Sky News Features Smith Bullough – David Cameron on UK Business Growth
On the 10th February 2015, Smith Bullough were featured on Sky News as an example of a fast-growing firm, as PM David Cameron hailed business as the country’s “job engine”. Click the image above to watch the video on the Sky News website.
During a speech to the British Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Cameron outlined steps taken by the Government to support UK businesses and pledged to launch a financing scheme to help fast-growing businesses.
Square head bolts for heritage restoration project
Smith Bullough recently supplied some square head bolts with special head dimensions that were needed for renovation of the famous Grand Fountain in Paisley, Scotland.
For this heritage restoration project, the replacement bolts had to match the original ones exactly.
The square head bolts were manufactured in our forging & machine shop.
The fountain was originally installed in 1867 and is now restored to its former glory.
Congratulations Bernard – 65 years old and 48 years in fasteners!
We would like to congratulate Bernard Walsh, of our Production department, who recently celebrated his 65th birthday.
Bernard started working at Bullough Fasteners in Atherton in 1966 and has remained in the industry all of his working life.
We are pleased to say that Bernard will continue to work for Smith Bullough on a part-time basis. Retaining experienced employees is very important to Smith Bullough.
Customer submission – a piece of Smith Bullough history from 1943
One of our customers was recently undertaking some research when he came across the above newspaper article from May 21, 1943, reporting Sergeant Thomas Haig Smith, 26, missing from the RAF after an air operation.
The article also states that, before the war, Sergeant Thomas Smith was involved in the family business – Thomas Smith & Sons, which as you may know was merged with Bullough Fasteners in 1995 to become Smith Bullough.
Bullough Fasteners and Thomas Smith & Sons were both founded in the 1800s in Atherton and originally manufactured nails, before progressing into bolt manufacturing.
Today, Smith Bullough is still at the forefront of UK bolt manufacturing and is located in a purpose-built factory in Hindley Green, Wigan.
Smith Bullough Supports National Play Day
Smith Bullough were pleased to contribute towards refreshments on a fun day for local children, which took place at Haigh Country Park as part of National Play Day on Wednesday 6th August.
The children took part in events ranging from golfing games and orienteering to arts and crafts. Other activities included a climbing wall, junk modelling and crazy golf, and the children also got to see birds of prey.
The event was organised by WLCT (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust). WLCT is a charitable trust and social enterprise which manages and supports leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events on behalf of Wigan Council, Selby District Council and Cannock Chase District Council.
Special Bolt Manufacture – M48 x 200 Grade 12.9 Bolts
This M48 diameter x 200mm long grade 12.9 hexagon bolt is a great example of our special bolt machining capabilities.
We manufacture standard & special fasteners in a vast array of materials and threadforms (including Metric, BSF, BSW, UNC & UNF) and surface finishes and to any customer specification. From forging special head shapes to machining and threading, we can provide a solution that meets your requirements.
In house facilities include CAD design & drawing, tool design & manufacture, forging, threading and machining followed by heat and surface treatments and full quality testing facilities.
For further information, contact our experienced technical sales staff and we’ll be happy to find a solution to meet your needs.
New 75 KVA Induction Heater for Bolt Forging
These images show details relating to our new induction heater being explained to Barry Taylor, Forging Manager, by the commissioning engineer from Ambrell.
This unit will significantly increase our forging throughput and ensure that we maintain our position as the leading domestic manufacturer of special bolts in all grades of steel, stainless steel and non-ferrous materials.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Employee Versatility
In order to fulfil the requirements of our varied customer base, it is important that our employees understand the manufacturing process from start to finish, as well as the tasks that their colleagues perform.
These images show Stephen Chatterton from our sales team taking part in a recent shop floor refresher training course, and proving that he is technically proficient in all aspects of bolt manufacture.
All of our staff are encouraged to undertake formal training (NVQ, HNC, Degree etc.) as well as in-house courses such as this one.
In-house machine maintenance
To ensure that we achieve the exacting standards that are required, we maintain our machines on a regular basis. These pictures show a major rebuild that is taking place on an Etchells double-head chamfering machine.
50 years in the Bolt Trade
Brian Dickinson, Production Manager, receives a computer gift from Tim Garton, M.D., of Smith Bullough on his 65th birthday.
Brian started working at Prestwich Parker in Atherton aged 15 and has stayed in the industry all his working life.
We are pleased to say that, after taking a short break, Brian will be returning to work. Retaining experienced employees is highly valued by Smith Bullough.