Control and supports a national charity. Adam experiments with AI and 3D printing in his spare time. Kieran splits his time between home renovations and family life. Alex enjoys fixing cars, playing guitar, and exploring the outdoors.
Together, they form a team that doesn’t just shape metal — they shape Alpha Manufacturing’s reputation for precision, innovation, and excellence.
Every fold tells a story — and at Alpha Manufacturing, it’s a story of people, progress, and pride.
