Directors' Message
We hope that everyone had a great Christmas and New Year break, and we wish you and your families best wishes for 2025
As we have communicated previously, although 2024 saw a reduction in our turnover, it was nonetheless still a successful year and once again we are grateful for the efforts of the entire Blackwood team in continuing to work hard to deliver a quality product and service to all our customers
The year ahead will be another busy but exciting period for the business as we grow our customer and product base, continue to improve our factory and facilities, and as we improve our internal processes and systems. In terms of new business in 2025, we are looking forward to the commencement of the supply of the Caterpillar Trident products at our Blaina factory, JLG France and Liebherr Austria products from our Dilsen factory and the 467 project for JCB Earthmovers in Aberbeeg, securing over 13 parts for the same machine. In terms of some longer-term projects, we are also working extremely hard to establish the supply of fabricated counterweights from our Dilsen factory, and to establish a factory in Texas to supply JCB's new factory that is scheduled to open in 2026
Directors' Message
Regarding our factories, 2025 is an exciting year for us as we will complete the factory extension and welfare block in Blaina, which will significantly improve our facility and increase capacity. In Aberbeeg, the year ahead will see us install the long-awaited replacement warehouse roof, and we will continue to improve our facilities with new equipment such as the centralised dust extraction system, and we will also continue with our 5S activities across the factory At the Dilsen site, within the next month we will complete the new paint booth investment, and we will also again continue with various investments and improvements across the factory.
In addition to bringing new work into the business and investing in our facilities, our system and processes that underpin how we work in the business must be the strongest possible While various continual improvement initiatives are ongoing in the business in this area, the biggest change planned for this year is the implementation of the cloud version of our Winman ERP system. The new system will significantly improve the way we work as a business, but it will take the commitment and focus of all departments across the business to achieve a successful implementation In summary the year ahead will be busy and exciting as we work to grow and develop the business, and we look forward to the entire Blackwood team working together to make 2025 a successful year.
S Kerr (on behalf of the directors)
Blackwood News
Sustainability
Here’s a photo of our logistics supplier, FSEW, delivering our parts in their 100% electric Volvo truck.
We’re proud to partner with FSEW who are leading the way in decarbonising logistics and have eliminated the use of diesel trucks from their fleet. Their fleet now consists of 100% electric, hydrogen and biomethane trucks.
FSEW are also looking at sustainable fuel options for sea freight and wil
Movember
A massive shoutout to both Richard Clark and Keir Munn who played their part in raising an enormous amount of money for Movember.
Raising an incredible £792 through friends and family, with an additional £500 being matched by the company, the pair raised £1,292 in total!!
You can see the progression by clicking this link or by scanning the QR code below:
Link to the Movember website: Here
Blaina Project
The work at Blaina is progressing well with the 1st steelwork being erected, the footings and foundations are ongoing and plans for the roof installation to be finished in Jan
As for the welfare updates, the end section of the office/welfare area has been demolished and rebuilt, with all structural work now being complete.
Below are some photos showing the progress so far...
Council Representatives visit Blackwood
In December, local Blaina Gwent Council representatives visited Aberbeeg to view the 10 new awnings that a successful recent local government grant had helped us to purchase and install in time for the winter. The representatives that visited were:
Councillor John C Morgan (Executive Member, Blaenau Gwent CBC)
Mr Moe Morouzan (Head of Economic Development, Blaenau Gwent CBC)
Ms Clare Jones (Business Support Assistant, Blaenau Gwent CBC)
Baby News
Congratulations to the following people who all celebrated the birth of their children:
Josh Wilsher who had a baby boy, Jaylen, in October
Matthew Jones had a baby boy, Kodi in December
Ashley Chivers had twins, Theodore & Avery in December too
UK Christmas Event
On the 6th of December, the UK staff had their Christmas event This included staff, along with their partners attending the ICC for their ‘Festive-al Party Night’.
Dilsen Christmas Event
On the 20th of December, the Dilsen staff had their Christmas event. This event was held in the same place as last year, Puccuni’s.
Retirement
In December 2024, Barry Paul decided to finally hang-up his fork lift keys and retire to his new allotment, promising to bring the team at Aberbeeg lots of fresh produce in the summer if the planting goes well!
To celebrate five happy years at Blackwood, our Managing Director, Dominic Connor, wish Barry a productive retirement and presented him with a gift from the company in recognition of his hard work and dedication. It was also recognised by Stuart Jones and the team who had gathered to wish him well, that “we would all miss Barry’s banter and ‘good humour’!”
