Black Country precision engineers celebrate 125th anniversary
Black Country-based general and precision engineers Glassworks Hounsell is celebrating its 125th anniversary by announcing an impressive turnover increase of more than 50 per cent from 2011-2012.
Black Country-based general and precision engineers Glassworks Hounsell is celebrating its 125th anniversary by announcing an impressive turnover increase of more than 50 per cent from 2011-2012.
The Black Country specialists in precision engineering have recently taken on more work due to an increased demand for their services.
The company in Park Lane, Halesowen, specialises in highly developed batch wetting and charging equipment.
Following these increases Glassworks has also invested in a new major factory unit with a view to expand its capabilities.
One of the reasons for their positive growth is the YMT146 CNC machine, which enables Glassworks Hounsell to improve productivity. They are combining this with investment into a bespoke factory management system to allow real-time data capture and analysis to further improve efficiency.
Commercial director William Brinkman said: "There has been considerable investment in new facilities with the intention of taking on more business and expanding further. We're investing to expand and we're expecting next year to be a big year for us."
Despite the recession creating a gloomy cloud over the manufacturing industry, a lack of demand is certainly not a factor affecting Glassworks Hounsell in its 125th year.
William added: "We've always run a very tight ship. We're now in a position to push on without being beholden to the banks, which perhaps some smaller firms will be.
"We continue to adhere to very traditional values, which we've always upheld by trying to provide a good and valued service. This enables customers to trust us to deliver on what we say we're going to do.
"As a result our business is growing."
Glassworks Hounsell's origins date back to 1887 when John Hounsell founded Hounsell Engineering. That company later merged with Glassworks Equipment Limited at the turn of the millennium to establish the business in its current form.
William, whose father Richard, who is company chairman and joined Hounsell Engineering 50 years ago, expects the company to mark the milestone later in the year.
He said: "We'll be exhibiting at the Glasstec trade fair in Dusseldorf at the end of October. It's a big glass show to be involved with so we'll probably base something around that."
The firm does work in a variety of sectors globally, including the glass, confectionary, automotive and aerospace industries.
It also invests heavily in research and development.
For sales enquiries contact Glassworks Hounsell on 01384 560 666 or e-mail info@glassworkshounsell.co.uk
