Spring Manufacturers Airedale Springs New Factory Blessed By Bishop of Bradford
Airedale Springs new purpose-built factory in Haworth, West Yorkshire, has been officially opened by the Bishop of Bradford. (Wed, Nov 7).
- (1888PressRelease) December 04, 2012 - Airedale Springs' www.airedalesprings.co.uk new purpose-built factory in Haworth, West Yorkshire, has been officially opened by the Bishop of Bradford. (Wed, Nov 7)
The Bishop, the Rt Rev Nick Baines, blessed the building and unveiled a plaque to mark the launch of the £3.5 million factory and office premises off Bridgehouse Lane - aptly named 'The Spring Works' - which replaces Airedale Springs' former Ebor Mills factory in Haworth, which burned down in August, 2010.
The ceremony was witnessed by the company's 33-strong workforce, along with dozens of invited guests, including individuals, companies and organisations who rallied round to help Airedale Springs following the fire, when the firm operated from temporary premises and outsourced work to other spring-makers. Representatives from those competitor firms were among the guests.
Chairman Tim Parkinson said: "To paraphrase a famous quote - never in the field of company misfortune was so much owed too so many by so few.' Without the help of you, the many, we, the few, would not be here today. We thank you for your support during our darkest times.
"The support given has been quite remarkable - from supplying product to using equipment at other spring makers' premises and lending equipment for us to use, from fax to coiling machines. I think the feeling of many was 'there but for the grace of God.'
"The last 28 months have been a very difficult time. However, as Churchill also said: 'If you're going through hell, keep going' - and we have kept going. It has been a learning exercise for all involved. The business has survived - or rather been reborn wiser and fitter than before.
"This building and its state-of-the-art equipment and environmental innovations are a testament to our collective faith in the company's future and we are immensely proud of our new facilities.
"People have asked me how we survived. Many did not expect us to, some people think we haven't and a few competitors wish we hadn't! I put it down to heavenly support and human application. How many disaster recovery plans have 'pray' on the first line?
"Our faith has always been important and it is, therefore, fitting that we have today the Bishop of Bradford to officially open our new factory."
The Bishop also paid tribute to the people who, he said, had risen above selfishness and competitiveness to help Airedale Springs survive.
He said: "When you have a disaster, it becomes part of the story - and it is a remarkable story to come through the sort of experience you have here. You held a vision of rebirth because so many others, including competitors, pitched in as human beings as part of a community to help restart a business that had suffered so grievously. This is a celebration of that community element."
The Bishop said the way people met such challenges showed that God was part of the "nuts and bolts and springs" of the real world.
Prior to the opening ceremony, guests toured the new 18,000sq ft premises to experience at first hand both traditional and modern spring-making and wire-forming methods. They also learned about extensive measures that have been taken to make the building environmentally-friendly, including solar panels, low-energy LED lighting, purpose-designed to meet new European energy efficiency guidelines.
Airedale Springs was established in 1945 by Gordon Parkinson, followed by his son, Michael, who retired in 2000 after a lifetime in the business, to be succeeded by his two sons, Tim and Sean, who is commercial director.
At the ceremony, Michael Parkinson handed out copies of a commemorative book he has written - '1945-2012: 67 Years - From First - to Fire - to Future' - which chronicles the history of the company and his own recollections and reflections.
Airedale Springs is no stranger to clerical visitors. The former Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev David James, toured the old factory in Ebor Lane in 2006.
The company now intends to stage a series of open days over the coming months to showcase its new premises to current and potential customers, local residents, and others who supported the business during its darkest days.
ABOUT:- Established in 1945 Airedale Springs Ltd. is a traditional family business which has gained a World-Wide reputation for up to the minute expertise, utilising the latest technology in the production of quality springs.
For more information please contact:-
Sue Brook
Business Development Manager
Airedale Springs Ltd,
The Spring Works,
Bridgehouse Lane,
Haworth,
Keighley,
West Yorkshire,
UK, BD22 8PA.
Telephone: +44(0) 1535 643456
Fax: +44(0) 1535 645392
Website: www.airedalesprings.co.uk
Email: sales ( @ ) airedalesprings dot co dot uk
Press circulated by BMS Marketing Services Ltd. 00 44 1274 878770 www.bmsmarketingltd.co.uk
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