As part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, S and A Engineering Services was delighted to welcome The Mayor of Bolton for an official visit to their premises, highlighting the close ties they have with the Bolton community. The Mayor’s visit provided an opportunity to showcase not only their in-house blower repair workshop and engineering expertise, but also the team that has driven the continued success, many of whom are local to the Bolton area.
The Mayor also took time to meet the team, and acknowledged their contribution to the local business ecosystem. The event was a moment of pride for the whole team, celebrating not just the past achievements but also the vision for the future. Everyone at S and A Engineering is grateful for The Mayor’s support and recognition of their role in Bolton’s thriving business community.
“The Mayor’s visit was a wonderful way to mark our 30th year,” said Chairman Andrew Smith. “It’s a celebration of not just where we’ve come from, but where we’re heading, with our team and community at the heart of everything we do.”
Andrew announced shortly before the visit from The Mayor that Rebecca Cornthwaite would be promoted to Managing Director.
“Rebecca has always worked hard to ensure that the company is on track; has a keen focus on employee wellbeing and encourages the use of small local and independent businesses where possible. We’re thrilled that she’s being recognised for all of the hard work and soul that she’s put in to improving the company over the years”, said Karina Wakefield, Sales and Production Coordinator at S and A Engineering.
The Mayor was also vocal in commending the decision, voicing that there aren’t enough women in the engineering sector.
From Garage start-up to UK Repair Centre
Little did Andrew Smith know that when he opened a limited company back in December 1995; simply taking his wife’s name along with his own and forming S and A Engineering Services, that it would be a 30+ year venture that would span the continents.
Andrew had left his previous employ at Dresser Holmes: a UK based blower manufacturer, where he had begun as an apprentice and advanced to service manager. S and A Engineering was started at the request of a rather unexpected client: the Trafford Park factory of The Kellogg’s Co of Great Britain, stating that they would like Andrew to continue to repair their blowers on the condition that he opened a company so that they would be able to trade with him. What started off as a side project that allowed Andrew to work from home and make a little extra money, soon became a viable company with enquiries from other customers requesting Andrew’s expertise.
Thirty years later; S and A Engineering has spent nearly 10 years working from Bolton, since they moved from Swinton, Manchester in 2016. “Moving from four small, cramped units to one large one wasn’t without its difficulties. It’s a great opportunity to get rid of all the stuff that you’ve held onto for years but deciding what’s likely to be useful and what should go isn’t without its challenges. A crystal ball would have been handy.” comments Andrew.
S and A Engineering may have started out with humble beginnings; however, it has traded with customers from Bolton to Brisbane and repaired blowers sent over from continental Europe. Customers range from small one-man companies using vehicle-mounted vacuum and farmers needing to transfer grain; bakeries transferring ingredients; plastic pellet conveying; up to huge scale industrial applications such as alternative biofuels, lime kilns, aggregates and wastewater treatment. The customer base is wide and varied and there’s even been the odd supercharger sent in from the diesel engines of shipping vessels.
The Most Successful Years Yet
Over the past two years, S and A Engineering has experienced its most successful period to date, a testament to the company’s resilience after the pandemic. Despite the challenges faced by many small businesses, they have thrived, securing major projects and expanding their customer base. This success underscores the strength of S and A Engineering as local business and its ability to drive growth and innovation, even in the face of adversity.
S and A Engineering has employed 3 apprentices over the years, one now fully qualified and moved up the ranks into Workshop Team Leader. By offering these apprenticeships, S and A Engineering is investing in the next generation of skilled engineers and creating career opportunities for young people in Bolton.
Giving Back to the Local Community
Over the past 30 years, they have built strong roots in Greater Manchester. All the staff have actively supported local causes that make a difference in Bolton, from nurturing young talent to enriching the town’s cultural scene.
S and A are proud sponsors of the local U8 Bolton County Falcon’s football team, supporting these young players to thrive and develop on their football journey. Their commitment to the local community also extends to the arts. Back in 2020 they contributed to the future of the Octagon Theatre by purchasing a symbolic ‘gold brick’ to help with the redevelopment of the theatre. Additionally, the team has embraced hands-on volunteering, recently carrying out a litter pick in the local community.
From a single request by a cereal giant to an internationally recognised engineering service provider, S and A Engineering Services has come a long way. The future is looking bright for S and A Engineering, with plans of company expansion and hiring more apprentices with hopes of keeping engineering alive!