Copper is inside our homes, schools, offices, and hospitals. It’s used in vehicles, appliances, and production processes; it’s a core component used by OEMs the world over; it’s even present in our bodies, essential to its basic functions.

As a cornerstone of British manufacturing, Lawton Engineering is globally recognised for excellence in precision-engineered metal, such as copper, copper nickel, stainless steel, and brass products. Operating three state-of-the-art UK factories, we export our copper tube across the UK and to over 42 countries worldwide.

This is just the start of their incredible journey however: the real story is where our copper products end up. In fact, we at Lawton Tubes play a vital part in the everyday lives of millions of people across the globe, without them even realising it!

Copper in your home

Copper is a crucial component in the running of your home. Found in everything from plumbing and wiring to cooking implements, fixtures, fittings, electricals, and household appliances. Copper is even present in the foods we eat; meat, shellfish, wholegrain cereals, and vegetables like potatoes and mushrooms are all sources of copper – which is just as well; copper supports the healthy function of several major organs including the liver, brain, and heart.   

The average home contains around 200kg of copper – that’s the same weight as an adult mountain gorilla! In a single-family home, around 88.5kgs of this can be attributed to wiring; a further 68.5kg comes from the plumbing, tubes, and fittings, just like those manufactured and supplied by Lawton Tubes.  

As the UK’s sole manufacturer of copper cylinder fittings, we produce over 8 million annually, and these can be found in households nationwide.

Copper in your community

Copper underpins the infrastructure of towns and cities across the world. At our Poole site, we produce over 2 million 4mm x 307 long copper tubes for heat exchanges which is enough copper to heat up an entire city!

From its use in public buildings such as schools, libraries, and hospitals to its applications within the renewable energy, heating, refrigeration, and telecommunication sectors – copper plays a vital part in the sustained delivery of our public services, supporting essential aspects of our everyday lives many of us take for granted.

In the UK alone, there are 32,149 schools; 1,148 hospitals; and over 2,890 libraries – that’s more than 36,000 facilities, all of which rely on the exceptional properties of copper components to help them provide reliable, ongoing services for their communities.

In 2020 following the pandemic, Lawton Tubes delivered over 120 miles of medical gas pipe to 70 different NHS locations across the UK. From Dundee to Jersey, you’ll find our copper products in the walls, floors, and ceilings of NHS buildings, helping to deliver critical care to those who need it most.

Copper on the move

In addition to the places where you live and work, copper is also found in a whole host of commodities that enhance your everyday life, including transportation.

The automotive industry relies heavily on the use of copper components in the manufacture of all kinds of vehicles, from cars, motorcycles, and buses to HGVs and caravans!

The average modern car has over 1km of copper cable in its sensors, switches, and safety systems, and for powering things like lamps, air conditioning, brakes and electronic comms (ase.org.uk).

Then there are other essential copper components, such as brake pipes and oil coolers, like those manufactured at Lawton’s Poole facility.

An estimated 755,000 touring vans and caravans are regularly in use in the UK. In addition to all the copper cabling these homes-on-wheels contain, they also use copper pipes and fittings for their gas supply – many of which are manufactured and supplied by Lawton!

Some vehicles that are less every day for most people, but essential all the same also use a substantial amount of copper. These include the tanks, aircraft, and sea vessels used by the MOD.

The UK’s military helicopter fleet has a diverse range of aircraft for its various operations: Chinooks for heavy lifting, the Apache for attack, the Puma for support, and the Wildcat for maritime and reconnaissance missions.

Lawton’s precision-engineered copper chopper components, manufactured at our Poole facility, play a crucial role in keeping our forces flying!

Copper: a story without end

Copper’s inherent, unique qualities are the reason it has so many varied uses and applications.

It’s an excellent conductor of heat and electricity; it’s strong and durable yet malleable; it’s resistant to corrosion and has a high melting point. Copper even has its own antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria on contact, making it especially suitable for use in the medical industry.

