An energy engineering solutions provider has opened a new hub at its Welsh Valley site.
BRUSH Group launched its Innovation & Insight Hub in Blackwood to showcase its range of switchgear solutions.
The opening event was attended by customers, local elected members, and representatives of Industry Wales.
The honours of cutting the ribbon were given to service product engineer Ashley Payne, in recognition of his 50 years of service at the company.
Mr Payne started his career at BRUSH in 1974 as a 16-year-old engineering apprentice and has been with the company ever since, supporting its growth and innovation.
He now uses his extensive knowledge and experience to solve problems for customers and support the next generation of in-house engineering experts.
Reflecting on his 50-year career, Mr Payne said: “I love coming to work – I like what I do.
“I talk to customers, take away their problems and provide them with solutions.
“Ultimately, that’s what we’re about, helping and supporting our customers.”
Mr Payne is also involved in mentoring apprentices, which he says gives him ‘the greatest personal satisfaction’.
He said: “Supporting our bright team of apprentices and mentoring them keeps me sharp.
“I get to pass on my engineering knowledge and in return, they keep me switched on as they pass on their tech knowledge, ask questions, and share their enthusiasm.”
BRUSH Group CEO, Nicolas Pitrat, praised Mr Payne’s long service, saying: “Ashley has dedicated his career to our business, and we are immensely proud of what he has achieved.
“It felt only right that as we celebrate the next chapter in our evolution through the opening of our Innovation & Insight Hub, that Ashley is the one to officially open the space that is now home to our next-generation switchgear solution – CRYNO.”
The name CRYNO, pronounced ‘Cruh-no’, is Welsh for ‘compact’, reflecting its space-saving design and Welsh heritage, having been designed, developed, and manufactured in Blackwood.
Through its switchgear solutions, BRUSH maintains the stability and reliability of electrical power systems, something which is ever more vital as the UK transitions to better energy security and net zero carbon.