Restructuring for a digital future

A versatile engineering company that fabricated a 20m long robotic man for Take That’s “Progress” world tour is making changes to its management board to prepare for increased growth.

A versatile engineering company that fabricated a 20m long robotic man for Take That’s 'Progress' world tour is making changes to its management board to prepare for increased growth.

Founder and chairman of Thetford, Norfolk-based Warren Services, Richard Bridgman will make way for his son and current managing director Will Bridgman to become chairman, with overall responsibility for the business.

A keen technologist, Will said: “I want to keep the company at the forefront of new digital technology that is driving the next industrial revolution. We are aiming for 50% growth in the next three years.”

General manager and director Clive Poyner, who has been instrumental in growing the 27-year old company in the past 10-years, will become managing director.

Richard Bridgman, who founded Warren Services with wife Sharon in 1990, will continue to help develop new business but will have more time to focus on his passion, the development of new talent in engineering both locally and nationally.

Richard who was chair of the skills council (SEMTA) for the East of England for many years, is also a regional advisory board member of manufacturers’ organisation EEF, is on the local LEP Skills Board and works very closely with West Suffolk College.

In 2014 he was recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspirational manufacturing industry leaders by The Manufacturer magazine and the following year was made an honorary fellow of the University of Suffolk. In each case, he focuses on improving training standards and providing young people with career opportunities in engineering.

He comments: “I have been devoted to growing Warren Services for 27-years, and to developing the engineering skills training industry for almost as long. It’s time to hand the reins on to Will and Clive so they can exploit new markets, and adopt more of the new digital technology that manufacturers now have access to. I know they will do a great job.”

Richard said he will continue to spread the message nationwide that engineering plays a vital role in the UK’s economy.

As chairman, Will Bridgman will focus on new customers, especially for large technically challenging projects that demand multiple engineering processes. He will also be tasked with building links with partner companies that strategically fit with the company’s objectives to be a go-to manufacturing partner for blue chip companies, while also having resources to help new start-ups.

New managing director Mr Poyner will be tasked with establishing stronger links with existing customers and eliminating waste in all aspects of the business.

Warren Services’ projects have ranged from foldable buildings to complex theatre projects and even animatronic dinosaurs.

“If it can be fabricated, machined, welded, connected and assembled – we can make it,” said Will.

Warren Services www.warrenservices.co.uk

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