The Art of Cooperation
The foundry industry in the UK goes back quite a long way as it does in most countries. I’ve been involved with it for virtually all my life as has my father before me – he’s ninety one and still takes an active interest in what we’re doing. One constant during both our working lives… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 19th December 2018
An International Affair
A few weeks ago, I spent a very relaxing holiday on the Greek island of Paxos. To get there, you fly to Corfu and then get a ferry to Paxos which gave us the opportunity to spend a few days in Corfu town. I can recommend it. Bars, restaurants, narrow shaded streets, friendly locals and… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 7th November 2018
Something To Be Proud Of.
For quite a few years now, Durham Foundry has held both ISO 9001 and 14001 as a combined Quality and Environmental Management Standard. I’m pleased to say that our external audit which has just been carried out by Alcumus has been a splendid success. Not a single non-conformity, either major or minor, in either part… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 17th October 2018
How Many Foundries Does It Take To Make An Industry – Part 4
I think this will be my final post on the recently published Foundry Census. Pam Murrell at the Cast Metals Federation has updated her reporting on the census with a look at the issue of skills shortages within the industry. Her post is here. It’s very much a wake up call to anyone in the… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 15th October 2018
The Air That I Breathe.
No, not the famous hit by the Hollies but literally the air that I breathe when wandering round a foundry although if you want to see what the Hollies’ song is like, the link’s here. Going back in time, the public perception of a foundry and it’s working environment was something out of a Dickens’… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 14th September 2018
How Many Foundries Does It Take To Make An Industry – Part 3
Following on from my previous two posts about the recent Foundry Census, the Cast Metals Federation (CMF) has published it’s latest thoughts on it. This time, it’s very much focused on the foundry industry’s contribution to recycling and resource efficiency, something which we’ve been doing for years, long before it became the hot topic it… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 23rd August 2018
A Sheffield Legend
Anyone from Sheffield, the town I was born in and where my family has been involved in melting metal for over two hundred years, will probably recognise the name Brendan Ingle. He’s the Sheffield Legend in the title of the post. His legendary status comes from the boxing gym he founded in the east end… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 9th August 2018
How Many Foundries Does It Take To Make An Industry (Part 2)
As a follow on to the first post, the CMF has done a second press release for the recent foundry census. You can read it here. Regards, Mike Naylor
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 19th July 2018
How Many Foundries Does It Take To Make An Industry.
Slightly odd question maybe but according to the latest foundry census, about 480 in the UK. The census was commissioned by the Cast Metals Federation (CMF), the work being carried out by Enterprise Research Centre (ERC), and gives a snapshot of the UK foundry industry, it’s relevance to the economy, it’s strengths and weaknesses and… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 16th July 2018
Paddle Your Own Canoe
Getting on for forty years now, I’ve been involved with running foundries. One of the things that has grown in importance and frustration over this time has been the ability to access craft and technical training tailored to the foundry industry. I was lucky. I was one of the last people to be able to… Read More
- Posted By: Mike Naylor | Posted On: 8th June 2018
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