ENGINEERING
Renewed optimism – TMD Friction ’ s UK operations manager Tom Russell says 2021 has been a strong year for the firm .
The future – TMD Friction are investing in young employees , including maintenance apprentices Jonny Davison , Jack Fallow and Stephen Smailes .
models of Europe ’ s aftermarket , including emergency services vehicles and many of the major distribution small trucks and vans .
Since the start of the year , the company has benefited from over £ 3m of investment across the plant , with the most recent boost coming from a £ 1m spend on a new paint line which will improve the quality of the brake pad products that are manufactured on site , as well as reduce energy consumption .
Other investment supported the purchase of new state-of-the-art air compressors , while TMD ’ s IT capabilities were also boosted with new software and equipment , which has radically improved how the company communicates with its workforce .
This expenditure resulted in the promotion of former apprentice Stuart Gallagher into a more senior role within the IT department , and new apprentice Ethan Robson recruited – testament to the company ’ s commitment to investing in young talent and giving existing staff members the chance to move up the career ladder .
Further highlights from 2021 include the launch of a TMD Friction global learning and development academy , which enables plants around the world to virtually share examples of best practice , and the launch of a new dedicated health , safety , and environment team , headed up by Shaun Wilson .
It was a year that also saw the Hartlepool plant winning two international Kaizen awards for continuous improvements – for best use of tools and
“ Investment , job creation and expansion are evident throughout the area and the businesspeople I speak to on a daily basis seem genuinely optimistic that 2022 will be a great year .”
the top award , Best Kaizen Project .
It ’ s the second time in four years that the Hartlepool plant has picked up the most prestigious accolade .
Tom Russell added : “ When we look back over the past 12 months , it ’ s clear to see our business has achieved so much .
“ The investment secured from our parent company has been welcomed and reinforces the group ’ s commitment in our facility .
“ Around £ 1.5m has come in for the introduction of new paint lines which have significantly boosted output and quality , meaning we ’ re ending striving towards achieving our goal of 120,000 parts per week , which was our target at the start of the year .
“ Of course , investment in machinery and equipment is one thing . However , investing in our workforce is just as important to us – we know it ’ s our people that are the key to our continued growth .
“ That is evident in our recruitment of apprentices , who are employed in various areas of the business . They ’ re a key part of our talent attraction programme , which continues to support the company ’ s global growth and enhance our position
as Europe ’ s leading manufacturer of brake pads for the aftermarket .
“ It is also backed up by our willingness to promote internally – talent retention is another key element of our business strategy , and we always instil in our staff that if they prove themselves , there will be chances to progress .
“ I must also recognise the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team at Hartlepool . In difficult times , everybody has shown themselves to be team players and helped us continue to satisfy customer orders , and doing so safely . We have reduced accidents by 28 per cent in 2021 , which is a massive achievement and only done with everybody ’ s focus on safety .”
Tom added : “ There are so many reasons to be positive about the future . Yes , it ’ s been a tough year and Covid-19 hasn ’ t gone away , but we have adapted and found a way to live and work with it .
“ Not just that , but we are seeing many signs that we ’ ve turned a corner for good – investment , job creation and expansion are evident throughout the area and the businesspeople I speak to on a daily basis seem genuinely optimistic that 2022 will be a great year . I have to agree .”
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