With 2025 already in motion, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our recent successes and look forward to a bright future in the coming year.
Safety continues to be our number one operational priority, and I’m thrilled to report that 2024 was a standout year for safety performance. The fantastic results from the British Safety Council audit are a testament to the team effort you bring every day. Let’s maintain this momentum and aim even higher throughout 2025. Remember, by looking out for one another, we build not just a safer workplace but a stronger, more united team.
Last year brought significant developments, including the successful acquisition of Tyman into the Quanex
Peter Grundy Vice President of Operations
Happy New Year to everyone, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas break and have returned feeling refreshed and ready for the exciting opportunities ahead.
group - a milestone that positions our business for even greater achievements. We’re now part of something even bigger, and the opportunities on the horizon have never been more promising.
As I settle into my new role as Vice President of Operations for Liniar, I want to express my gratitude for your support. My door remains open for questions, feedback, and ideas - together, we’ll continue to find ways to enhance our operations, cementing our commitment to delivering the outstanding products and services that set us apart within the industry.
Here’s to a year of collaboration, success, and shared growth.
LEADING THE WAY WITH NEW EXTRUSION AND FOILING MACHINERY
At Liniar, we continue to push the boundaries of industry safety, quality, and efficiency. Our latest round of investment in state-of-the-art equipment for our Extrusion and Lamination Halls reflect this commitment.
These upgrades enhance our manufacturing processes, ensuring Liniar remains at the forefront of the market. By staying ahead with cuttingedge technology, we not only boost
operational efficiency but also reinforce the high levels of quality and reliability our customers have come to expect. In short, we’re not just keeping up with industry standards – we’re setting them!
BRITISH COUNCIL SAFETY AUDIT ‘VERY GOOD’
Liniar achieved a “Very Good” rating in its first British Safety Council
Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit.
The audit was conducted by expert safety professionals and undertaken voluntarily. It is one of the most comprehensive in the industry and assessed Liniar’s health and safety management systems. Dave Chambers, Director of Engineering, Facilities, and Safety selected the British Safety Council due to its global
reputation for worker wellbeing. While as a business, we excelled in implementing safety practices, areas for improvement in documentation were noted. We’re aiming for an “Excellent” rating next time and would like to thank each Liniar team member for your help and commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN LOGISTICS WITH NEW HGV
Our latest investment in a brand-new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) will make a valuable contribution to further improving operational efficiency.
By investing in reliable, modern vehicles, we’re committed to ensuring smoother
operations and delivering exceptional service to our customers, as well as ensuring members of Liniar’s Transport team are working with the best available equipment for a safer more comfortable experience.
LINIAR SHINES AT GREAT HOLIDAY HOME SHOW
Liniar exhibited its outdoor product range at the 2024 Great Holiday Home Show in Harrogate, an event attracting attention from over 25,000 attendees. The exhibition also saw our brand-new Spaces outdoor room range officially launched and the latest addition to our decking range, Rapt, on show publicly
for the first time since being launched earlier in the year.
The event provided opportunities for direct engagement with industry professionals, allowing members of our Sales team to focus on fostering partnerships and exploring business growth opportunities.
CONTINUED TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Our commitment to investing in our people remains strong.
Recently, 140 staff members completed IOSH Managing Health and Wellbeing courses, helping ensure a safer, healthier workplace. Additionally, five promising managers will complete Institute of Leadership & Management Level 5 this January, further enhancing leadership skills. These initiatives drive both individual and company success.
SLEEK, NEW WEBSITE DELIVERS ENHANCED USER EXPERIENCE
After lots of hard work involving close collaboration between the Marketing, Design & Development and Technical teams, we were thrilled to announce the launch of Liniar’s brand-new website!
Designed for an improved user experience, the site makes it easier than ever for homeowners and endusers to connect with our customers.
SOLAR PROJECT PROGRESSING
Remedial work is well underway on Liniar’s Flamstead House rooftops to ensure a sound structural foundation before the installation of solar panels. Transfer cables and AC/DC inverters are also now in place. The project has seen investment of almost £2M with the objective of generating 7% of our annual energy payments cleanly.
We extended a huge thank you to the incredible team at Fluid Ideas (a local digital marketing agency) for their dedication and expertise in helping make this project a success. The website serves as the foundation of Liniar’s online presence and makes a valuable contribution to creating positive first impression of the business for many people. Explore the site yourself at www.liniar.co.uk
Full installation is due for completion early in 2025 and is testament to Liniar’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
STRONG SUPERCUT SALES IN THE SOUTH
Two new SuperCut machines have been installed in the Southwest, boosting productivity for key customers.
EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE APPRECIATED
We’d like to share a heartfelt thank-you from our customer, Demi Whitbread at Bedfordshire Windows, who recently praised Scott Jennings for his exceptional service during a two-day PAS24 build.
Britannia Windows in Clevedon is using their SuperCut 6 to introduce sculptured products while continuing to offer Chamfered. Cymru Glass and Glazing’s SuperCut 5 supports their growing social housing and new build projects.
Demi said, “Scott was phenomenal... incredibly thorough and knowledgeable. He’s an asset to Liniar.”
It’s wonderful to see our team members recognized for their hard work. Thank you, Scott, for making such a positive impact!
25 YEARS AT LINIAR
Andrew Hallsworth Extrusion
15 YEARS AT LINIAR
20 YEARS AT LINIAR OF APPRECIATION OF APPRECIATION OF APPRECIATION OF APPRECIATION
George Stanley Quality
Heath Smith Lamination
15 YEARS AT LINIAR
Martin Collingwood Lamination
LONG SERVICE
Alex Hallsworth Extrusion
Andrew Gent Distribution
David Eggleston Warehouse
Kieran Heywood Avantek
Lindsay McEwan Extrusion
Maria Beardsmore Warehouse
Mark Lacey Distribution
Martin Sharpe Denby Warehouse
Matthew Bexton Warehouse
Michael Clements Extrusion
Richard Godwin Lamination
Richard Parker Warehouse
Richard Pullen Distribution
Simon Castledine Extrusion
Timothy Cartwright Maintenance
RETIREMENT
RETIRED
31 August 2024, with 15 years of service
Dave Huckerby Mixing Plant
WORKING WITH US WELCOME
TO THE TEAM
Adam Ramsdale Extrusion
Ashley Flint Distribution
Bence Borbley Cotes Park
Brandon Donovan Toolroom
Cameron Pollard Lamination
Charlie Eales Sales
Chidi Nwokolo Lamination
Claire Martin Lamination
Daniel Owusu Lamination
Jaroslaw Banucha Extrusion
Jason Bird Sales
Joanne Martin Lamination
Kai Booth Lamination
Kundishora Mandaza Lamination
Lee Riley Cotes Park
Lukasz Michalak Lamination
Maria Brown Marketing
Mark Hilton IT
Matthew Wilcoxson Cotes Park
Natasha Mason Purchasing
Patrycja Sobiechowska Extrusion
Paul Pryor Warehouse
Richard Martin Extrusion
Ryan Durran Sales
Ryan Middleton Toolroom
Sarah Gyde Marketing
Sophie Porter HR
Steven Vass Extrusion
Stuart Taylor Maintenance
Tomasz Kubasiewicz Extrusion
Victor Ekpenyong Lamination
Wayne Rhodes Lamination
Wiktoria Bernat Finance
Winston Severn Lamination
EMPOWERING CAREER PROGRESS THROUGH LEARNING
Technical team members Archie Foulke and Owen Attewell, and Design & Development team member Oliver Marriot recently finished an 18-month course in association with Chesterfield College.
The trio have completed a BTEC Level 5 HND in Engineering (Electrical & Electronic and General). This qualification has enhanced their knowledge, understanding and practical skills – all beneficial to career development and progression within their specialist fields.
Our Finance Team is also setting an inspiring example of dedication to growth.
Philippa Cassidy recently completed her Consumer Credit Management Apprenticeship and was promoted to Credit Control Manager. Damien Vinall is advancing through AAT Level 4, excelling in multiple exams, with his final paper taking place in December. Sophie Norman continues her CIMA journey, recently passing the E2 – Managing Performance exam. Congratulations all for your wonderful achievements and commitment to learning.
SUCCESSFUL SEATING –EXISTING PRODUCTS USED IN NEW WAYS
Design & Development’s Louis Rawson took on the challenge of creating a stylish seating area for our stand at the 2024 Great Holiday Home Show in Harrogate.
The idea emerged from a team brainstorming session before Louis designed and built the piece independently using SwitchBoard decking. The standout seating showcases SwitchBoard’s versatility and caught the eye of leading leisure and holiday company Bourne Leisure’s Lisa Coates, who has been charged with enhancing her company’s accessories range. Talks are now underway to further develop the seats for supply to Bourne as kits!
Well done Louis and the team – crafting success through innovative thinking and detailed execution.
SALES TEAM GETS NEW MEMBERS TO FURTHER FUEL GROWTH
We’re excited to welcome Jason Bird, Charlie Eales, and Ryan Duran to our Sales Team.
