A high-end British steel construction manufacturer promotes the health and safety of their highly skilled workforce by issuing everyone up-to-date personal protection equipment. During spring 2019, they have been testing Kemppi's Gamma welding helmets and respirator systems.

With 30 employees and around thirty years of operation, Westbury Park Engineering Ltd. is one of the largest steel fabrication manufacturers in South West England. The company's main products are medium to large fabrications, such as rail network bridges, access stairs, ground flares, material handling, equipment for military-based applications and large airport site assemblies.According to the Managing Director James Brain, the company's key competitive advantages are their skilled workforce, strong customer focus and substantial investments in technology."We value high quality, cost-effectiveness, delivery on time and budget. I would also say we are a big enough company ‘to be big’, but small enough to be flexible."

More than just a supplier

Westbury Park Engineering has been using Kemppi welding machines for over the last 15 years. The current welding fleet includes 24 FastMig machines with Kemppi torches which are mostly used for medium and large fabrications.

"We select our suppliers based on the quality of their products, their history and stability, and their technological advances. The customer service is also essential. Kemppi delivers support and assistance when needed, and offers high-quality products with prices to match", Brain says.

"Kemppi is a forward-thinking and modern company, which is something we look to mirror in our business. They have helped us to reduce welding times and failures, proving to be time and cost-efficient."

Retaining the skilled workforce

Due to the advancing technology and increasing shortage of skilled welding workforce, Brain expects to be looking at robotic welding and automation in the coming years. The limited availability of qualified welders also makes it critical to ensure their health and safety, for example, by issuing everyone up-to-date personal protection equipment.

During spring 2019, the welders got their first impressions of Kemppi’s brand new Gamma GTH3 XFA respirator system. Brain says that it matched the company's high expectations. A senior welder and the future shop floor manager Darren Turner agrees.

"I loved it; it looks really smart and slick. It is really comfortable, easy to adjust, and looks good. In addition, it has such practical applications to it. The best features are the work lights. At the time, I was working in modular box constructions, and when I was leaning towards the bottom corners, I couldn't see clearly what I was doing. There the work lights were a godsend", Turner says.

"I have been using Kemppi welding equipment for a long time, and I've also had Kemppi’s Beta welding helmets in the past, which I also liked. Our team swears by Kemppi welding equipment. They are of high quality, durable and reliable."