Beldam Crossley Newsletter – Issue 1 Now Available!
We’re excited to share the very first issue of the Beldam Crossley Newsletter. Inside, you’ll find a round-up of key updates, achievements, and insights from across the business. Whether you’re part of the team or one of our valued partners, this newsletter gives you a snapshot of what’s been happening and what’s coming up. 👉 Read the newsletter (PDF)
Beldam Crossley Invests £650,000 to Drive Growth, Innovation, and Efficiency
Leading engineering and manufacturing firm Beldam Crossley has announced a major investment of £650,000 in cutting-edge equipment and facility upgrades to enhance its production capabilities, meet increasing demand, and drive efficiency across operations. The Bolton-based firm renowned for its precision, innovation, and reliability has allocated a significant portion of the investment, £130,000, to the installation of two Kardex machines, revolutionising the way materials are stored and accessed. These state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval systems have improved material handling, enhanced security, and optimised space utilisation, ensuring seamless operations. In addition, £280,000 has been invested in advanced machinery, incorporating the latest programming software. This new equipment delivers greater accuracy, higher tolerance points on parts, and improved consistency, particularly in the production of complex, high-volume PTFE machined components. Notably, the machinery is also more energy-efficient, aligning with the firm’s commitment to sustainability. The new machinery has been instrumental in improving the precision and efficiency of the firm’s flagship PTFE machined components solutions, allowing Beldam Crossley to exceed stringent industry requirements as market leaders in the field. The investment has also led to enhanced consistency in the manufacturing of high-performance seals, Tri clamps, bearings, bellows and other precision-engineered parts, ensuring superior quality and reliability for customers across multiple sectors including aerospace, chemical processes, pharmaceutical and food and beverage. These strategic investments have already had a significant impact on the business leading to increased production capacity of PTFE machined components and thanks to more manufacturing space now available on the factory floor, customers are benefiting from shorter lead times on orders. The firm’s commitment to operational excellence is reflected in its ‘on time in full delivery’ performance, which is on track to hit 95% this quarter, exceeding key performance indicators set following the investment. Gareth Holt, Sales Director at Beldam Crossley said: “The completion of this investment marks an exciting milestone in Beldam Crossley’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By enhancing our production capabilities, increasing efficiency, and reducing lead times, we are ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers while setting new standards in precision manufacturing.” Formed in 1876, the firm is showing no signs of slowing down and is feeling buoyant about their future and that of the sector. With a strong foundation for future growth, Beldam Crossley continues to reinforce its position as a leading force in high-performance manufacturing, providing innovative engineered solutions for the world’s most critical challenges. For more information, visit www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
Congratulations to Paddy
Congratulations to our very own skilled man/machinist Paddy who has been nominated for an Apprentice of the Year award. His dedication to complete his Level 3 qualification in near-record time has impressed everyone here at Beldam Crossley and his assessors at training provider Alliance Learning. When Paddy joined us three years ago he was already a confident and skilled tradesperson with his Level 2 under his belt but he soon made it clear he wanted to go further. We were happy to sponsor his college training and support him with mentoring from our more experienced people. “When I came here I was able to do my job but the guidance of older employees, especially Lee, gave me a blueprint to become really good at what I do.” he says. “The college course has given me knowledge that fits around my job, like legislation and health and safety. I’ve managed to get a couple of years’ worth of work done in 12 months and now I’m even designing engineering drawings for some of the courses.” Paddy’s work rate, attitude and skills has earned him the Apprentice of the Year Award nomination as well as setting a benchmark for other learners. “Beldam Crossley took a bit of a chance on me and it was absolutely the right decision for me. Everyone here is willing to help. The Managers are real people who interact with us on a daily basis. It’s the sort of support that makes the difference between being good at what you do and being brilliant.” “There’s also a good social scene with regular events. I’ve formed friendships here and we meet up outside work to have a drink.” Paddy’s ambitions don’t stop at his Level 3 qualification. “I’d like to go on to a HNC or degree and maybe transition to a management programme. I think everyone who is switched on should be ambitious.”
People Profile – Andy Slater
Expertise. Technical advice. Attention to Detail. Three things that customers are most looking for when they contact Beldam Crossley for PTFE, industrial sealing, bearing & polymer solutions, according to inside sales manager Andy Slater. And happily, those are three qualities his team have got in spades, he says. They are on hand to answer customer enquiries, piecing together a solution to problems and seeing the order through to production. Customers know they can come to Beldam Crossley with a problem that needs a solution and we’ll do everything we can to find the answer. There’s a great team of people here that love getting stuck into problem solving, with the customer always first and foremost – that’s why they trust our expertise and honesty. About Andy Andy joined in April so he’s still getting to know the products and the people, although he’s thoroughly impressed so far. “The business is growing at a phenomenal rate and yet a huge amount of effort goes into keeping the values, the family culture and putting people first.” “And it works. You can tell by how long people have worked here – the passion they have for this company is bonkers!” As the newbie, Andy has been appreciating the support of everyone around him. “Management here have an open door policy so I can consult with who ever I need, whenever I need it. But it’s not just management – everyone in all departments are so supportive.”
