Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened an Innovation & Insight Hub at its flagship switchgear site in Blackwood.
Designed to showcase BRUSH’s innovative range of switchgear solutions, including the recently launched CRYNO, the new facility was opened at an event attended by customers, local elected members and representatives of Industry Wales. In celebration of his impressive 50 years’ service, the ribbon-cutting honours were given to Service Product Engineer Ashley Payne.
Ashley began his career as an engineering apprentice aged 16 in 1974. He has spent five decades supporting the company’s growth, innovation, and its customers.
Today Ashley applies his extensive knowledge and experience to solving problems for customers, as well as to supporting the next generation of in-house engineering experts.
Reflecting on his 50-year career with the company, Ashley said:
“I love coming to work – I like what I do. I talk to customers, take away their problems and provide them with solutions. Ultimately, that’s what we’re about, helping and supporting our customers.
“Supporting our bright team of apprentices and mentoring them keeps me sharp! I get to pass on my engineering knowledge and in return, they keep me switched on as they pass on their tech knowledge, ask questions, and share their enthusiasm.”
BRUSH Group CEO, Nicolas Pitrat said:
“Ashley has dedicated his career to our business, and we are immensely proud of what he has achieved. It felt only right that as we celebrate the next chapter in our evolution through the opening of our Innovation & Insight Hub, that Ashley is the one to officially open the space that is now home to our next-generation switchgear solution – CRYNO.”
Pronounced ‘Cruh-no’ (Welsh for ‘compact’), the name not only describes a key feature of its efficient space-saving design, but also reflects its proud Welsh heritage, having been designed, developed, and now manufactured, at Blackwood.