But copper’s biggest boast is that it is infinitely recyclable. That means it can be re-used again and again without compromising its other properties. It doesn’t weaken or degrade; pure copper is always copper, no matter what form it takes.

At Lawton Tubes, we prioritise the use of recycled copper.

So, whether it’s a domestic fitting on a hot water cylinder in Lewes; a medical grade gas pipe in an ICU in Inverness, or a copper component on a caravan in Carmarthenshire, that’s not necessarily the beginning – or the end – of that copper product’s story.

Who knows? One day it might become part of a Royal Navy helicopter, serving King and country overseas!?

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This shift will significantly impact the hot water cylinder fittings market. 

With the growing use of solar and ground source heat pumps in water heating systems, there’ll be a higher need for specialised fittings. The change in regulations will increase the demand for cylinder fittings that work with these electric and renewable heating systems. 

Due to the nature of how water will be heated and stored in the future, hot water cylinders will become inherently more complex. Over the coming years, manufacturers are gearing up to create more advanced water cylinders with added features like multiple connection points and advanced valves.

From regulatory compliance to collaborative partnership, we’ll guide you through all the factors to consider when choosing a future-proof cylinder fittings supplier.

With over 40 years’ experience in the market, we understand the unique demands of hot water cylinder and heat pump manufacturing. 

As the leading cylinder fittings manufacturer, we specialise in delivering quality fittings designed to elevate your hot water cylinder production capabilities. Whether you require precision fittings for hot water systems or components for energy-efficient heat pumps, Wardtec is the strategic ally for manufacturers seeking excellence in every fitting.  

Read on to find out more about what to look for when searching for a hot water cylinder fittings supplier. 

Factors to consider when choosing a hot water cylinder fitting supplier

Partner with a specialist:

Partnering with a jack-of-all-trades supplier may be convenient for sourcing some components, but it can result in a lack of specialised knowledge, leading to subpar hot water fitting recommendations. 

Specialist suppliers like Wardtec have in-depth knowledge and expertise in hot water systems. We understand the intricacies of different types of cylinders, so you get the most suitable and efficient fitting solution for your specific requirements.  

At Wardtec, our bespoke engineering service is where precision meets collaboration. We’ve specialised in designing and manufacturing fittings for the water management industry for over 40 years. 

Work together with our experts to design and manufacture fittings that align precisely with your requirements.

Assess the supplier’s dedication to quality:

Factors to consider when evaluating a cylinder fitting supplier’s quality process include but are not limited to:

Testing and quality control: Enquire about the supplier’s quality control procedures and testing protocols. A reputable supplier will conduct rigorous testing on their products to identify and rectify any defects before shipment.

• Compliance with standards: Verify that the fittings comply with industry standards, such as BS & ISO standards. This ensures your manufactured hot water cylinders will meet regulatory requirements.

• Supplier’s Quality Management System (QMS): Assess whether the supplier has a well-documented and implemented Quality Management System (QMS) in place. ISO 9001 certification is a good indicator of a robust QMS.

• Traceability: Evaluate the supplier’s ability to trace raw materials and components back to their source. Traceability ensures accountability and helps identify and rectify issues quickly.

• Warranty and After-Sales Support: Check the warranty offered by the supplier. A longer warranty period often indicates confidence in the product’s quality. Additionally, enquire about the availability of after-sales support for addressing any issues that may arise.

By thoroughly examining these specific aspects of quality, you can make a more informed decision when selecting a hot water cylinder fittings supplier for your manufacturing business.

Wardtec proudly holds the title of the UK’s only manufacturer of non-ferrous fittings for hot water cylinders. 

The quality of our fittings has been tested in the most extreme conditions. 

For example, some of our clients have purchased our high-specification machined copper and copper alloy fittings for water connection in sand and brown field sites, where the risk of potential water contamination requires a very high-quality product.

