News

Last updated July 2010

New 48 Hour Despatch Spares Website Launched!

B Hepworth & Co. Ltd. are offering a 48 hour turnaround service on spares ordered from this website. We guarantee that we will despatch all goods within 2 working days of receiving your order.

Simply click onto www.hepworthwiperspares.com

This service is being launched 2nd August 2010 and is available to Agents, Distributors, existing clients and new customers.

If you are a Hepworth Agent or Distributor and wish to order from the 48 hour spares list, your items will be despatched within 48 hours via your usual carrier and inviced in the usual manner. New customers will be contacted regarding payment and delivery details.

Fantastic achievement! Hepworth ranked No. 26 in Sunday Times International Track 100 League Table, and 6th largest exporter to China!

The first annual International Track 100 league table supplement was published in The Sunday Times on 11 July 2010, with title sponsor HSBC. The league table ranked companies’ international sales growth over the latest two years of available accounts. The table was based on limited publicly available data of international sales so there are likely to be omissions, but it provides a useful picture of growth in overseas trade by UK private companies.

Despite difficult trading conditions, the 100 companies’ international sales grew by an average of 83% a year over two years to a total of £2.2bn. International sales growth ranged from 44% pa to 416% pa.

They exported to more than 160 countries, with 48 firms generating sales in the US and 32 trading in China. Europe was the continent where most firms did business, with 68 companies reporting sales in this region, and 54 in Asia.

From aerospace and defence equipment to Simon Cowell’s X Factor, British merchandise and culture have spread to most corners of the globe. Businesses sold goods and services worth £231 billion to overseas buyers in the 12 months to March, according to government figures, making Britain the world’s tenth-largest exporter in a table topped by China, Germany and America. The figure is 5.3% down on the previous year, because of the global recession, yet the combination of a weak pound and stagnant demand at home is encouraging companies big and small to seek fresh markets abroad. Our new research shows that shrewd businesses are also responding to the opportunities created, particularly by high demand for oil and gas and the rapid economic growth across Asia. The inaugural Sunday Times HSBC International Track 100, which ranks private companies by foreign sales growth over their latest two financial years, reveals that British creativity, engineering and experience are still in demand all over the world. The league table, compiled by the Oxford-based research and networking events company Fast Track, highlights a host of privately owned firms that have succeeded abroad after tackling challenges ranging from currency fluctuations and language barriers to security risks.

The information published about B Hepworth within the supplement included the following:

Ranking: 26
B Hepworth - Windscreen wiper manufacturer Redditch
Financial year end: Mar 09
% Annual International Sales Growth over 2 years: 95.78%
Latest International Sales £000: 9,990
Base International Sales £000: 2,606
Latest Total Sales £000: 13,336
Staff: 136
Founded: 1981
Comment: Manufactures in Britain and exports to 54 countries, including China and America

THIS Redditch-headquartered company makes windscreen wipers for trains and ships, such as the cruise liner QE2 and her latest sister ship, Queen Victoria. In 2008 B Hepworth fitted wipers to Delhi’s new fleet of 40 Metro trains, a bespoke order that required the British company’s specialised manufacturing skills. Export growth has been driven by the acquisition of its main British competitor in 2004, which enabled it to rationalise its product range and consolidate overseas distributors, thus simplifying its route to market. Overseas sales have grown 96% a year, from £2.6m in 2007 to £10m in 2009.

Reproduced by permission. Copyright The Sunday Times International Track 100

Please click here to download a pdf of the full 8 page supplement

Outstanding Bombardier Electrostar fleet fit Hepworth wiper systems

Bombardier has released a statement on their website confirming the Electrostar fleet as the best performing train in the UK.

Hepworth are very proud to have supplied over 1500 systems to Bombardier for the entire Electrostar fleet. The wiper system failure rate currently stands at 0.07 Failures Per Million Kilometres which is an incredible achievement, showing how Hepworth Rail’s quality and partnerships continue to develop ever improving and outstanding wiper systems for the global rail market.

Support Vessel of the Year 2010 features Hepworth wipers!

B Hepworth is proud to announce that they have supplied the window wiper system for the Fugro Synergy, which was declared "Support Vessel of the Year 2010". The wiper system installed uses Straight Line Wipers Type D with 6000 Series Controllers.

