Member Article

Airedale Springs Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Haworth-based spring manufacturers, Airedale Springs are celebrating their 75th year in business.

In 1945 Gordon Parkinson founded the business manufacturing wire handles for industrial accumulators employing three people. From those humble beginnings, the family run business has since gone on to win numerous national industry awards for their continued outstanding work and growth over the years.

Speaking of the milestone, Airedale Springs Chairman, Tim Parkinson said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating such a big anniversary this year, and it’s a testament to the hard work that each and every employee, past and present, has put in throughout the last 75 years.

“Over the years we have focused on diversifying our production capabilities, and ensured we are not reliant on a small number of markets. By combining our proven track record of problem solving and offering insightful advice to our customers, we have enjoyed many years of success with a number of long-standing clients.”

Airedale Springs are renowned for nurturing staff. Half of the current staff are members of the ‘25-Year-Club’ where members have completed 25 years of continuous service. In their 75-year history, they have inducted an incredible 53 employees into the club.

Despite the large number of experienced staff, the manufacturing firm does boast a relatively young workforce for the industry, with the average age of staff standing at 47.

The company now operates from their state-of-the-art facility, aptly named The Spring Works, and have done so for the last 8 years. The purpose-built factory is home to 17 of most advanced CNC coiling machines currently available, which enable to the company to manufacture a wide range of springs and wire forms.

Speaking of the current facilities and equipment on site, Tim said: “We have placed a heavy emphasis on always looking to invest in our staff and the very latest technology that enables us to provide our customers with high quality wire products.

“Despite our focus on continually investing in the right equipment to create the very best springs, we are also completely committed to the environment. We have invested in an environmentally friendly “A” grade building supplemented by a 30Kw solar plant. We all need to play our part in protecting our planet.

It hasn’t been an easy journey for the team at Airedale Springs throughout their history though, as back in August 2010 a fire at Ebor Mills completely wiped out their production facility. Thanks to plenty of kind gestures from local people and businesses, the company managed to reopen just days later.

Speaking of the tragic event Tim said: “There’s no doubt in my mind that the tragic events of 2010 were the most challenging we have seen throughout the history of Airedale Springs. Whilst a truly awful experience at the time, we were able to learn from it and has given us the experience to deal with the current crisis more effectively.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Hartley .