Our ISO 9001 certificate is a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality control and production traceability. In our Redditch-based factory, every one of our fittings is assigned a product card and carefully inspected in accordance with ISO 9001 Key Performance Indicators. 

Furthermore, we invest in cutting-edge quality control methods, like our Coordinate Measurement Machines, to add even more accuracy to our fittings. 

Long-term collaborative partnership:

Find a supplier that values collaboration and customer satisfaction over profits.

A supplier willing to work closely with manufacturers can provide better insights, support, and customised solutions, forging a mutually beneficial partnership.

A long-term collaboration with a reliable hot water cylinder fittings supplier is particularly crucial in the face of upcoming legislative changes, such as the ban on new gas boiler installations after 2025. 

In navigating these shifting regulations, switching to a trusted cylinder fittings supplier will smooth the transition into manufacturing newer, more efficient heating solutions. 

At Wardtec, the majority of our clients are lifelong partners, and some have worked with us for over 30 years. 

If you’re a manufacturer in the water management industry and would like to work with Wardtec, get in touch. 

The post How to Find A Good Hot Water Cylinder Fittings Supplier appeared first on Lawton Tubes.

Dezincification poses significant problems for manufacturers of brass water fittings and end users alike. So, what exactly is it and what can be done to lessen its effects?  

What is dezincification?

Dezincification is a process that causes zinc alloys, such as brass, to break down in water over time. Brass is composed of around two-thirds copper and one-third zinc, along with traces of other alloying elements, such as tin, iron, and manganese.

During dezincification, zinc is unintentionally removed from the brass alloy through a corrosive reaction to water or moisture.

After a period operating in wet conditions, enough zinc can leach from the brass alloy that it compromises a brass component’s integrity, leaving a weakened honeycomb-like structure that’s unfit for purpose.

Does dezincification cause brass to rust?

Although it is not rust as we traditionally understand it (only iron can rust), dezincification has a similar corrosive effect on brass alloy components, compromising their internal structure and diminishing strength.

It can be hard to spot dezincified brass – unlike rust with its notable colour and texture. Dezincified brass components often remain unchanged on the outside, aside from minor discoloration, and will usually retain their original shape and dimensions.

But the increased porosity of the brass alloy and dramatic reduction in mechanical strength of the component will often result in catastrophic failure.

Why does dezincification cause brass corrosion?

This reactivity of brass in water will surprise many people; brass fittings are a commonplace favourite in the water industry, so why use them if dezincification is an issue?

The truth is that, although dezincification is a serious consideration when choosing brass water fittings, certain environmental factors must be at play for it to occur. These include:

• Slightly acidic water in the system
• Slightly alkaline water in the system
• Low aeration of the water
• Higher water temperatures
• The effects of Noble metals and the Galvanic Series

A good example of this is within hot water cylinders, where brass fittings can be subject to varying water conditions and temperatures. For this reason, brass fittings used in the construction of hot water cylinders must be carefully selected to minimise the risk of dezincification of vital components.

The Galvanic Series and Galvanic corrosion (the science bit)

The Galvanic Series is an article in its own right, but it’s worth summarising its effects here as it offers some insight into how dezincification occurs and why it causes brass water fittings to corrode.

Galvanic corrosion happens when two dissimilar metals are joined and immersed in an electrolyte; in this case, the two dissimilar metals are copper and zinc (in the form of brass), and the electrolyte is water. This Galvanic reaction is the same principle that makes batteries, or corrosion cells, work.

Within a corrosion cell there needs to be an anode, a cathode, a metallic path, and an electrolyte. The more noble metal acts as the cathode and the less noble acts as the anode, with the anode corroding in preference to the cathode.

Copper is not particularly high on the noble scale – in fact, it’s pretty much in the middle. Zinc, however, is almost the least noble metal, so the gap between copper and zinc is significant. When a brass alloy component is subjected to an electrolyte and forms a metallic path, the zinc element becomes the anode and corrodes in preference to the copper cathode.

