BCSA News and Insights
Sir Graham Brady MP has a warm and stable visit to Farrat
21/03/2022
Category: General
On the 11th March 2022, Farrat hosted Sir Graham Brady MP at their design, development, and manufacturing site in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. The company, which lies within Sir Brady's constituency, is a family firm that was established in 1959.
Mr Chris Lister, Commercial Manager, started by giving an overview of the products they supply to projects all over the world, which include components for acoustic isolation/insulation, building and machinery vibration control and products to create thermal breaks. The presentation was fascinating including mention of a current project where a whole building is being jacked up to have vibration pads slid underneath. Sir Graham Brady was most impressed hearing not only of the complexity of projects Farrat is involved with, but the investment it makes in the local community, sponsoring PhD students and giving presentations to schools targeting the STEM curriculum.
Gareth Hogburn, Production Manager, gave a tour of the manufacturing facilities, explaining the process - how they get from the raw material to the end products. It was captivating to learn that materials as dense as composite mica sheets were precision-cut with high-pressure water jets and to learn that sheets of the final product only 5mm thick would have a building sitting atop them. He also explained the research that is ongoing into finding more sustainable and eco-friendly materials with the same inherent performance requirements for the future - making their products more easily recyclable when the building they have been installed in, comes to the end of its life.
Sir Graham Brady MP, was astounded to learn of the company's capabilities and the industry in his constituency. He has spent many years living in the area yet had never heard of Farrat and was also pleased to hear of the number of local people employed, contributing to the local economy.
The visit was organised by the BCSA and Recognition PR, with many more planned going forward. The BCSA (British Constructional Steelwork Association) members, located all over the UK and the Republic of Ireland, contribute greatly not only to the overall UK economy, but also local economies and provide jobs within their communities. This is something that the BCSA feels should be highlighted to try and amass more support from Government Representatives for a very important and historic industry in the UK.
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