Below are a few pictures from the day:
Mental Health Awareness
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Mental Health
Connect with other people
Take care of your physical health
Do activities that you enjoy
Take two minutes to focus on the world around you
Get enough sleep
Practice small acts of kindness/volunteer
At Blackwood we want our employees to be happy and healthy.
If you are struggling with mental health or just need some advice here are some numbers and websites you might find useful.
UK - Wesfield Health
24 hour telephone line for confidential Help and advice on medical , legal and domestic issues.
0800 092 0987
MIND Infoline provides an information and sign posting service.
0300 123 3393
86463 (text) http://www.mind.uk.org
CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING MISERABLY (CALM)
Provides a listening service for anyone needing a chat via telephone or online
0800 58 58 58
http://www thecalmzone net
Mental Health Awareness
COMMUNITY ADVICE AND LISTENING LINE (CALL)
Provides information and support for people experiencing a mental health problem in Wales
0800 132 737 (helpline)
81066 (text HELP plus your message)
http://www callhelpline org uk
SAMARITANS
Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk 116 123 (freephone)
http://www.smaritans.org
PAPYRUS HOPELINE UK
Confidential support for someone at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them Open daily from 9am - midnight
0800 068 41 41
07786 209 697 (text)
http://www papyrus-uk org/
RETHINK MENTAL ILLNESS
Provides support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems
0300 5000 927
http://www.rethink.org
Torfaen & Blaenau Gwent Mind
Affiliated to the National MIND Charity
01495 757393
https://www torfaenmind co uk
YOUNG MINDS
Young Minds provide support for young people up to 25, they also provide support to parents of children up to 25
https://www youngminds org uk
https://www youngminds org uk/parents
Mental Health Awareness
COMBAT STRESS
Military Veterans & their families
Tel: 0800 138 1619
Text: 07537 173683
Email: helpline@combatstress org uk
Give us a shout
Text: ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for 24/7 metal health support Website: https://giveusashout.org/
WALES DRUG & ALCOHOL HELPLINE 0808 808 2234
Or text DAN to: 81066
NHS
For 24/7 urgent mental health support call 111 & press option 2
Operational Support Psychologist Limburg (Dilsen) psycho-limburg@mensura be +32 25 49 71 17
Zelfmoordlijn (Dilsen) mail@zelfmoordlijn be 1813
www zelfmoord13183 be in case someone wants to chat online
Mental Health First Aiders
Johanna Morris
Lucy Champion
Rebecca Watkins
Morgan Tarr
Cycle 2 Work
We've launched a new Cycle 2 work scheme You can apply anytime for the scheme, subject to T&C's.
How do I apply?
To make a Cycle2Work application, go to www.cycle2work.info and click on ‘Employee Sign Up’ This is where you register using your unique employer code: BWENGC2W. You’ll then receive an email with a link to verify your email address and complete your application Your application will be sent off to your employer, and once approved, you’ll receive your Letter of Collection by email.
If you have any other queries, please contact HR.
Health & Safety
The Safety Golden Rules.
Must be followed by all BWE employees to keep you and your colleagues, safe. Get to know them and learn them.
Improvements to Health and Safety 2024
Improvements to Health and Safety 2024
Customer News
Volvo Konz
In October, we also received an order from Volvo Konz in Germany for a Counterweight for their EWR 150E machine, bringing in an annual tonnage of 374 into Dilsen
JCB Earthmovers
At the very start of Q4, we received an order from JCB Earthmovers for another part for their 467 project, this time the main Counterweight, weighing 2588kg.
Jungheinrich Landsberg
On the same day as the Volvo Konz order, we were awarded the order from Jungheinrich for a new type of product for Blackwood, Fork-Tips
With the annual quantity for one of the parts being 23,200!
Customer News
JCB Earthmovers
Following on from the order for the main Counterweight for the 467 project, JCB also placed the order with us for the two Side Weights, weighing 579kg each. Additionally, they also placed an order for a Housing Casting
JCB Compact
Another order from JCB, this time for Compact. In mid November, JCB Compact placed an order with us for a revised version of a Counterweight that we already produced. This time its for the 35E machine.
JCB Earthmovers
Additionally, JCB Earthmovers, also placed an order for a Housing Casting for their 467 project, weighing 26KG but with an annual volume of 400.
Customer News
JCB Savannah
The final order from JCB this quarter is from JCB Savannah, in the US. This is for a Counterweight for the JCB 155 Skid Steer machine. This project brings an additional 59 annual tonnage in for Blackwood.
