FEATURE
Dramatic – The Expanded Metal Company ’ s architectural mesh clads London ’ s Young Vic Theatre .
that staff could feel part of – and proud of . Across all functions , the teams are focused , energised and motivated to increase productivity , attract new business and boost our domestic and international presence .
“ And in 2016 , we also set out to reenergise our marketing and business development activities , from reaffirming our industry presence via public relations and social media , to launching an e-commerce website in 2018 , which has opened up an extensive new revenue stream .
“ We ’ ll receive orders in the middle of the night for our home improvement meshes from people who have never dealt with us before and have found us online ! It ’ s a fantastic opportunity and is generating new sales .”
A key catalyst for change was a major investment programme – totalling up to £ 1m – which began in 2018 .
This included building upgrades , the refurbishment of specialist manufacturing equipment ( much of it unique in Europe ), the acquisition of new machinery and the replacement of existing lighting with more energy-efficient LED lighting systems .
“ We have worked hard to improve our facilities and we are continuing to make enhancements to our production environment and offices ,” says Philip .
The Expanded Metal Company has also further embedded itself into the Tees and wider North-East and , indeed , UK ’ s manufacturing communities .
The firm is a member of Make UK and the North East of England Process Industry Cluster ( NEPIC ), and Philip became a board member of the Engineering and Manufacturing Network ( EMN ) this year .
A number of networking events have been held at the company ’ s site , where the team have shared the firm ’ s journey and proudly demonstrated its manufacturing processes .
And The Expanded Metal Company has worked with a number of North-East companies to support its marketing , digital and sales efforts .
Northumberland-based marketing company Horizon Works undertakes creative , content , digital and social media activities ; Stockton-headquartered Just Williams provides sales training for the
team ; Middlesbrough ’ s award-winning Ithica Films brings expanded metal products to life through stunning video content ; Teesside visualisation tools specialist Animmersion has created eye-catching animations and 3D images of the company ’ s metal meshes ; and Middlesbrough ’ s MGC is behind the firm ’ s e-commerce website .
“ We are delighted to be collaborating with innovators on our own doorstep ,” says Philip .
“ We certainly don ’ t need to look anywhere else for marketing , digital and sales support .”
Like many manufacturers , The Expanded Metal Company has experienced several years of change and challenges .
And The Expanded Metal Company is laying down the foundations for future growth .
Investing in skills and expertise means supporting a new generation of expanded metal specialists , says Philip – and that means creating opportunities for young people in Hartlepool and the wider region .
Four apprentices are part of its 90- plus strong workforce and seven former apprentices are forging their careers as permanent staff , in roles including product development , maintenance and administration .
“ Generations of people from the Tees Valley have contributed to the success of The Expanded Metal Company ,” Philip concludes . “ And the team we have now in Hartlepool is building on their legacy .
“ We hope John French Golding would be proud of what we have achieved .”
Product – Securilath TM security mesh , an example of the ExMesh TM security range .
For more information visit expandedmetalcompany . com .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 99