Established in 1984, Stoke-on-Trent based Grenville Engineering began as a small but determined team of five shop floor staff led by Mark Barratt. Armed with a manual punch and Strippit machine, the company set out to make its mark, quickly carving a reputation for quality and precision.
A pivotal moment came in 1985, with a partnership with a leading Earth-moving company setting the stage for Grenville’s growth. By 1997, the company had achieved ISO 9001 accreditation, reflecting its unwavering commitment to operational excellence.
Acquiring the company’s first laser-cutting machine in 2000 marked a leap in technological capability, significantly enhancing precision and competitiveness. Between 2005 and 2007, Grenville embraced further transformation with a groundbreaking Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project. Spearheaded by Dali Dong, this initiative modernised the company’s operations, laying the groundwork for future growth and earning Dali a prestigious KTP award.
By 2007, the business was experiencing fast growth. However, this momentum was tested by the 2009 recession—a period of unprecedented challenges. Material prices surged fortnightly by 5–10 per cent, and economic uncertainty loomed. Amid these pressures, Grenville demonstrated resilience, implementing 3D SolidWorks in the planning office to improve operational efficiency and prepare for recovery.
As the market stabilised, Grenville seized the opportunity to expand. Negotiations for the company’s second laser-cutting machine began in late 2009; by 2012, Grenville had added a third. This strategic investment fuelled remarkable growth, achieving more than 12.5 per cent year-on-year increases and reinforcing Grenville’s reputation as an industry leader.
Grenville’s dedication to its workforce has also been a cornerstone of its success. Dali Dong, Operations Director, reflected: “One of the highlights of my 19 years here has been increasing the end-of-year bonus for all employees significantly - a milestone that symbolises our collective success. We’ve proudly maintained that every year since, and it’s a reflection of how much we value the hard work and dedication of our team.”
In 2013, Grenville underwent a complete rebrand for its 30th anniversary, aligning its image with its customer-centric vision for the future.
Fast-forward to today. Grenville operates from a 58,500-square-foot facility in Tunstall, offering a comprehensive range of services, including design, laser cutting, forming, welding, machining, and assembly. The company also manages its own fleet of delivery vehicles, ensuring efficient and reliable transport of finished products to customers.
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With recent investments of £800,000 in cutting-edge machinery, such as a CNC tube laser, robotic welding, and milling machines, Grenville has increased capacity and added new capabilities to better serve its diverse customer base across yellow goods, rail, renewable energy, petrochemical and more.
The company’s success is built on the dedication of its 82 employees, many of whom have decades of service. Apprenticeship schemes continue to nurture the next generation of engineers, with 25 per cent of the workforce boasting over 20 years’ tenure. Notably, Stuart Rawlinson, Sales Director, began as an apprentice metal worker on the shop floor in 1995 and exemplifies the company’s commitment to internal growth.
“It’s been incredible to witness the evolution of the business," Rawlinson said. "What stands out to me is how we’re always pushing forward—whether through investing in new technologies each year, attending trade shows, or tackling the challenge of attracting new business. That drive to innovate and grow has made the most impact and keeps things exciting.” He also values the strong, long-standing relationships Grenville has built with many partners, which have been key to the company’s success and continued growth.
As Grenville Engineering celebrates its 40th anniversary, it remains true to its founding values of quality, innovation, and collaboration. The company is poised to continue delivering exceptional service, bridging the industry skills gap, and driving success for its customers and partners. Here’s to 40 years of excellence—and many more to come!
