Warren Takes Career to New Heights at Pickerings Lifts
Pickerings Lifts, the UK’s largest independent lift manufacturer has appointed a new customer support manager at its base in Walkden, with the promotion of Warren Griffin from repairs manager.
Warren, 40, has worked for Pickerings Lifts for the last 18 years having progressed from an installation engineer’s mate to an improver, to a lead engineer for maintenance and repair work before taking on the role of repairs manager in August 2010. Warren will now take on the overall responsibility of the Manchester office, ensuring that its varied customer portfolio continues to be managed to exacting high standards and its growth is nurtured.
Commenting on his promotion Warren said: “I am delighted to move into the role of customer support manager for the Manchester office. Having been inspired by my uncle who was also a lift engineer, I moved into the field almost 20 years ago and I have never looked back. Pickerings Lifts has ensured that my commitment to continuous professional development over the years has not only been supported through company funding but recognised by way of career advancement.”
After joining Pickerings Lifts to support on the Lancashire County Council account, Warren began a series of distance learning courses via the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA). Warren was one of the first two engineers worldwide to graduate with the industry’s foundation degree in Lift Engineering in 2008 before carrying on to graduate with a first class honours BSC Engineering degree from Northampton University in 2009.
Ian Bowers, Managing Director at Pickerings Lifts said: “Warren has continually shown tenacity and professionalism since the day he began at Pickerings Lifts. In addition, he is a key member of our Technical Forum which allows our engineers from across the board to meet, share experiences and develop strategies to continually develop and improve our service offering. I wish Warren all the best in his new role which is thoroughly deserved.”
Warren added: “I’m looking forward to strengthening our team even further by encouraging staff to learn from each other’s industry experiences. I believe my technical lift knowledge, supported by my engineering qualifications will only help to bolster our customer service levels and I’m looking forward to developing additional relationships with different sector organisations as part of our growth strategy.”
Pickerings Lifts was founded in 1854 and has had a presence in the North West for 30 years. The Manchester office manages a varied customer portfolio including large corporate organisations such as Wilkinsons and Boots as part of wider national contracts as well as smaller lift users. The latter, such as Lancashire Constabulary, benefit from the personal service Pickerings Lifts can offer from its Walkden base as part of its regional network.
Published: April 2012 | News
Manufacturing Industry needs to build on Foundations
Recent months have seen mixed reports into the UK’s manufacturing sector, with many professional bodies releasing contradictory figures in terms of production output and expectations.
If the reports from the CBI towards the end of last year are to be believed, optimism amongst manufacturers fell to the downturn levels of spring 2009, causing fears of a possible double-dip recession across the sector.
For some manufacturing firms however, a steady growth and positive expectations challenge these findings. Throughout 2011 Pickerings Lifts, the UK’s largest independent lift manufacturer saw steady growth, which has escalated within the first two months of 2012. The company now hopes this trend continues and is looking forward to a promising Q2.
Kirk Lawson, Sales and Marketing Director of Pickerings Lifts says: “We are the only organisation manufacturing lifts in the UK and we pride ourselves on our heritage and the excellent reputation we’ve secured as a result of our technical capabilities and exceptional customer service.
“It is this – our USP – which has enabled us to buck the negative trends reported by the likes of the ONS, CBI, EEF and CIPS and enjoy a stable profit margin during what is obviously a difficult economic climate. We would recommend that other manufacturers take a step back from their business and assess what it is that makes them appeal to their customers and maximise these foundations in order to achieve similar success.”
Concerns regarding public spending cuts and the potential effects of the current eurozone sovereign debt crisis have had an additional significant effect on expectations within the industry.
Kirk adds: “Expectations for the coming months are gloomy but this is not surprising. Cuts to public spending have clearly had a negative impact on the industry and further cuts will only contribute to further decline.
“To fill any void left by this, manufacturers need to maintain a competitive advantage to drive business from the private sector.”
The second part of 2011 brought an increased demand in manufacture at Pickerings Lifts, with orders surpassing that of the previous decade. The company has already seen record results in January and February of 2012 and hopes to sustain these levels for the rest of the year.
Published: March 2012 | News
Pickerings Lifts Introduces High Volume Low Speed HVLS Fans into the UK and Europe
Pickerings Lifts Loading Systems has announced the addition of a range of market leading High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans to its product range. Created using complex aerodynamic principles, HVLS fans are designed to provide energy efficient cooling and heating solutions for warehouse, storage and distribution facilities by creating a constantly circulating, slow moving air mass in large spaces. The HVLS fan range is now available throughout the UK and Europe.
