When Paul started at Alwayse 30 years ago, CNC operations looked very different.
We had just two machines back then, and a batch of ten parts was considered a big job. Today, Paul leads a team that runs eight machines, producing tens of thousands of parts that are all made in-house.
Paul remembers the first few years of his career at Alwayse as a time of rapid change. Back then, we were operating out of two separate buildings in Digbeth – one for the office and CNC, and the other for the presses.
Alwayse was a much smaller company then, and everyone had to pitch in wherever necessary.
“I started as a trainee CNC setter. I was responsible for setting them up, running the jobs, and ensuring the quality of the parts we produced,” Paul recalls.
“Back then, a batch of ten parts felt like a big deal!”
Despite the limited resources, the team had a strong sense of camaraderie, and that feeling of working together as a close-knit group carried over as the company grew.
The work environment itself was a far cry from the modern facility they have now.
“We were working in a building where the ceiling leaked in the bathroom, and we had to carry umbrellas to go to the toilets.
“But honestly, it was good fun.”
The move to the Aston facility.
As the company grew, the limitations of the Digbeth site became apparent. The team expanded, and the business outgrew its premises. The decision was made to move to the modern Aston facility.
“When we moved to Aston, it opened up so many new opportunities. The new facility allowed us to expand our capabilities and take on more projects,” Paul explains.
The changes in the industry over the last three decades have been immense.
It’s not just the tech that’s changed; Paul has also seen how the team and leadership at Alwayse have evolved.
“When I first started, only a handful of us were in the team. The structure was much less formal, and we all wore multiple hats. Now, we have a much more defined structure, and the processes we use are more streamlined and efficient,” says Paul.
Back in 2000, when the Millennium Bridge opened, its swaying caused concern. As more people walked on it, the sway intensified, which led to a potential safety hazard.
Alwayse was called on to help by providing ball units designed to stabilise the bridge’s movement.
Over the years, Paul has also worked on several projects for other high-tech industries. One of the most exciting elements of his job is the mystery behind the end users of many products.
“A lot of the time, we don’t even know where our parts end up. We sell them to distributors worldwide who pass them on to various industries.”
As Alwayse continues to innovate and grow, Paul’s journey reminds us of all that success comes from both small, consistent steps and the willingness to embrace new challenges.