New orders for specialist electrical products spark another production surge on factory floor

New contracts to manufacture specialist electrical products for use in extreme environments have led to another production surge on the factory floor at Fairgrieve Compression Moulding.

With the business already on course to achieve a record turnover in 2025, it has recently secured significant orders from several customers to supply various electrical products to a number of markets.

They are contracts which managing director Barry Davidson calls the ‘bread and butter’ for the business, as they have long been bespoke manufactured at the Washington site to meet the exact requirements of customers.

But with the orders coming in high volume, he has praised his staff for their skill and aptitude in adding the new workload seamlessly into their routines, alongside other large recent contracts for other bespoke products.

“Specialist electrical products for industries such as mining and hazardous environments were the norm for this business and this is what we gained an excellent reputation for manufacturing,” said Mr Davidson.

“To see customers still choosing us, and returning to us for these products, after all these years is very pleasing, because as we all know in business, loyalty only remains when customers get quality and value for money.”

Accident-free site status

Over recent months Fairgrieves has continually recruited and trained new team members to almost double the workforce, with the factory once again in 24-hour operation mode to meet demand.

This has brought new challenges to the factory floor, where the company continues to use 5S lean manufacturing techniques to prioritise workplace organisation, and maintain the highest levels of efficiency, safety, and quality.

“As we’ve become a busier business, with more people on site and a much greater volume of products going through the factory, the 5s methods and principles have become even more important to ensure our site remains as safe and efficient as possible,” said Mr Davidson.

“On an average week we’ve got around ten tonnes of raw material being processed in the factory.

“I have to say our teams have been superb in their commitment to the 5S concept, continually ensuring that their workstations and surrounds are tidy and organised throughout the shift and that the workplace is in the ideal condition for the next shift to be able to arrive and work effectively.

“We have now surpassed four years without a recorded accident on site, across our factory floor and offices. We are proud of that record and committed to ensuring it continues.”

New 6-tonne tooling to be delivered and tested

With Fairgrieves continuing to enjoy success in the specialist transport vehicle market, it is also benefitting from its ability to manufacture large compression moulded parts on its 600-tonne press.

“We’ll soon be taking delivery of tooling for a new product which we will be manufacturing which weighs around six tonnes and needs its own specialist forklift to move on and off the machinery,” added Mr Davidson.

“This is a contract we’ve secured by having a large compression moulding press, meaning we are one of only a few producers who can offer this service and customers can make significant savings with their production costs, even though it requires significant investment in tooling.

“It is the latest coup for our business though, with more investment into our factory, and another sign of how we continue to evolve and progress.”

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