Sheffield's Forgemasters land national industry award

Sheffield’s Forgemasters International has landed a national award for its commitment to investing in, and developing new talent.

The steel production and engineering firm has received one of three annual awards from NDI, the national supply chain sourcing and development organisation which represents the interests of businesses in the defence, aerospace, space and security sectors.

The Investment in Skills award recognises commitment to fostering and investing in local talent at its Brightside Lane base, which provides molten steel for casting and forging operations, as well as creating high-technology, bespoke engineered components.

Group training officer Ricardo Franckeiss said: “Sheffield Forgemasters has a proud 200-year history and over this period has amassed a vast wealth of experience and technical know-how in the steel making, materials engineering and manufacturing disciplines.

“Despite this, however, we never rest on our laurels and invest heavily to ensure we maintain a highly skilled, trained and competent workforce, fully equipped to meet the increasing demands made on our company and our industry.

“Much of the training we do is tailored or structured in a way to meet the specific needs of our business and is aimed at driving creativity and innovation throughout the business to ensure we maintain a competitive edge over our rivals.”

David Townsley, executive director of NDI, said: “I am delighted that Sheffield Forgemasters have won this award. They have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the development of apprentices and are committed to the continued investment in the development of their workforce.”

Over the last five years, Sheffield Forgemasters has recruited 77 apprentices and last December 16 of its young engineers graduated with Foundation Degrees from Barnsley College.

The company has also invested heavily in a company-wide lean manufacturing initiative including training for a large number of staff including 16 ‘Lean Leaders’ and a number of adult apprentices.