Fugro Synergy received the award as Support Vessel of the Year at the annual OSJ conference in London Wednesday evening, February 17th.
The award goes to the owner, designer and builder of an offshore support vessel delivered in the past calendar year which is considered to have set an industry benchmark through innovative design and efficient operation.

The ship, built at Bergen Group Halsnøy, represents a new generation high technology drillship built for an increasing demand for cost effective drilling units. Fugro Synergy represents a new generation high technology drillship built for an increasing demand for cost effective drilling units. The dynamically positioning vessel is capable of operating with a drilling package geared towards the drilling of geotechnical wells.

New Production Manager appointed for Crossley Fabrications

Craig brings his extensive operational management experience and is a highly committed, target-driven individual, with a track record of developing manufacturing within a short time frame to realise the best possible results.

Craig will have overall responsibility for the Crossley manufacturing site and will report directly to Mr Mark Wise our Operations Director.

We would like to welcome Craig and wish him well in his new role, and look forward to a long and happy association with Hepworths.

Bob Smith Managing Director
Mark Wise Operations Director

B Hepworth features on WebTV and Radio with HSBC bank

Chief Executive features in WebTV interview!

Jonathan Eddy, Chief Executive of B Hepworth and Co Ltd was recently interviewed together with Roy Harris, HSBC's Regional Commercial Director for the Midlands, by journalist Jackie Kabler. The theme of the interview was "Expanding business through overseas trade and offering advice on how small and medium sized businesses can best operate in markets outside the UK" and the question she posed was: "With tough trading conditions, just how realistic is it for British based exporting businesses to grow?"

The interview can be viewed by clicking onto: http://www.brmb.co.uk/Article.asp?id=1592830

Hepworth features in Birmingham Post International Trade Business Supplement

HSBC bank in association with The Birmingham Post have produced an 8 page feature supplement: "International Trade - Trading our way out of the recession". Amongst contributors are B Hepworth, with an article on page two entitled "Benefits of international trade clear to see".

In the supplement, HSBC Regional Commercial Director, Midlands, Roy Harris, reveals why international trade will make businesses in the West Midlands more competitive, more productive and better equipped to deal with economic challenges.
"....as the economy begins to settle, local businesses are preparing for the upturn and are fighting back. With a continued demand from overseas markets for innovative UK products and services, for which the West Midlands in particular is renowned, there is a wealth of opportunities for local companies to thrive and grow in the present economic environment.

Jonathan Eddy of B Hepworth & Co Ltd reveals: "The true catalyst for the company’s current success levels was its investment in international trade in the late 1980s, at a point when the business had reached its peak in the UK. Since then, the business has grown exponentially, with 70 per cent of revenue now generated through its international trade network. The year-on-year increase of international orders from 54 countries, including China and the US, means that the company had to relocate to a larger factory in 2008 generating an additional 25 jobs in Redditch.

“Cracking the overseas market does take time and effort but while challenging, it can be hugely worthwhile. For us, researching the most appropriate markets and seeking the advice of experts with valuable international knowledge was a must - a great tip for any budding business looking to grow into the international market. Having said that, better transport links and, of course, the internet have now made it much simpler to trade internationally for the right type of business and products. These developments have assisted us in spreading our operations across many countries which has inevitably helped the business through the economic downturn.”

Click here to view the Supplement

Crossley Fabrications has moved!

We are pleased to announce that following the successful acquisition of the Trade and assets of W H Crossley Ltd in July, we have now relocated the manufacturing facility at Stockport to our Redditch site.

The new division will be called Crossley Fabrications.

We are pleased that a number of the existing employees have joined us during this transition period to maintain the support of our customers, and we look forward to working closely with all of our stakeholders in the future.

For further information or enquiries, please use the following contact information:

Bob Smith - Managing Director (Group) + 44 (0)1527 61243     bobsmith@b-hepworth.com
Mark Jones - Rail    + 44 (0)7876564910    mark@b-hepworth.com
Bert Thijssen - Marine & Commercial    + 44 (0)1527 61243     bert@b-hepworth.com
John Brown - Quality                             + 44 (0)1527 61243    johnb@b-hepworth.com

Hepworth achieves successful IRIS re-audit.