JCB Compact
A few days after we secured the new 35E Counterweight, JCB Compact placed another order, this time a new version of a Counterweight for the P816 machine.
Hitachi
On the same day as the JCB Savannah order, Hitachi gave the go ahead for three more weights for their excavators. These three parts will bring an additional 61 annual tonnage into Dilsen
Customer News
Hinowa
The last order of Q4 and 2024 was placed by Hinowa in Italy for three counterweights, ranging from 280KG to 2,767KG This order showcases our strengthening relationship between Blackwood and the Oshkosh company.
JLG USA
Nearing the end of Q4, JLG USA placed an order for two more engine mount brackets. This time for their new project ‘T-625’.
2024 TOTAL OUTPUT
Aberbeeg: 23,783 Tonnes
Dilsen: 10,222 Tonnes
Blaina: 7,822 Tonnes
Direct: 6,890 Tonnes
TOTAL : 48,717 TONNES
WELL DONE TO EVERYONE INVOLVED!
Employee Voice UK
Blackwood Employee Voice is a platform where employees can voice opinions, generate creative ideas, and contribute to organisational improvements which will hopefully have a positive influence on everyone’s work life and the company’s success.
Your Reps
Scan me to visit the employee voice page or put a suggestion in the boxes around the sites.
The next meeting will be on the 28th January.
Employee Voice Dilsen
Blackwood Employee Voice is a platform where employees can voice opinions, generate creative ideas, and contribute to organisational improvements which will hopefully have a positive influence on everyone’s work life and the company’s success.
Your Reps
Mehmet Guncu
Scan me to visit the employee voice page or put a suggestion in the boxes around the site
There is only one representative left for Dilsen, if people would like to become a representative then contact Katleen The deadline for applications for ideas is 14/02/2025
Welcome to Blackwood!
SteveGwilliam | Prepper
EmmaWoods | Prepper
MarkBlanchard | Prepper
Melih Altinsoy (Dilsen)
Riad Khanfri (Dilsen)
Employee Milestones
Robert Marshall
Courtnay Meredith
Jonathan Stokes
Joshua Dray
Neil Bridgman November December
Ellie Burr
Robin Watts
Dafydd Tucker
Grant Taylor
Latest Photo Competition
Winter Picture Competition Winner Announced
Congratulations to Osian Carver who spotted these JCB 540-170 Telehandlers outside Cardiff City Hall. Coming in close behind him was Ellie Burr and Daniel Carpenter.
Osian will receive a £10 gift voucher. To enter the next competition you can find details further on in the newsletter.
Blackwood Trust
Since the last BW Trust meeting we have donated to a number of organisations locally, nationally and overseas including:
Pentwynmawr Juniors AFC
Cariad
Hope GB
Y Bont
The Honeypot Children’s
Charity
React
Ronald McDonald
Noah’s Ark
Barnardo‘s
Sparkle
21 Plus
Health Help International
Chillax
Ebenezer Food Bank
TK Foox Bank
Blaenau Gwent Food Bank
Meet The Team: Morgan Tarr
You know the name but find out more about the person. In this quarter's edition we find out more about Morgan Tarr, HR Manager at Blackwood Engineering.
How long have you been at Blackwood?
4 Months in January
What does your typical day look like?
My daughter is my alarm (7am) and usually wakes me up by singing or poking me in the eye Make everyone breakfast, dip in a cold-water tank, coffee and read twitter. Drop my daughter off to school and listen to a podcast on the way in, After work, when I have time, I play football or go out on my bike In the evenings it’s dinner, kids in bed, chill, repeat Weekends are for time with my wife and children, watching Cardiff City lose and avoiding my phone
What song is stuck in your head currently?
The Killing Moon - Echo and the Bunnymen
What is your most overused word or phrase?
Whether I know their name or not ‘Alright, butt’
Do you have any hidden talents or party tricks?
2x House of Boxing World Champion and I can juggle
What is one thing you could not live without?
Cardiff City FC season ticket or black clothes
Name one person you would love to meet. Morrissey
Lastly, if you could visit anywhere on earth where would you go?
Jungle in Peru - Can you guess why?
Thanks For Reading!
For the next newsletter (Spring 2025), please could you send over any article submissions, latest news or items of note to David R Williams@Bweng com by Monday 17th March
If you have any suggestions or items you would like to see included in the company newsletter please let us know We would love to hear from you!