On a sunny morning in Eastleigh, Mims joined G W Martin and Co Ltd to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of their factory.
George William Martin started the business in 1959 in buildings once occupied by Fair Oak Dairy on Southampton Road. After strong growth he built his own facility on Bishopstoke Road which was opened on 22nd September 1967 by Sir David Price MP.
The 50th member of staff joins the team this September. Many of the team have trained as apprentices with the business through their training schemes with Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA) and Eastleigh College. This September one of their apprentices completes his four year apprenticeship leading him to an engineering career with the firm, while two new apprentices have just started theirs.
The business has long been committed to training and one of the longest serving members of the team, Andy Clark, himself an ex-apprentice, celebrated his own 50th anniversary with the firm just last month. Andy was 16 when he joined the business as an apprentice, but moved into a Sales role where he has been central to the firm’s success.
Mims Davies said:
“I am delighted to congratulate G W Martin and Co and join them on their 50 year anniversary at their Bishopstoke Road premises. It is great to see British manufacturing thriving in the heart of Eastleigh. I have been impressed to meet such a loyal and experienced team of people from the local community working towards that success.
With some of the team who started as apprentices in the early days of the factory approaching retirement, their commitment to training young people and bringing new skills into the industry is refreshing. Apprentices really matter both now and then with 6,000 new ones commencing since 2010 in the Eastleigh constituency.
Having visited the factory a few years ago it is clear that their recent investments in their facility are having a real impact. I wish all at the firm every success for the next 50 years.”
Graham Martin, CEO and George’s son said:
“It seems only yesterday that I was allowed to take a day off school for the opening of the factory in Bishopstoke Road. My father had started the business eight years earlier in units which were demolished to build the Swan Centre car park. George had the foresight to buy the land in Bishopstoke Road and build the factory. It has been extended a couple of times and has served us well for 50 years and there is more to come from the next generation.”
Stuart Yalden, Managing Director and George’s grandson commented
“We are immensely proud of the success of the business over the last 50 years. This has been built on the strength and commitment of our skilled engineering team. I look forward to the next 50 years as we strive to bring skilled young people into the industry and lead the way in modern manufacturing techniques.”