Member Article

Mechan makes charity donation to mark 50th year

Sheffield manufacturer, Mechan, has donated £5,000 to the city’s Children’s Hospital to kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations.

The rail depot equipment specialist handed over the proceeds of its fundraising at a recent open day to celebrate its half century.

Alison Riley from The Children’s Hospital Charity joined staff, professional partners and key clients at Mechan’s 50th anniversary open day, where she was presented with a cheque. A number of events were arranged by the firm to raise funds, whilst clients, suppliers and its parent companies all provided donations.

The open day gave guests a unique behind-the-scenes look at the firm’s workshop, highlighting how the highly specialised products it supplies to the rail industry are created.

Following the success of its charity initiative, Mechan has pledged to continue its support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital throughout 2019. Financial director, Zahir Altaf, said: “We are very lucky to have this wonderful resource on our doorstep. Many of my colleagues have used its services over the years and it was, therefore, our pleasure to mark 50 years by raising much needed funds to support its hugely important work.”

Mechan was founded in 1969 to serve Sheffield’s dominant steel sector, but following its collapse in the 1980s, diversification was necessary to survive. Its first set of rail car lifting jacks were launched in 1990 and they now stand sentry in some of the most advanced depots in the world.

Just two years ago, Mechan joined French rail infrastructure group, CIM, which operates in 120 countries. This has accelerated international development and exports now play a much larger role.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nina Sorby .