For more than two centuries, Birmingham manufacturer
Westley Engineering has adapted, evolved and engineered its way through industrial change — from its origins supplying precision firearms in 1812 to becoming a modern specialist in high-precision press work, tooling, CNC machining and production engineering.
Now, this Birmingham manufacturing business is entering an exciting new era with the appointment of Christopher Greenough as its new managing director, succeeding the retiring, John Harland.
Mr Greenough joins the company with more than 30 years’ experience in senior operational leadership roles across British manufacturing, having previously held positions including commercial director and managing director. He arrives with a reputation for driving operational growth, building strong customer relationships and investing heavily in workforce development.
The appointment signals a significant moment for the historic engineering business, which today employs 47 people and generates annual turnover of approximately £5 million from its dual capabilities in presswork, tooling and CNC machining.
Operating from its purpose-designed Birmingham facility, Westley Engineering occupies a distinctive position within UK manufacturing, able to support customers with both tooling manufacture and production component supply under one roof. The company’s capabilities span an extensive press shop alongside advanced CNC machining operations, supporting customers across automotive, industrial and increasingly aerospace and defence sectors.
The business already holds both IATF 16949 automotive accreditation and AS9100 aerospace certification, positioning it strongly for future diversification into higher-value and more resilient sectors.
“Westley Engineering has an extraordinary heritage and reputation which has been built over generations,” Greenough said. “What immediately stood out to me was the depth of engineering capability within the business and the commitment of the people here. There is a huge opportunity to build on those foundations and take the company into an exciting new phase of growth, building on the strong foundations laid by John Harland.
“The unique combination of tooling expertise, CNC machining capability and quality accreditations gives us a very strong platform, particularly within aerospace and defence, where customers are increasingly looking for resilient, technically capable UK manufacturing partners.”
Gunmaking OriginsThe company traces its roots back to 1812, when William Westley Richards founded Westley Richards & Co., initially specialising in the development and manufacture of firearms for sporting and military use. The business quickly established an international reputation for quality and innovation, earning numerous patents and royal warrants from heads of state around the world.
During the Second World War, the company’s engineering expertise was redirected towards military machining and component production, helping lay the foundations for the engineering and press tooling business that would eventually become Westley Engineering.
Under the ownership of the Clode family since 1956, the wider group evolved into two distinct operations – bespoke gunmaking and industrial engineering – before formally separating into
Westley Richards and Westley Engineering in 1998.
Today, the engineering division continues to invest heavily in modern manufacturing technology. Recent capital investment has included the installation of a new Brother Speedio S70 XD1 CNC machine, alongside EDM spark erosion equipment and a Mazak turning centre added within the last two years.
Mr Greenough believes those investments, combined with the company’s engineering pedigree, place the business in a strong position for expansion.
“Manufacturing in the UK has enormous potential when businesses are prepared to invest in technology, people and culture,” he said. “I strongly believe in developing teams, creating opportunities for people and building an environment where individuals feel supported to grow professionally and personally. If you create the right culture, performance follows.
“One of my priorities will be strengthening our apprenticeship programme and continuing to invest in workforce skills, because the future of manufacturing depends on developing the next generation of engineers.”
Automation and SkillsThe new managing director is also actively involved in wider industry collaboration and skills development initiatives, including participation in the automation cluster at the Manufacturing Technology Centre. Internally, his ambitions for the company are equally bold, with plans focused on long-term, sustainable expansion.
“The objective is clear, we want to build a stronger, larger and more resilient business,” he added. There is no reason why Westley Engineering cannot double in size over time. The opportunity is there, the capability is here and we have a fantastic team to build around.”
The company also paid tribute to outgoing managing director John Harland, acknowledging the role he played in developing the business and establishing the foundations for its next chapter.