A long-serving wire specialist has retired after giving 30 years of service to one of the Black Country’s leading manufacturers. Robert Bucknall-Jones (Bob) first started working for
Alloy Wire International (AWI) in 1995 after his now wife, Alison, made an introduction for him to work there.
Since starting off as a wire drawer, he has gone on to play a hugely important role in helping the Brierley Hill-based business grow to supporting thousands of customers across the world, with his last role being in stock management. To mark his three decades of service, the Withymoor-based engineer received a special watch and a gift voucher that he immediately promised to spend on his 13-months-old granddaughter Ivy.
He said: “I have had a wonderful time at AWI - it is such a fantastic place to work,” explained Bob, who had previously worked in a foundry and in double glazing. There is a real family atmosphere here with everyone keen to do their bit to help the company grow. In my time, I have seen two management buyouts but the same values of trust, friendliness and teamwork have remained.”
He added: “We have really put the Black Country on the global map when it comes to wire manufacturing, especially during Covid-19 when we supplied wire for use in the ventilator effort. When I joined, I think we were doing about £5 million in sales — we are now over £16 million and continuing to grow, with our material sent to more than 60 countries worldwide. That is some achievement!
Right time to retireBob continued: “Now is the right time to retire and spend more time with my granddaughter, especially in our caravan in Brean. I will also book our first ever cruise, which will be something to really look forward to.”
Bob typifies the workplace culture at AWI, with many of the 32-strong team notching up over 20 years of service. The company, which manufactures round, flat and profile wire, invests heavily in team development and ensuring every member of staff has access to the best healthcare benefits. There is also an employee share scheme in operation, making AWI 100% employee-owned with everyone benefitting from regular profit sharing throughout the year.
Tom Mander, AWI’s managing director, said: “Bob was a fantastic character to have around the place - he always had a smile on his face regardless of what you asked him to do. 30 years with one business is superb loyalty and he has been key in helping us manage our material and give customers a best-in-class, three-week turnaround time for their wire. We wish him all the best for his retirement and for making memories with his wife Alison, daughters Niamh and Caitlin and young Ivy.”
AWI manufactures round, flat and profile wire in 62 Exotic Alloys, such as Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy, Nimonic and Waspaloy. Today, the company continues to export its material across the world, with more than 60% of the company’s annual turnover going overseas. Its biggest international territory continues to be the USA, followed by France and Germany, thanks to the hard work and contacts of long-term agent Sopa Stahl.