TWO well-established Lynn companies have started 2008 in exciting fashion, with one aiming to recruit up to 50 new workers and the other having its royal warrant renewed.
Cooper Roller Bearings is entering the second phase of its drive to recruit a total of 120 new staff by the end of this year, with a recruitment open day taking place at the Wisbech Road factory on Thursday.
And Foster Refrigerator, Europe’s mark
et leading commercial refrigeration manufacturer, has successfully applied to renew the royal warrant it has for The Queen’s household.
Cooper’s managing director Steve Gates said a recruitment day in October proved very successful, with 40-plus staff taken on. And the business, which now has 286 employees, hoped to get up to 50 new workers this time round.
He said: “We would take on more if we could find the appropriate skills, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult and we are looking further and further afield.
“Primarily, we are looking for skilled or semi-skilled machinists. We have rooms set up for screening and formal interviews, and there will be a quick tour of the factory to see the set up.
“If people can’t make it on Thursday that’s not a problem – we will see them whenever they can make it.”
Mr Gates hoped potential recruits would be attracted by Cooper’ reputation as a good company to work for, offering good terms and conditions.
The company’s annual turnover is now £25 million and investment in the 17-acre site has totalled £1 million in recent years. This year a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in growth is forecast.
To tackle the skills shortage Cooper’s has a flourishing four-year apprenticeship programme, which took on six people last year and plans to take on another four this year.
Foster’s royal warrant entitles it to use the term By Appointment and display The Queen’s coat-of-arms on its premises, vehicles, stationery and advertisements.
Royal warrants are initially granted for five years, but can be renewed after being reviewed by the Royal Household Tradesmen’s Warrants Committee, headed up by the Lord Chamberlain, to ensure that high standards have been maintained.
HONOUR
Foster managing director Paul Veried said: “We are delighted to have been granted the royal warrant once again and in our 40th birthday year.
“With Sandringham House just a few miles away from our manufacturing facilities in Norfolk, Foster has been a long-term provider to the Royal Family and has installed equipment there and at other royal locations across the UK, including Clarence House and Windsor Castle.
“It is a real honour.”
The full article contains 453 words and appears in Lynn News Tuesday newspaper.
