Less than a month after headlines were dominated by news of Brexit taking its toll on UK manufacturing, a Burton based firm is bucking the trend, reporting increased demand, higher sales and a need to increase its workforce by 10%.
Crestchic designs, manufactures and distributes specialist electrical load-testing equipment and has been based in Burton-on-Trent since its inception, more than 35 years ago. Originally a local family business, the company now employs 80 people at its UK office and manufacturing facility and ships products all over the globe.
Paul Brickman, Sales and Marketing Director at Crestchic, commented, “I keep hearing about falling demand, slowing growth and a freeze on recruitment or even job losses across the manufacturing sector, but we’re experiencing quite the opposite. Orders are on the increase for both our sales and rental teams and we urgently need to recruit to help to fulfil demand.”
As well as opportunities for mechanical and electrical engineers – including panel wiring engineers and mechanical assembly fitters – the global reach of the company means that there are roles for those who like to travel, as well as those keen to keep their feet firmly planted on Burton’s own soil.
The company says that the increased demand for its load testing equipment is driven by a number of factors – from unprecedented demand from the French nuclear power sector, a boost in sales to the world-famous Caterpillar group, through to increased demand for rental units in the US, Europe and Middle-East and a renaissance in shipbuilding and naval industries.
As well as taking on new employees to meet growing demand, the company also offers opportunities for apprentices in the local area.
Paul continues, “We’re 100% committed to investing in the business and the local community. Burton is really well-positioned for a business like ours, with access to transport networks and a skilled workforce. The fact that we’re not bogged down by Brexit uncertainty means we can help to build future talent for UK manufacturing – the apprentice scheme is great for Crestchic but also offers opportunities for local people and contributes to the industry as whole.”
In recent years, the company has provided equipment for customers as diverse as FIFA in Russia through to gas processing plants in Gabon, shipyards in India, the US navy in Japan and even Ikea in Dubai.
For more information about Crestchic, visit www.crestchicloadbanks.com
