Fruehauf was delighted to welcome members of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce to its Grantham site yesterday, as proud hosts of the Chamber’s annual Engineering Hub meeting.
The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in supporting businesses across the region, helping them to grow, collaborate, and remain competitive. As part of this remit, it organises a programme of events throughout the year, including its Engineering Hub sessions which bring together professionals from a range of sectors with strong links to British engineering.
With the theme “Made in Britain” setting the tone, Fruehauf provided a fitting backdrop for the day. As a business with deep roots in British manufacturing, the site offered the perfect setting to explore both the challenges and achievements shaping the future of engineering.
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Fruehauf’s Sales Operations Manager, David Lewington, who introduced guests to the company’s proud history, its impressive turnaround under the leadership of CEO Tom O’Rourke, and the strength of its ongoing growth. Guests were treated to catering from a local butcher before settling into a morning of informative discussion.
A keynote presentation was delivered by Chris Corkan, Region Director at Make UK, who addressed some of the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry. Topics such as supply chain disruption, changing regulatory pressures and the impact of US tariffs sparked lively and insightful discussion, with attendees drawing on shared experiences from across their respective sectors.
Following the boardroom session, guests were taken on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Fruehauf’s state-of-the-art factory, led by National Technical Sales Manager Karl Spooner. With British engineering as the core theme of the day, it was only fitting that visitors were shown the cutting-edge manufacturing processes in action, including Fruehauf’s latest investment in robotic welding technology, which drew considerable interest.
Alongside the latest innovations, the tour also paid tribute to the company’s enduring legacy, with guests observing original machinery that continues to operate reliably to this day. The juxtaposition of tradition and innovation served as a powerful reminder of the value and longevity that well-built British engineering continues to deliver.
The event proved a great success, offering valuable networking opportunities and giving guests a deeper appreciation for the practical and evolving face of engineering in Britain today. Fruehauf extends its thanks to all who attended and looks forward to further collaboration with the region’s vibrant engineering community.