We have successfully been re-audited for our IRIS Quality Certification, with an increase in the score from an already excellent 92% to an even better 94%.

Extract from the report:

"There was evidence that the management system complies with IRIS v01, and certification is recommended.
Although the company achieved a high score on IRIS v00, they have continued to implement improvements to the system, and have increased their score."

This is a fantastic achievement and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.

J. Eddy
CEO

B Hepworth & Company Limited T/a Crossley Fabrications

B Hepworth and Co Ltd is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of the business formerly known as W H Crossley Ltd from the Administrators, Baker Tilly, with effect from the 22nd July 2009.

Originally established in 1820 as a firm of tinsmiths and now specialising in serving the rail industry, Crossley offer a complete service in custom-made fabrications in a wide range of metals and forms. CNC production facilities are linked to CAD/CAM packages, supported by highly skilled and certified welders, and all job progress is monitored by computerised production control systems, certified to ISO 9001 : 2000 by the Rail Industries Certification Body. Industries covered include: Transport, Electronics, Merchandising Display, Fire Protection, Security, Education & Office, and Material Handling

Hepworth has purchased the plant, machinery, raw materials stocks, work in progress and finished goods from both the Ormskirk and Stockport sites. Production is commencing immediately from the Stockport site where B Hepworth plans to carry on the business for the foreseeable future. The plant and production from the Ormskirk site will be moved to Stockport over the next few weeks.

Hepworth’s first priority is to re-establish customer confidence and prioritise delivery of current orders, firmly placing Crossley back on track.

Jonathan Eddy, CEO said “This recent acquisition is very exciting for B. Hepworth & Co Ltd and is a great fit into our company’s growth strategy, both in terms of products and markets. We understand WH Crossley’s core market very well and are confident that we can develop it alongside our existing organisation. Baker Tilly were very professional in their negotiations and we achieved a timely result.”

Contacts:
Crossley Fabrications
Switchboard   Tel + 44 (0)1527 61243    Fax + 44 (0)1527 66836

Neil Dalton - Finance Director            + 44 (0)1527 61243   neildalton@b-hepworth.com
Mark Jones - Sales Rail & General      + 44 (0)7876564910   mark@b-hepworth.com

B. Hepworth & Co Ltd
Jonathan Eddy - CEO                        + 44 (0)7768236753   jonathaneddy@b-hepworth.com
Bob Smith - Managing Director          + 44 (0)7774474053   bobsmith@b-hepworth.com
Linda Bates - Quality                         + 44 (0)1527 61243   linda_b@b-hepworth.com

Customers and Suppliers click here for additional company information

Wynstruments Ltd is on the move...

After the successful acquisition of Wynn Marine nearly 5 years ago and the subsequent streamlining of its Sales Distribution channels, together with the rationalisation of the Wynn Straight-line and Hepworth Pantograph Wiper ranges, the final stage of the acquisition plan has now been reached.

Following the move of the Hepworth site to its new larger factory in May 2008, the complete relocation of all production from Cheltenham to Redditch will be completed by the end of July 2009, together with a number of personnel who are also transferring
from Cheltenham to Redditch.

This relocation enables the next stage in our improvement plan to further enhance the growth of the business.

Jonathan Eddy
CEO

10th March 2009

Hepworth wins International Trade Award!

The International Trade Awards 2008, sponsored by HSBC, recognise companies of all sizes which have excelled in creating new international business, in exporting, importing or investment.

B. Hepworth and Company Limited beat off the regional competition to take the title of West Midlands winner of the International Trade Awards 2008 and then beat 11 other finalists to be announced Winner of the SME Category.

Judges selected B. Hepworth and Company Limited owing to the firm’s success in developing a strong international strategy which has resulted in successful export and import business trading in several major world markets including China, USA and mainland Europe.

Hepworth's success can be attributed to the quality and innovative design of their products and in the management and development of an international network of agents that sell B. Hepworth and Company Limited products worldwide.

