Dawson Shanahan — a specialist in precision engineering since 1943 — is celebrating 10 years since its buy-out of FloForm and the start of manufacturing in Welshpool.

Dawson Shanahan (www.dawson-shanahan.co.uk) came to the rescue of FloForm — a manufacturer of automotive parts — after it went into administration in 2009 with the loss of 80 jobs.

Hertfordshire-based Dawson Shanahan took the decision to purchase the business and decided to retain the Welshpool site.

It also made the strategic decision to relocate all Dawson Shanahan operations from its site in Potters Bar to Welshpool, and this has proved to be a major factor in the company’s on-going success story.

Les Reeves, Dawson Shanahan’s joint managing director, said: “Although we initially thought we’d move FloForm’s plant and machinery to our Potters Bar base, it quickly became apparent that the company’s employees possessed skills, expertise and enthusiasm that was crucial to our future success.

“In addition to this, those who had worked for FloForm for many years had a real loyalty to the company and shared our determination to build a successful business.”

“FloForm customers became our customers, and we were able to continue delivering customised components with our specialist knowledge of precision engineering.

“Since then — and indeed for over 75 years — we have continued to serve and grow our customers in automotive as well as many other sectors. including aerospace, packaging and power generation.”