Member Stories: Welman Group

Welman Group specialises in advanced manufacturing engineering systems focusing in providing future-proof solutions in the Aerospace, Nuclear, Automotive, Land Systems and Rail sectors. We spoke to Owen Sharples, Group Business Manager of Welman Group, about how he started the company, what they are currently working on, and how they are finding Ashton Old Baths so far.

How did you start your company?
I had worked in design management all my life and I felt that I had to try my own business. I left my old job without a plan, which was unsettling but with years of trade behind me, I had the support of my old clientele to carry me forward.

What are you working on at the moment?
We are currently establishing the business, moving from start-up to getting properly established with a cross-functional team. In the early stages you do all the work yourself, but we now need to have the back-up infrastructure. We work across many sectors, such as aerospace, sub-sea marine, and nuclear, but we are also starting to balance the business with other areas like automotive and pharma.

What do you like about AOB?
We love the visual impact, the reception staff, who look after us, letting us concentrate on the business.

What projects/ambitions do you have for the future of your company?
We know we won't be able to stay at AOB once we are fully established, we want to have circa 100 staff, but we will keep an office here. We want to become the logical choice for manufacturing companies that want to get involved in design and manufacturing projects.