Paul Binning, Owner at Starrd Solutions, has been working with the Blackwood-based manufacturer on its strategic planning and marketing. He talks to BNW about his role with the business and what they are aiming to achieve
Manufacturing Wales member Atlantic Services can trace its origins back to Brooklyn in 1901, when the founders began distributing butchers’ knives around the area on bicycles.
The business has had a European base for more than 40 years and services 50 countries around the world with high-quality bandsaw and handsaw products among other steel products and accessories, as well as providing products to around 3,000 independent butchers.
Paul says:
“Atlantic Services is at a point in its development where its family-type business has over past 20 to 30 years has slowly been replaced by a more efficient, modernised, more commercially focused organisation.”
As the business continues to grow - it recently moved to a new site that is treble the size - Paul says it is “feels like the right time to reach out to similar types of established businesses in the region” by joining Manufacturing Wales.
“We want to learn, we want to help others learn,” he adds. “We want to work on best practice, working and networking with other members. And we definitely want to establish ourselves more firmly in the community in the Blackwood and the north Newport area, and also across Wales generally.”
The structure of Manufacturing Wales appeals for this reason. Paul says:
“The way it is set up - exclusively for members who are vetted and have to be approved to join - really appealed to us. [It means] we are always going to be talking to like-minded peers who are in a similar position to ourselves as we look to grow.”