Jason joins us as a Regional Sales Director, bringing with him over 24 years’ industry experience and a wealth of knowledge. Ryan and Charlie are joining as Regional Sales Managers
and their impressive track records, fresh perspectives and enthusiasm align perfectly with Liniar’s ethos and ambitions.
Working closely within the existing Sales Team, the trio will play a vital role in strengthening customer connections, uncovering new opportunities, and expanding our market reach. Let’s give them a warm welcome and look forward to the great contributions they’ll bring to our continued success.
FOND FAREWELLS
Liniar team members gathered to say goodbye to Dave Huckerby, who retired in August 2024 after an illustrious career spanning hosiery to retail and ending as a highly valued member of the Mixing Plant team. As he enters this next phase in his journey, we wish him well and hope he gets to spend more time indulging his passion for golf.
Jason Bird
Charlie Eales
Ryan Duran
TWO BECOME ONE
Design and Development team member Will Huntley married his fiancée
Jade Walden, who became a Huntley during a ceremony held at The River Mill, Darley Abbey Mills in Derby on October 19th. Congratulations both.
Owen Attewell, of our Technical team tied the knot with Chloe on 21st June at Stretton Manor Barn in Chesterfield. Here’s hoping she makes an honest man out of you Owen – congratulations.
ON THE PATH TO STARDOM
We’re thrilled to share that Liniar IT team member Ste Waller’s son, Eddie Waller, is on the exciting path to Hollywood!
The Fabrications Team saw two weddings. Andy Wilson married Jean at Chesterfield Town Hall on November the 1st, making it a day they’ll remember for years to come. And Alasdair Ferrar married Zoe in a memorable ceremony at Shottle Hall on 5th September. Congratulations and best wishes to all the newlyweds!
Throughout March and April, Eddie relocated to Bristol to film the feature movie ‘Bad Apples,’ alongside acclaimed actress Saoirse Ronan and directed by Jonatan Etzler. We eagerly anticipate its worldwide theatrical release in 2025, celebrating a remarkable milestone for Eddie and his bright future in the film industry! Bet you’re one proud parent Ste, well done.
BUNDLES OF JOY REPORT
On Sunday 12th May 2024, Warehouse team member
Belinda Doyle gave birth to Martha Olivia Shepperson weighing in at a healthy 7lb 12oz. Welcome to the world Martha.
Martha Olivia Shepperson
TICKLED PINK BY SUPPORT FOR GOOD CAUSE
Team Liniar proudly supported Breast Cancer Now’s Wear it Pink event, raising £180 and promoting vital awareness.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this meaningful cause – and remember to follow these three steps to look out for your health: Touch, Look, Check.
A MUDDY GOOD TIME
A big well done to Secondary Operations’ Paula Wallis, who along with her grandchildren, Callie and Daisy, completed the Race for Life Derby Pretty Muddy 5k in June 2024. Their effort and enthusiasm shone as they tackled the challenging obstacle course, all in support of Cancer Research UK. Great work!
SALCARE RECOGNISES TEAM LINIAR’S SUPPORT
Heanor-based charity Salcare showed their gratitude to team Liniar by shortlisting us for an award at their Annual Charity Awards Gala. The black-tie event took place at Makeney Hall Hotel, Belper on November 29th.
The event ran just before the conclusion of our November Food Drive, which saw teams Liniar and
Avantek collect an impressive 354 items, which was matched by a donation of £1000 by parent company Quanex.
Although we didn’t take away a prize this time, we congratulate the winners and look forward to continuing to support this wonderful charity. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making our Food Drive a success.
BAKED TREATS, COFFEE & COMPASSION
A huge thank you to everyone who joined our Macmillan Coffee Morning on 27th September!
Together, we raised £210.47 in cash, plus more in online donations, supporting Macmillan’s vital work for those facing cancer.
MAREHAY SHOW 2024
We were proud to continue our annual sponsorship of the Marehay Show which took place on September 7th and was organised by the Marehay Community Trust.
This exciting event featured a variety of fun activities for families and pets alike. We hope everyone who attended enjoyed the festivities and great weather. Your participation not only enhances the event but also strengthens our ties with the local community we proudly serve KEEP
ABSEILING TO SUCCESS
Congratulations to Liniar’s fearless team - Ian Stanton, Karl Osmond, Keiran Osmond, Carl Paternoster, and Charlie Wilson - for successfully completing their thrilling abseil down Derby Cathedral!
After climbing 189 steps, they descended 212ft, all in support of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Well done for raising over £300 for such an incredible cause.
– thanks to everyone for making the 2024 show a memorable one.
