BGB, a world-leading manufacturer of advanced engineering slip rings for the renewable energy sector, has officially celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Founded in 1976 by David Holt Snr as a small, family-run workshop specialising in traditional carbon brush gear, the Grantham-based business has evolved over five decades into a global powerhouse.
Now a third-generation family operation, led by CEO, David Holt Jnr, and recently joined by his son, Alex, the firm plays a critical role in renewable energy, designing and manufacturing complex slip rings and fibre optic rotary joints that power large-scale wind turbines across Europe and America.
While the renewable energy sector remains its core focus, BGB’s engineering prowess sees it continually punching well above its weight on a global stage. Today, the company partners with some of the biggest global brands in wind energy, alongside household names across the aerospace, wastewater and automotive sectors.
Instead of offshoring manufacturing to cut costs – a trend that has dominated the sector for decades – the company has consistently doubled down on its UK roots. By anchoring its production firmly in Grantham, BGB has turned a commitment to local youth into a major competitor advantage, after supporting 40 apprentices over the years from nearby institutions like Grantham College, West Grantham Academy and Lincoln College, Priory College and The Kings School.
The international reach of the business is perhaps best illustrated by its expansion into the United States two decades ago; a move spearheaded by former apprentice, now chief design officer, Jim Wood, who has risen through the ranks during his 30 years with the firm.
In the last 50 years, the business has seen significant investments made at its Dysart Road headquarters, transforming from a former shoe factory in Leicestershire to a state-of-the-art manufacturing hub in Grantham, now powered by solar panels.
Investment has also gone towards the purchase of advanced robotic cells, AI-driven machine monitoring and cutting-edge testing facilities that enable its team to simulate extreme operational environments, similar to those a wind turbine would experience. Facilities that mean its high-skill engineering jobs have stayed in Grantham.
Its commitment to upskilling and development has seen the engineering firm receive a slew of accolades, including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2009 and, more recently, the Grantham College Awards, where BGB was named ‘Best Employer’ for its dedication to apprenticeships and work experience placement schemes.
At the heart of its enduring success is a unique, multi-generational operation that defines the factory floor. Many of BGB’s production, marketing and engineering workforce have also worked side-by-side for decades, including veteran team members who continue to work at the firm because of its community-forward approach and commitment to preserving the craft.
Commenting on the milestone, David Holt, CEO at BGB, said: “Reaching 50 years is an incredible milestone, but what makes it truly special is how we’ve achieved it. Our legacy isn’t just about the products we create; it’s about the family we’ve built here. When my dad started the business all those years ago, he valued hard work and community, and those exact values are what drive us today as a third-generation business.
“By investing in our people and keeping our roots firmly in Grantham, we’ve proven that you don’t have to choose between honouring your heritage and driving forward innovation. Our success comes from pairing decades of traditional engineering craftsmanship with the latest tools and techniques – giving our people the equipment to shape the future of our sector for many years to come.”