The Galvanic reaction is accelerated if the cathode is larger than the anode. This compounds the issue of dezincification in brass hot water cylinder components as the large copper cylinder, which acts as the cathode, is significantly bigger than the small brass fittings containing the zinc, which are the anodes.

Add to this the elevated water temperature within the cylinder and you’ve created the perfect conditions for dezincification of brass fittings.

Why does the water industry use brass fittings if dezincification causes them to corrode?

Despite the issues associated with dezincification, there are lots of good reasons to use brass in the manufacture of water fittings. Brass has:

• One of the best machining properties of all metals
• Great formability for stampings
• Favourable cost per application ratio
• A comparatively easy alloy production process

The key to the successful service application of brass is for the component designer to fully understand the final application of the fittings.

Eliminating the effects of dezincification

To eliminate the effects of dezincification on specialist brass water fittings, the alloying elements of the brass can be modified during its production. This is a relatively low-cost process that greatly improves the brass’ resistance to dezincification and increases the components’ longevity when used in warm, wet conditions such as hot water tanks.  

The resultant alloy is called dezincification brass. It’s often referred to as CZ132, DZR brass, or CW602N.

There are two ways to produce DZR brass:

1. Use a zinc content of >15%. This automatically prevents dezincification, however, the lower zinc content may make the resulting alloy unsuitable for the intended component or manufacturing requirements.
2. If a higher zinc content (typically 35%) is required to preserve the brass’ characteristics, other alloying elements can be added in very small quantities (typically 0.2-2%) to prevent dezincification. These elements are often termed dezincification inhibitors, and include arsenic, nickel, tin, phosphorus, and aluminium.

Another important factor in preventing dezincification of brass fittings is the chosen method of part manufacture. If a forging process, such as hot stamping, is used or another thermal process, such as annealing, the component’s resistance to dezincification is further improved.

However, careful consideration must also be given to what’s right for the component design, its application, and suitable machining processes for producing the part.

There are many factors to consider in the production of brass alloys, but this is a broad overview of the dezincification process and the principles for producing DZR brass fittings for use in the water industry.   

In conclusion, if the component designer understands the application and specifies the correct brass alloy, the resulting brass fittings should have a long and trouble-free service life.

Got any questions about specialist water fittings? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

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What does your role as General Manager at Wardtec encompass?

My role at Wardtec is a new one, created with the acquisition of the business. I oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth order processing, maintaining health and safety standards, and building a strong partnership between Wardtec, Lawton Tubes and their customers. As a small family business, Wardtec has operated differently, so part of my role involves adapting to this change and supporting the staff through the transition.

What’s your background, and how does it relate to your current role?

I come from a background in facilities management, where I gained a solid technical understanding and honed skills in people and project management. Many aspects of my previous role transfers to my current position, which I continue to discover every day! Organising people, managing operations, dealing with clients, and running a business are all familiar territories to me, so I’m happy to bring those qualities to the Wardtec team.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Wardtec?

I’m a creative person who thrives on finding practical solutions. I enjoy being behind the scenes and figuring out how things work, so growing to understand the dynamics of this business under the Lawton Tubes umbrella, and planning for its future is exciting. Being the key liaison between the two businesses and implementing processes to support growth is very fulfilling, and I strive to be a person within the team who people can turn to with questions, and for decision-making.

How has the relationship between Lawton Tubes and Wardtec developed?

Initially, the transition was a significant change in mindset as both businesses were run differently. Working alongside Anthony Ward, Wardtec’s MD, we had to navigate and nurture this change, allowing it to happen naturally. Now, with stability behind us, we’re encouraging Wardtec to explore new markets, fuelled by Lawton Tubes’ support. The positive relationship has provided opportunities for growth and increased purchasing power, benefiting both companies. It is my goal to continue nurturing Wardtec’s evolving business, and its fantastic employees within the Lawton Tubes community.

Is there anything you can share about markets Wardtec is looking to enter?