Ian Campbell OBE, Editorial Consultant of International Trade Today and chairman of the judges, commented: “The judges were very impressed with Hepworth’s professional and balanced business plan which has generated, and will continue to develop, a range of new opportunities in several overseas markets. A combination of excellent design, innovation and new product development, adherence to quality standards, judicious management of their cash-flow and a robust approach to their competitors has kept this business succeeding and growing for over 140 years. They look strongly placed for the next 140!”

Trade and Investment Minister Lord Davies, who spoke to all the winners at the Gala Luncheon, held in the Terrace dining room at the Palace of Westminster, said: “The International Trade Award winners here today epitomise the resilience and confidence the UK economy needs, while their diversity is a mirror image of the capabilities the UK can take to the rest of the world. They are testament to the benefits of widening business horizons. I encourage other companies to do the same and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is on hand to make the task less daunting.”

Click here for further information

9th March 2009

Canadian Coastguard vessel features our wipers!

We thought you may like to see these fantastic pics, taken by David Asherst, of a Canadian Coastguard Search and Rescue vessel.

Lifeboat in high seas

Lifeboat in high seas 2

Lifeboat in high seas 3

The name of the vessel is CCG Cape Ann, built by Victoria Shipyard and delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in 2005. It is stationed at Tofilo B.C.

We are proud to say that the boat is fitted with 4 Type "C" Heavy Duty Straight Line wipers, custom made to Victoria Shipyard's specifications, selected because of their superior quality and reliability.

The Canadian Coast Guard has 31 of these Search and Rescue vessels in operation, with the majority (24) having been built by Victoria Shipyard.

2nd February 2009

Award in Recognition of International Trading Achievements

B. Hepworth and Company Limited has beaten off the regional competition to take the title of West Midlands winner of the International Trade Awards 2008.

The management team were presented with their regional award on 30 January 2009 by Roy Harris, HSBC Regional Commercial Director for the West Midlands at HSBC’s Stourbridge and Wyre Forest Commercial Centre in Stourbridge.

The International Trade Awards, run in association with HSBC and International Trade Today, celebrate companies in the UK which have excelled in creating innovative import and export opportunities, and have a proven track record in international trading.

Judges selected B. Hepworth and Company Limited for the title due to the firm’s success in developing a strong international strategy which has resulted in successful export and import business trading in several major world markets including China, USA and mainland Europe.

Their success can be attributed to the quality and innovative design of their products and in the management and development of an international network of agents that sell B. Hepworth and Company Limited products worldwide.

Commenting on the win, Jonathan P Eddy, Chief Executive of B. Hepworth and Company Limited, said: “We are pleased to accept this honour for the West Midlands at the International Trade Awards 2008. Over recent years we have successfully expanded into key markets and acquired new business contracts as part of our international strategy. We are always pleased to receive industry acknowledgment and this award is a boost for everyone involved with the company. It’s a great opportunity to formally recognise the hard work and commitment of all our employees.”

Roy Harris, HSBC regional commercial director for the West Midlands said: “As the world’s local bank, HSBC’s heritage is synonymous with international trade, so we’re delighted to help acknowledge the success of B. Hepworth and Company Limited, a West Midlands business that has really capitalised on international opportunities. The firm identified the opportunity to flourish in key international markets and has developed a robust business strategy which has continued to grow. With representation in 85 countries we can offer business customers global banking services and bespoke advice from local HSBC business banking experts. This makes it easier for our customers to manage the international aspects of their business whilst performing confidently in new markets.”

Ian Campbell OBE, Editorial Consultant of International Trade Today, commented: “The judges were very impressed with Hepworth’s professional and balanced business plan which has generated, and will continue to develop, a range of new opportunities in several overseas markets. A combination of excellent design, innovation and new product development, adherence to quality standards, judicious management of their cash-flow and a robust approach to their competitors has kept this business succeeding and growing for over 140 years. They look strongly placed for the next 140!”

Following today’s announcement, representatives from B. Hepworth and Company Limited are set to attend a Gala Luncheon at the House of Lords in March 2009, where they will be recognised for their achievements and compete with the other 11 regional finalists for the title of UK International Trade Company for 2008.

9th January 2009

New Appointment!

