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A fantastic opportunity to access support

The Foundry Equipment & Supplies Association (FESA) has appointed Stuart Gibson of Gibson Centri-Tech Ltd as President for 2022-2024. He takes over the position from Lynn Postle FICME of Foundry Trade Journal. Here he reflects on the importance of the role and on his aspirations for FESA during these challenging times for the industry and trade associations, highlighting the range of support member companies can access as part of FESA membership.

Our company has been a member of FESA for more than 30 years. I am delighted and honoured to become president following some very well-known and respected figures in the foundry supply industry, including managing directors and chairmen for Inductotherm, Foseco and Omega Sinto. On a more personal note, I am glad to be following in my father’s footsteps, Martin Gibson, who was president in 2005-2006.

Adding value

FESA was incorporated in 1925 and whilst the membership has shrunk since its early days, largely because of offshoring of the foundry industry, I think we can all be proud of its continued operations.

From my company’s point of view, we could not continue without our export business as approximately 95 per cent of our equipment is sold overseas. This is a specific area where I believe FESA can add value to companies. FESA can be a priceless networking tool, creating an environment where members can meet to discuss their specific issues and seek advice. I know from experience that being acquainted with other members can increase sales, I have found over the years that a considerable portion of the orders we secure, have resulted from introductions via fellow FESA members with whom I may not have had contact if not through FESA.

Working with the FESA secretary Eur Ing Andrew Turner FICME and the FESA council, we will continue and indeed increase the support offered in the following areas:

  • Obtaining grants for exhibitions.
  • Providing exhibition advice.
  • Facilitating exhibition presence for FESA member companies.
  • Providing comprehensive advice for exporters.
  • Assisting with agent sourcing.

While FESA may not be able to answer all your questions, we can hopefully point you in the right direction.

During my two-year tenure I would also like to achieve the following:

  • Increase FESA board levels.
  • Maintain and hopefully increase member levels.
  • Improve the digital platform.
  • Create a members’ WhatsApp group to provide advice and support as required.
  • Introduce virtual FESA meetings to allow more remote participating for members.
  • Increase networking opportunities.

Anyone interested in joining the FESA board, should contact me or Andrew Turner, email: [email protected]

During my presidency, assuming the pandemic allows, GIFA 2023 will take place. Thanks to Andrew Turner’s hard work, this exhibition provides a fantastic opportunity for your company as a FESA member. In previous exhibitions there has been a FESA pavilion that has saved members’ time and money with Andrew acting as co-ordinator between FESA members and Messe Dusseldorf. It may also be possible depending on UK governmental policy, for companies to access grants to cover part of their costs when exhibiting.

I would like to thank Lynn Postle for her tenure as president of FESA during a difficult time with the global pandemic and the required travel restrictions.

I look forward to your support during my time as president and would encourage all members to take the opportunities FESA can offer and get involved!

Membership of FESA is open to UK companies supplying capital equipment, consumables, and services to the domestic and global foundry sector. www.fesa.org.uk