The HVLS fans also contribute towards BREEAM excellence ratings and can deliver a return on investment within 18 months of installation.
Marcus Clissold, Business Development Manager at Pickerings Lifts Loading Systems, said: “We’re delighted to introduce the HVLS fans to the UK and European markets. The fans offer a number of key benefits for facilities including delivering a significant saving on energy bills by reducing energy consumption, improving working conditions by stabilising the stratification in temperature controlled storage areas, thereby protecting product integrity.”
The HVLS fans are available in various sizes from 8 ft, to 24ft and in order to showcase the full range to potential customers, Pickerings Lifts has opened a dedicated demonstration area at its Midlands premises.
Marcus added: “The HVLS fan range perfectly complements the existing products in our Loading Systems portfolio and allows us to provide bespoke temperature control solutions in addition to the range of flexible solutions that we already offer our clients.”
The HVLS fans now available from Pickerings Lifts are one of the most durable and efficient in the industry. The slow moving air mass produced provides significant benefits as follows:
- The two to three mph breeze created by the HVLS fans delivers the equivalent of a 3 to 7 degree decrease in perceived temperature.
- Temperature is regulated from floor to ceiling, which can allow a facility to amend its thermostat setting between three and five degrees creating a potential energy saving of four per cent per degree change.
- Air circulation helps keep food and produce dry and fresh, reducing the potential for decay or spoilage. It reduces stagnant air, hot and cold spots and condensation.
- HVLS fans are designed to operate in reverse which helps de-stratify the air in refrigerated environments.
- Floor condensation is minimised by keeping floors drier and safer for foot and motorised traffic. Indoor air quality is improved through the dispersal of fumes.
- Fans can be operated from a central location allowing easy monitoring of fan activity and performance.
Published: February 2012 | Uncategorized
Pickerings Lifts Secures Lift Refurbishment Contract at Global Radio
Pickerings Lifts, the UK’s largest independent lift manufacturer based in Stockton on Tees, has secured a contract to upgrade three lift car interiors at Global Radio, the home of London’s Capital Radio.
The upgrade works will include the refinish of three lift cars – two passenger lifts and one goods lift - to a bespoke theme specified by the client’s design team Cann Creative. The refurbishment works will include removal of the existing car finishes and replacing them with back painted glass panels, new car ceilings and lighting, new car operating panels and landing stations with new indicators and push buttons.
The refurbishment will take around one week per lift with some additional time for the landings and interface equipment. The two passenger lifts will be completed first, to coincide with the opening of the new reception area at Global Radio on 19th December 2011. The goods lift works will commence early in 2012.
Pickerings Lifts London South has worked on the project for almost two years in partnership with builders Woodhouse and was instructed by project managers Bollingbrook on behalf of Global Radio at the end of November 2011.
Gary Rains, Pickerings Lifts customer service manager, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the London South team. We are delighted to have been taken on to deliver the lift upgrade works for Global Radio. Having serviced the lifts for over 15 years we have built up an excellent client working relationship and are looking forward to enhancing the building’s lift access further.”
Pickerings Lifts installed the lifts at Global Radio in 1995 and has been servicing them regularly ever since.
Glyn Evans added: “This project is a perfect example of how Pickerings Lifts can work in close partnership with both clients and partner companies to deliver a high quality bespoke solution on budget and within a very tight timescale.”
Published: January 2012 | News
Pickerings Lifts Gives the Inside View on Business Potential in Wales
Kirk Lawson, Sales & Marketing Director at Pickerings Lifts, was recently interviewed by Wales Business Insider to find out whether there is potential for companies to do business with Wales.
Pickerings Lifts, which has a national network of seven offices covering the whole of theUK, is already servicing the North, South and Mid Wales regions from its Bristol and Manchester regional bases, and is looking to build up its customer base within Wales in 2012.
Mr Lawson told the Wales Business Insider: “The construction industry makes a substantial contribution to the Welsh economy, with an estimated turnover of £4bn per year.
“The sector is made up of more than 10,000 businesses, of which 90 per cent are small enterprises, which offers a great opportunity for companies to break into such a fruitful yet fragmented construction market.”
