Member Article

Chesterfield manufacturer featured in The Parliamentary Review

Europe’s largest manufacturer of continuously cast-iron bar, United Cast Bar (UCB), has been featured in The Parliamentary Review.

The Review is sent to over 500,000 leading business executives, policy makers and other relevant individuals and, this year, features a foreword by current Prime Minister – Theresa May.

In The Review, Chesterfield-based UCB discusses its record breaking production, the workforce of the future, efficiency and sustainability, resilience and a post-Brexit future. All factors discussed are considered to be key elements to the group’s success over the last 20 years, according to Managing Director of Foundries, James Brand. He commented:

“If we are to develop our young people and retain their talent in the UK, schools must start brining manufacturing and engineering careers to their attention. To look forward we must look back; getting young people interested in the sector is a great first step.

“UCB is optimistic about the future of manufacturing after Brexit. I personally see it as an opportunity for both the company and the sector itself. We manufacture great products in this country and there has been a shift, both at home and abroad, towards buying British. UK demand for our product is increasing and I am confident that the final agreement with the EU will have few or no barriers for trade.”

James also mentioned the partnerships the group has made with schools over the years through Made in Chesterfield, an initiative bringing together the education, engineering and manufacturing sectors. UCB has been very much involved in the initiative, inviting schoolchildren to the foundry and establishing the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum.

With Chesterfield within close proximity of Sheffield, a Stronghold for British metal manufacturing, it provides a great central location with strong road, rail and air links, as well as an excellent and ready supply of skilled employees.

Formed in February 1998, United Cast Bar is the result of the merger of three of Europe’s most prestigious continuous cast iron bar foundries and their associated stockist and service centres. The UK foundry and worldwide headquarters are based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and it is from here that approximately 90% of production is exported.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Joshua Peet .