We have great pleasure in announcing the appointment of Bob Smith as Managing Director for
B Hepworth & Company Ltd and Wynstruments Limited as from 1st January 2009. His role will include the managing of all the Manufacturing, Design and Quality operations for both companies.

Bob comes with a wealth of experience in manufacturing, having originally been trained in Japan. More recently he was Director for Lean Manufacturing at Johnson Controls Automotive (covering Europe, South Africa and South America) and Managing Director of HUF UK Limited.

We see his appointment as the start of a very exciting and challenging new era for the Hepworth Group, opening up many new opportunities for us in the future.

15th July 2008

Hepworth wins 2008 The Birmingham Post Business Award

B Hepworth & Co is the proud winner of this year's The Birmingham Post Business Award.

Jonathan Eddy, the chief executive who describes himself as a "die hard manufacturer", received the prestigious award from the Duke of Gloucester at the Hyatt Hotel in Birmingham.

Mr Eddy paid tribute to his workforce, saying that without their efforts the award would not have been possible. "It is an honour to receive this award. We are not a company that likes to shout about our success - we just get on with things."

In many ways the company, employing 65 people, is a typical Midland manufacturing success story, supplying high quality components to some of the world's most demanding companies and adding value to the local economy.

Click below for the full story:

Open jpeg of lead article

Open jpeg of detailed article

7th April 2008

Hepworth moves on up!

B Hepworth & Co relocated to new, larger premises on 14th March 2008. Still based in Redditch, the move began with the offices and administrative staff, followed by the Assembly Departments on 17th March. The specialist machinery and heavy plant will complete their move by the end April.

The new premises give a much better working environment for all the staff, from the large, airier offices to the huge open plan warehouse, housing all the production facilities from welding and powder coating, to inspection and despatch. Lines of communication between all departments are better and the move will ensure increased productivity and the more efficient streamlining of orders from receipt to delivery.

A new Robot Welder was installed and welding bays were built on 24th March. Trained personnel who do not necessarily need to be experienced classified welders can operate the new machine. The Welder doubles productivity, accuracy is increased and a consistent quality of weld is maintained, which is capable of meeting both national and international welding standards, dependant upon customer requirements.

A Powder Coating Facility is being installed in May, becoming operational in early June. Again, this increases work capacity both in volume and size, shortening delivery times and further improving the quality of the coating applied.

The potential capacity of the laser cutter has doubled due to the larger premises giving this particular area of operation more space. This enables larger plates to be loaded, allowing for longer uninterrupted running times.

Hepworth has seen a continually growing demand for its products and a steady increase in its volume of business. The original premises had become a significant bottleneck, with the unfortunate result that lead times were being unavoidably extended. There is never a good time to move a manufacturing facility and, in the very short term, this has not helped the existing delays. However over the next few months, with the new layout, larger working areas and improved processes and product flows, we expect there to be a big increase in output levels to match the increased order book. We will also have the facility to increase capacity further as we continue to win more business in the market place, especially from our competitors!

The new address is:

4 Merse Road, North Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 9HL.

Telephone and fax numbers will remain unchanged.

1st LRQA approved UK company to achieve the coveted IRIS accreditation!

Hepworth Rail International, based in the West Midlands, became the first LRQA approved UK company to achieve the coveted International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) accreditation. IRIS has been modelled on similar quality standards that are already in place in the aerospace and automotive industries, and complements the internationally recognised ISO 9001 quality standard.

IRIS Top Team The West Midlands based company is now in the enviable position of being a first tier supplier to the industry’s main players, such as Bombardier, Siemens and Alstom.

Mr Jonathan Eddy, CEO, proudly commented “the successful implementation of IRIS has created a win-win situation for both Hepworth Rail and our customers. It supports our commitment to provide an ever more proactive supply chain process, which achieves continuous improvements in our Quality, Customer Service and Project Management Systems, in line with both Hepworth’s and our customer’s demanding procurement strategies.”

From Left to Right:
Adam Burrows (Rail Project Engineer), Jonathan Eddy (CEO), Linda Bates (Rail Project Quality Manager),
Alastair Timmis (Rail Account Manager), Mark Jones (Rail Account Executive)

Hepworth and Wynn - 3 years on

Following B Hepworth & Co Ltd’s acquisition of Wynn, a settling down period followed by change and reorganisation was inevitable, in the interest of both companies futures.

