7 minute read
Contents and Directors Introduction
Contents
Contents and Directors Introduction
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Andrew Brown Looks back on 2022 2-3
4
Gray & Adams Doncaster sponsors local team at World Kickboxing competition
John MacKinnon achieves professional registration with the Engineering Council 5
6
Servicing the pet food market – GA Pet Food Partners 7
Rhys’ Story 8-9
In The Beginning – The Gray & Adams Story, By James J Gray 10-11
AAD Transport Ltd and Gray & Adams – responding to bespoke requirements 12-13
Engineering Innovation – An interview with Ian Smith 14-15
Green livery after James Hall & Co. Ltd takes delivery of first SPAR electric trailer from Gray & Adams 16-17
Long Service and retirals
Staff Spotlight – Bruce Downie
Staff Spotlight – Kieran McKinnon 18
19
20 As we approach the end of 2022, we are proud to celebrate our collective effort and success for another year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our people, customers, partners, and suppliers for their continued support during these challenging times.
Whilst we look forward to what 2023 will bring, it is important that we reflect on the highlights and challenges of the year, Sales Director, Andrew Brown begins this period of reflection with his look back on page 4. We also take a deeper look back to where it all began with an article written from the perspective of James Gray, Joint Managing Director (pages 10-11). Ian Smith, Group Engineering Manager, looks to the future of engineering and we discuss what is coming next for the industry (pages 14-15). It is, of course, the support of our customers that has allowed Gray & Adams to grow to the business it is today. In this issue we feature some of our customers from around the UK, we speak with AAD Transport Ltd (pages 12-13), GA Petfood Partners (page 7) and also feature the latest news from James Hall Spar on the purchase of their newest electric trailer, built by Gray & Adams (pages 16-17). As we approach Christmas, a time for celebration and giving, Gray & Adams believe it is important to give back to the communities we work in. We share some CSR updates from our business including a story on the sponsorship of a local team in the World Kickboxing Championships (page 5) and we support a colleagues’ son as he battles a rare condition that requires treatment with regular blood transfusions. Read Rhys’ story on pages 8-9. Gray & Adams also value our people; they are what keeps the business moving forward and have been an important part our story for 65 Years. In this edition, we celebrate the long service and retirals of loyal colleagues who have spent decades of service with our business (page 18). We also share two staff spotlights in this issue, Kieran, an apprentice based in Dunfermline (page20) and Bruce who works in our drawing office in the Fraserburgh HQ (page 19) As it has been since our inception in 1957, we are a family business, first and foremost. Despite materials shortages impacting the global supply chain, our people remain of utmost importance. All business decisions continue to be driven with this at the forefront of our thinking. With Christmas and 2023 on the horizon, we would like to thank each and every one of our team for their unwavering commitment and we hope you enjoy the festive period and have a great holiday with your loved ones.
JAMES AND PETER GRAY
JOINT MANAGING DIRECTORS
2022 started on a more positive note. The pandemic that had affected all our lives since 2020 was on the retreat, or at least we had learned to live with COVID-19. The manufacturing inflation that had been caused by the world closing down appeared to be easing, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Then in February, Putin invaded Ukraine sparking the worst economic crisis since the 1970’s. The rising price of energy and raw materials has forced inflation to a new 30 year high.
Gray & Adams has not been immune from the crisis, but we have continued to have very high demand for all our products and services, and thank all our customers for their support and understanding. In April, the business was recognised by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce winning two awards, ‘Family Business’ and ‘Business of the Year’. This was a significant honour and acknowledgment for a business that has successfully supported many families and young people in the region for over 65 years. May brought a successful return to pre Covid face to face business relationships in the form of the TCS&D and CV show. By the summer, the UK was experiencing record temperatures. With governments tumbling and a worsening supply chain crisis the only option was to keep calm and carry on. In September the business once again enjoyed industry success and recognition winning the coveted ‘Trailer of the Year’, and ‘Rigid of the Year’ at the TCS&D awards. Our Dunfermline factory also received high praise by being voted ‘Supplier of the Year’ by Bidfoods. But September also brought great sadness with the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her service of 70 years meant few of us have known any other monarch and the nation gave thanks for her 70 years of duty. Autumn saw the run in to Christmas and all factories are operating at 120% ensuring most vehicles reach customers ready for Christmas season. If I had to choose a hero for 2022, it would be the hundreds of men and women that make up our manufacturing operations. They have worked long hours in the most adverse of conditions recently, overcoming the constant supply chain interruptions and rescheduling around the incessant delays. If anyone has earned our thanks and a toast this Christmas day, it is these hard working individuals.
On that thought, it only remains for me to wish our staff and customers a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
As part of our CSR strategy, Gray & Adams offer support to the local communities that we work within as part of our commitment to our heritage as a family business and our colleagues who live and work in the areas. It is important to us that we support causes and events that are close to our employees’ hearts and that we do what we can to make a difference to the community.
Jonny Wallace has worked with Gray & Adams Doncaster for six years, primarily working in the yard and completing a range of duties for the business such as forklift operating. Jonny’s 14-year-old son, Joe, has a passion for Kickboxing and is a member of the ACMAC Martial Arts School which has various gym locations near our Doncaster depot. Joe, along with his team members, had the opportunity to compete at the World Championships in Ireland this year and Gray & Adams was delighted to support the young athletes by sponsoring the team. The team brought home a total of 27 medals with Joe contributing to two silvers and one bronze medal in his first competition at World Championship level. Jonny shares his pride in his son’s achievement,
“Joe has been training in martial arts for ten years and he has shown a real passion and talent for it, as a father I want to do all I can to support him to achieve his goals. Gray & Adams as an employer are a fantastic support as they have not only contributed financially, which allowed the ACMAC team to compete, but they have shown a real interest in what is important to me and my family. The whole ACMAC team is grateful for the support of Gray & Adams”