Founded in 1854, Pickerings Lifts has been providing Wales with manufacture, installation, maintenance, modernisation and repair services for passenger and goods lifts, access lifts, escalators and loading systems for numerous years.
Andy Lyon, Customer Support Manager for Pickerings Lifts’ Bristol office said: “Our Bristol office alone has been providing product and service solutions to a large number of clients in South and Mid Wales for a number of years, all from various industry sectors including local authorities and healthcare trusts to large industrial plant and factories as well as retirement homes and hotels.
“As a result of our high levels of service, our Welsh presence is growing organically and a high proportion of our customers have been so for a number of years. I think this demonstrates our commitment to building our business opportunities in Wales.”
Published: December 2011 | News
Pickerings Lifts opens UK doors for Maviflex
Pickerings Lifts, the UK’s largest independent lift manufacturer based in Stockton on Tees, has agreed a partnership with Maviflex, a specialist manufacturer of fast action doors to supply product to the UK market.
The new business partnership will mean Pickerings Lifts can provide its customers with access to Maxiflex’s high quality, competitively–priced product portfolio that is recognised within the marketplace. Customers will also benefit from the open protocol control systems, which have unlocked PLC units, thereby allowing customers flexibility on who they place their service contract with in the future.
The Maviflex product range consists of automatic and crash doors suitable for a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications within frozen, chilled and ambient environments.
Marcus Clissold, Business Development Manager, at Pickerings Lifts Loading Systems said: “We are delighted to have become a leading distributor of Maviflex industrial doors within the UK. Having undergone extensive research into finding a quality partner in this area, we at Pickerings Lifts found that Maviflex’s product range perfectly complemented our existing offering, and ensured that we could continue to provide bespoke and flexible solutions to our clients’ needs. We’re looking forward to working with Maviflex to start driving this market segment forward over the coming months.”
Romain Simon, Managing Director at Maviflex said: “Maviflex prides itself on producing high quality industrial doors for a wide variety of environments and applications. It’s important to find the right partners who will look after our reputation as we entrust them to distribute our products to the wider, international marketplace, and we are pleased to have found a solid partnership in Pickerings Lifts to support our product portfolio in the UK.”
Published: November 2011 | Uncategorized
Pickerings Lifts Loading Systems is Thinking Outside the Dock
As the exclusive UK distributor for Kelley® and Serco® loading dock equipment, a lot of Pickerings Lifts Loading Systems’ focus is spent in and around the loading dock area. However, there is a lot more to material handling than just the loading dock. When you’re considering all the products that go into the supply chain process in the warehouse or distribution centre, it’s sometimes required to “think outside the box” – or in this case, think outside the dock.
How’s Your Air Circulation?
Proper air circulation and employee comfort is essential in warehouses. When you’re dealing with tens or even hundreds of thousands of square feet, trying to maintain temperature control and proper air circulation can be a challenge. Installing High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans can help maintain a consistent temperature in your facility, and can do so using minimal electricity. HVLS fans work in all seasons, effectively circulating air and increasing worker comfort.
Bring the Work to the Worker
Lift Tables help promote an ergonomically-friendly work environment, and bring the work to the worker. Lift tables and in plant lifts can be found throughout a facility, making it easier to load and store products. There are even lifts that lower to ground level for easier loading of wheeled carts or pallet jacks. The best type of ground level lift is one that doesn’t require a pit to be dug in your warehouse, providing location flexibility.
See the Light
Warehouse lighting can be a costly yet crucial part of your operation. A properly lit warehouse can reduce energy and operating costs, while increasing worker safety, productivity and overall security. There is a variety of different types of warehouse lighting, including fluorescent, metal halide and high pressure sodium fixtures. Adding motion sensors can help reduce energy consumption even more.
Thinking Outside the Dock
So, when you’re looking at your overall operation and trying to find ways to improve productivity or reduce costs, it can pay to think outside the dock. If you’d like more information on how to make your facility as efficient as possible, you can book an appointment with our Pickerings Lifts Loading Systems team, who will take a look at your whole facility and provide you with solutions that fit your needs.
Please contact 01642 607161 or email info@pickeringslifts.co.uk to get further information or to book an appointment with our experienced team.
Published: October 2011 | Uncategorized
Restructuring Provides a Lift for Tradition
Traditional service and modern marketing are not conflicting drivers at Pickerings Lifts…
When Pickerings Lifts Chairman Donald Fothergill stepped aside as managing director of his family lift business in February, it was the first time in the company’s 157-year history that a Fothergill was not managing the firm. But it was a move he felt was necessary for the company to reach its potential.