Perkbox – Employee Benefits
Fancy a coffee anyone? Cheeky sausage roll? Or maybe something more a bit more unusual? We’ve signed up with employee benefits platform Perkbox to give our employees the choice of over 9,000 deals and discounts that can be used any time, anywhere. We’re big fans of creativity here at Beldam Crossley and we like that this is no normal benefits package offering tiny discounts off things we rarely buy. Our people will now receive a monthly points allowance that they can spend on anything from coffee and sausage rolls to music streaming, gym membership and even counseling sessions. We can also award extra points for brilliant performance and commitment – no doubt we’ll be doing a bit of that! And we love the wellbeing support section of the platform with content such as workout videos, meditation guides and calming sleep stories. We can’t wait to see how our employees spend their perks!
Sports and Social Club go-karting visit
It was wheel-to-wheel racing from the green light to the checkered flag when our sports and social club went go-karting at Bamber Bridge, Preston. Eleven petrol heads got into gear to see who could post the fastest lap and clinch the Beldam Crossley Hot Wheels trophy – no-one was surprised when Jonathon ‘Max Verstappen’ put his continuous improvement background to good use and came out on top. Meanwhile, Finance Director Chris Partington took the award for looking most stylish on the grid in his hot pink racing suit – no serious racing driver should be seen wearing anything else. It was the latest event in a busy 2024 calendar for the BC sports & social club. The club, owned by the employees and financially supported by the business, gives employees of all ages and positions a valuable opportunity to get to know each other better outside the workplace. At Beldam Crossley, we believe in creating a work environment that fosters creativity and encourages employees to reach their full potential. Discover the possibilities at Beldam Crossley and take the next step in your career with us.
Rolls Royce Trent 1000 Engine
Finding solutions to impossible problems is one of our specialities at Beldam Crossley. It’s one of the reasons we’re so impressed when it happens on a worldwide scale. In November 2023 Virgin Atlantic made a huge leap forward in aviation history by flying the world’s first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) commercial flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK. Their aim, after years of worldwide collaboration, was to demonstrate that SAF was safe and fully compatible with today’s aircraft engines, airframes and infrastructure. Now, we can’t take the credit for finding a viable alternative to fossil aviation fuel but we can be proud that Beldam Crossley was there, on that pioneering flight. Our Pilot® High Temperature Cord Seal is specified on the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines that powered the Virgin Boeing 787 on that first SAF commercial flight. In fact, it’s specified on all Rolls Royce aircraft engines around the world. Pilot® Cord Seals offers designers and engineers the ability to increase operating efficiencies by reducing hot gas leakage between components in aircraft engines, other turbines and high-temperature static sealing applications. The seals are designed to operate over multiple thermal and mechanical cycles, whilst also accommodating differing rates of expansion due to temperature between dissimilar components. The standard design is manufactured to locate into an O-ring type groove – other innovative seals can be designed for use in differing applications. Supporting the need for elevated operating temperatures, the seals have been developed to operate continuously up to 1200°C (2220°F). If your next project would benefit from cord seals of unsurpassed strength and reliability, speak to our engineers and let’s see if we can help you solve your next impossible problem.
Beldam Cycle to Work Scheme
Today Beldam Crossley launches its new Cycle to Work Scheme. We’ve adapted and enhanced the previous scheme to give our valued two-wheel commuters more support. Not only is there financial help to buy a bike, but we’ve also installed new cycle storage facilities with readily available maintenance tools. We’re also offering on-site electric bike charging points for those who need a bit of power to tackle the Lancashire hills surrounding our Bolton home. As well as supporting our cyclists, our scheme is supporting our Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) position, part of our journey to reduce our carbon footprint and grow our sustainability. Visit our careers page to explore opportunities and become part of the Beldam Crossley team, where you can contribute to the cutting-edge technology that keeps the fastest drivers in the world safe.
Product Spotlight – Formula 1
If you’re behind the wheel of a car capable of over 200mph, you need to trust in its braking system. We’re so proud that every time the green lights go on and the Formula 1 engines roar to life, Beldam Crossley precision-engineered PTFE-based sealing products are part of the braking systems that keep the drivers safe. Our PTFE sealing technology was first invented by Beldam Crossley almost 80 years ago for the marine sector and then adapted to the emerging needs of the motor industry. Since then, our decades of continual development have uniquely qualified us to blend and machine the material for the most demanding applications. Our proprietary Crossflon blends specialise in reducing weight and friction values – valuable in any car manufacturer but none more than F1, the ultimate in automotive precision. Couple this with our proven quality and outstanding reliability and it’s not surprising that so many constructors trust Beldam Crossley PTFE for their F1 cars. Visit our careers page to explore opportunities and become part of the Beldam Crossley team, where you can contribute to the cutting-edge technology that keeps the fastest drivers in the world safe.
Project Spotlight – Ariane 5 Satellite
We love to say that Beldam Crossley bearings are designed to withhold the most extreme conditions. But how extreme can ‘extreme’ get? July 11th is the one year anniversary since the final mission of Ariane 5, Europe’s principle space launch system for more than a quarter of a century. Between 1996 and 2023 Ariane 5 blasted off 117 times from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana, delivering dozens of satellites into orbit. The latest of these satellites are built with Beldam Crossley Crossflon bearings on the wings. These allow the wings’ solar panels to constantly rotate to face the sun. Our bearings were specified because of their unbeatable wear properties in the harshest of environments and 0% maintenance requirements. So if your next project needs bearings that will hold up in ‘extreme’ conditions, ask yourself if continual, maintenance-free operation in outer space is extreme enough. If you would like to be part of Beldam Crossley, visit our careers page. Here you can explore exciting opportunities to join a team dedicated to creating industrial solutions.