The strongest positives that have benefited both companies have been centred on the strong product brands, reputation, and the worldwide network of Distributors and Agents, who now have access to both Hepworth and Wynn Wiper Systems and Controls.

Streamlining of products and production
A major rationalisation of the competing products was undertaken: Wynn Straightline took precedence over the Hepworth Seawiper and, conversely, the Hepworth Pantograph range took precedence over the Wynn copied version.

The recent introduction of the now completed 6000 Wiper Control System will give major benefits for the group but, more importantly, to the installation engineers of our systems, with greater flexibility in operation and on site programming, as well as very simple exchange of modules, making both refit and servicing very simple.

Further rationalisations are currently being incorporated. This includes the production of the Wynn 1801 Externally Mounted Pantograph and the range of pantograph wiper arms that are now to be made by Hepworth, but with ongoing support to customers whom Wynn have supplied for the last 10 years.

Major changes have been introduced to the Wynn Straightline range, all of which will significantly improve the production time. This has been achieved by investing in new casting and extrusion tools from UK suppliers (not from the Far East!), so that the C and D models now share common parts.

Centralisation
Changes in the working practices through assembly cells, changes in personnel and the installation of the Hepworth Computer Production Control system in December 2006 now gives us a high degree of visibility in the whole production process.

In September 2006 Wynn was completely transferred onto the Hepworth computer systems, an investment of £80,000, so that there is now full access to the 2 companies from either site and also from any part of the world, through remote internet facilities.

In January 2007 we centralised the Sales Departments to Hepworth enabling us to focus on a common sales policy and further improve response times for quotations and sales acknowledgements.

Looking ahead
The introduction of the IRIS Quality Control system, initially being driven by our Rail customers, is a major step forward from the existing Quality Standards already held. We expect to achieve this by September 2007 and we may well be the first UK manufacture in Rail market supply to do so. Obviously this will also bring significant benefits for our Marine and Commercial customers.

New plant investment is currently being considered for Hepworth, ranging from automatic stacking machinery for the laser plant, a cad operated bending machine and another cad miller.

Key goals for the next 12 months are:

Improving on both delivery and customer response times
Ensuring that all orders are fulfilled correctly first time around
Tightening up management of our supply chains, resolving poor supplier performance
Putting steps in place to iron out the few installation issues we are still experiencing.

Our Year End to March 2007 has produced very satisfactory results and the current year looks promising. The very difficult issues that we faced in the first couple of years have been overcome, thanks to our very committed and professional management team who have successfully delivered good results and, as a company we are looking forward to the next stage of our development.

Hepworth / Wynn 6000 Series Controllers

The 6000 Series of Wiper Controllers was introduced in 2004, however as part of Hepworth’s continual R&D policy, further enhancements and improvements have made, together with additional features which now include:

• Different types of wipers with variations in voltage controlled by one system
• Modules have more outputs for greater operational flexibility
• Synchronisation of low voltage wipers (pantograph / pendulum) in low and high speed
• More than one keypanel can be integrated into any operational system.

Hepworth carried out testing with the systems supplied two years ago to the following countries:

• Denmark: 29 wipers controlled by one system with heat, wash, and purge.
• Norway: Two straight line wipers 230v AC 3 phase, four 50Nm wipers 24v DC with heat, wash and purge. Controlled by one master and one slave keypad and two remote control switches.
• UK: Two systems with 50Nm wipers including wash, purge and synchronisation in low and high speed.

Hepworth would like to thank Servi Motion, Norway and Gertsen & Olufsen, Denmark for their support, ensuring that the 6000 Series meets the requirements and high standards needed by today’s shipping.

Hepworth Introduce High Voltage Wiper Systems

Hepworth Marine International has introduced a new high voltage Pantograph wiper system.

Specifically designed for 110v / 220v operation, the 70Nm and 100Nm window wiper systems are suitable for both the super Yacht and the Heavy Shipping markets.

A direct replacement for the Wynn Sea Serpent (1762), it can be supplied as a variable arc system and is a valuable addition to the Hepworth Pantograph range of wiper systems.