A world-leading metal forging company in Halesowen has celebrated nearly a century of combined service from two of its longest-serving employees. Machine shop inspector Kevin Woodward has reached 50 years with the business, while machine shop supervisor Pete Hodgetts has built a career at the forge spanning more than four decades.
Somers Forge is a world-leading independent UK metal forging business, globally renowned for its open die forgings, heat treatment and specialist engineering capabilities. The family-owned company is Halesowen’s largest employer, employing around 140 staff, and supports critical defence and advanced engineering supply chains.
Mr Woodward, from Stourbridge, and Mr Hodgetts, from Colley Gate, followed their families to work in the forge, with both being third-generation employees at the business. They were joined by their families at the forge to mark the major work anniversaries, where they enjoyed a cake baked by colleague of 19 years Nicki Everton and were presented with a Fortnum & Mason hamper.
Mr Woodward's grandfather, father and two uncles worked in the business. His own career started by chance in 1976, when his father was off work and the company’s HR team visited the family home.
They asked him what he was doing now he had finished school and offered him a role, and half a century later he is still working at the forge. He worked across several areas of the machine shop before moving into inspection in 1990. He said: “It was great to bring the family around as Somers means a lot to us. I met my wife here when she worked in production, so it was really nice to show her how much things have changed over the years. I’ve worked with some genuinely lovely people over the years, many of who I still see socially today.”
Mr Hodgetts followed his grandfather, father and three uncles into Somers Forge. His brother also completed an apprenticeship with the business. He said: “I left school on the Friday and started at Somers the following Monday, so I went straight from the classroom into the forge and followed in my family’s footsteps. What stands out for me is the training I received. There were around 15 apprentices at the time and four of us started on our 16th birthdays. Those friendships have lasted. Just last Friday, a group of us met at the Somers club for a drink and a catch-up, decades after we first trained together.”
Somers Forge marks its 160th anniversary later this year, after opening its doors in 1866. Alex Cross, general manager at Somers Forge, said: “Kevin and Pete have made a huge contribution to Somers Forge and their careers show the long-term opportunities available in forging and advanced manufacturing. Their stories also reflect the strong family connections that have shaped our forge for generations. We need to encourage more people into the industry, so specialist knowledge can be passed on, ensuring British engineering has the skilled workforce it needs.”