“A lot of restructuring occurs after a problem has arisen, but it is more likely to be successful when managers understand that sometimes restructuring is necessary in order to grow.” says Sales & Marketing Director Kirk Lawson.
“The reason for Pickerings Lifts’ reorganisation was to allow us to address new markets, react to changes in demand and keep up with new technologies and products. We also want to be more dangerous to all of our competitors.”
Following Mr Fothergill’s move from MD to Chairman, Ian Bowers stepped up from service director into the managing director role and the entire leadership team was restructured. “This was a big change for the business,” says Mr Lawson. “We’ve been brought in to achieve a five and 10-year strategic growth plan to double the company’s turnover; restructuring was the vehicle to increase revenue growth and deliver the strategic plans.”
The changes began in management and have touched every aspect of the operation. “The business needed reinvigorating so we’ve gone through a full relaunch along with the restructuring,” says Mr Lawson.
Coordinated Action
“We’ve updated our external offering, our company literature and our business processes in line with the relaunch, which we hope will help us gain market share and carry on providing the good service we pride ourselves on.”
The company has branched out from its traditional lift offerings – passenger, goods and access lifts, escalators and loading systems, plus service and repairs.
“Now we are moving into a lot of different businesses; we have a loading systems department, which mainly does docks and doors, and we are also now focusing on regeneration and modernisation of lifts, which is going to be a big trend in eco efficiency,” says Mr Lawson.
Aside from looking for growth in new markets, Pickerings Lifts needed some reinvigoration. “The company has modernised in terms of marketing, we went through a full product review, created a new website and even changed our logo for the first time in over 60 years,” says Mr Lawson.
Modernising does not mean losing the family touch that has made the business successful for 157 years. “There was huge potential for Pickerings Lifts to capatilise on its history and service delivery but move all of that to the next level,” says Mr Lawson.
Six months after Mr Fothergill set the wheels of change in motion, the impact is noticeable. “We have seen an increase in our order book and the five-year plan is going really well so far. Doubling the business size is a big ask, but it is definitely doable,” says Mr Lawson.
Pickerings Lifts had a turnover of £25million last year and aims to double that by the end of the 10-year plan. Mr Lawson highlights the green agenda as a growth area. “You can take a 20 to 30-year-old lift and for a low spend can make it much more efficient,” he says.
The first phase of the company’s restructuring has happened relatively quickly, but it has already prompted a change in culture. “In the past we had a good business model, we were providing an excellent service, we had a healthy order book and customers were happy so we clamped down and did what we are good at,” says Mr Lawson.
“We will carry on changing and moving with the times to modernise and grow – that’s what we haven’t done in the past.”
Published: September 2011 | News
Pickerings Lifts on the rise under new management
THE UK’s oldest and largest lift maker wants to double its £25m turnover within five years after relaunching with a new management team.
Stockton-based Pickerings Lifts has come a long way since it opened as a pulley, block and chain maker in 1854 and became a dedicated lift company after it was bought by John Fothergill in 1891.
The Fothergill family has run the business ever since, but current owner Donald Fothergill has moved from managing director to chairman to bring in a new team to take the business forward.
The new managing director Ian Bowers is investing in the firm’s Stockton factory and six other sites across the UK and has ramped up its sales and marketing force to begin a new era of rapid growth. “We are a very strong company in a great position but we haven’t really pushed ourselves out there and taken advantage of it. (more…)
Published: August 2011 | News
Pickerings Lifts takes its business to the next level
Pickerings Lifts, the UK’s largest independent lift manufacturer, is welcoming in a new era having undergone a significant internal re-structure and re-branding process over the last six months.
A privately-owned business since it was founded in 1854, Pickerings Lifts is now in its fifth generation of family ownership and management. John Fothergill bought the company and became MD in 1891 and, 120 years later, his great, great grandson Donald Fothergill is the Chairman – having handed the role of MD to long-term Pickerings Lifts director Ian Bowers.
Pickerings Lifts provides national coverage from a network of seven offices across the UK and boasts unrivalled experience within the lift and escalator industry. The company was one of the first in the country to manufacture lifts from its base in Stockton-on-Tees and was behind a number of inventions now common to the sector. Pickerings Lifts was also a founding member of the national association, LEIA.
Published: July 2011 | News