The country’s move towards net-zero means that the stored hot water and cylinder storage market will grow and present opportunities for Wardtec. We’re also exploring new markets with products that complement our existing portfolio, aiming to expand our customer base and tap into Lawton Tubes’ sectors – without giving too much away!

What kind of things do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and doing DIY projects. I’m currently renovating another house which is a huge time commitment. I also enjoy the outdoors: walking, camping and being in the mountains.

What does the future have in store for Wardtec under Lawton Tubes?

This partnership is a long-term investment, and we’re 100% committed to building on Wardtec’s success. We care deeply about the legacy of the Ward family and aim to carry Wardtec into a brighter, more dominant future. Our focus is on accelerating growth, exploring new markets, and ensuring the well-being of the staff. Anthony Ward’s legacy of integrity is important to us, and we want to make Wardtec a part of our family for years to come.

Find out more about Wardtec’s specialist engineering offering to the water management industry here.

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Wardtec is a family business established by Anthony Ward’s father back in 1982, and now expertly guided by Anthony himself as the Managing Director. In this Q&A, get to know more about the challenges and successes that have shaped Anthony and the business over the years.

What’s your background within the industry?

I trained as a Vehicle Design Engineer with what’s now JLR. They sponsored me through my apprenticeship and my design degree. I could have carried on with a very nice career designing cars, being a cog in the wheel. But I wanted to plough my own furrow. That’s when I decided to join my father as an engineer at Wardtec.

What’s the draw of engineering for you?

It’s in the blood. In terms of pure engineering, I love it – as a job and a hobby. I enjoy coming up with an idea and being able to prove it and have somebody want to buy it. It’s a nice feeling.

What do you enjoy about your role?

Enjoyment of running a business is when you can be successful at it. It’s not always fun, but when it’s going right, it’s a fantastic thing to be resourceful to the point where you can grow and develop something that works. I think most people in business would tell you that’s the little buzz you get.

I enjoy that Wardtec has a good reputation. I enjoy the fact we’re profitable because it means we’re getting something right. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter how much money you make if what you put out is poor quality. I don’t differentiate between who I am as a person and who I am as a business owner. If people thought what we produced was poor quality, that would just be the worst thing for me. It’s got to be right. If it’s not 100% right, it’s not going out the door.

What skills do you bring to the role?

Integrity and a safe pair of hands. When we say we’ll deliver a product on a certain day, we do everything to make sure it’s 100% right and delivered to the agreed terms. I’m a detail merchant, and I’m thorough. But you can’t apologise for that when you’re a manufacturing engineering company. I’m also calm and collected. I don’t run around with my head on fire when it’s all going wrong.

What are your top tips for growing a successful business?

Sometimes, it’s enough to just think, ‘What’s today got in store?’ You don’t always need to overthink it. Some of your growth will take a random organic path. Sometimes, your best plan comes from something not working and taking a different route to get where you want to be. And before you know it, you’re importing, exporting and doing everything else!

There’s no magic or mystery to it. It’s just about hard work, not giving in, and always endeavouring to make everything you do the best it can be and the best experience for the customer. Make it easy for people to work with you – that’s how you get repeat business.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

Covid was the biggest challenge in recent times. I’ve probably learned more about business in the last three or four years than I’ve learned in the previous 20 because of covid. It was a reminder that you have to think on your feet and change the plan very quickly if you need to.

The 2008 financial crisis was another challenge when our sales suddenly dropped 20% overnight. That’s when we got into the stainless steel fittings market and global procurement. Now, 80% of what we sell is stainless steel fittings. It’s taken the business in a new radical direction, which was a gamble, but I’m not sure we’d still have a business if we’d not taken that decision.

In the most bizarre way, challenges like these energise you. It almost feels a bit like starting a business again from the beginning, so you’ve got that renewed energy of survival.

What lessons have you learned?

As a manager, you have to be the person that pulls everyone together. To galvanise them into getting the best solution. You’ve got to be calm in your approach, even if something’s gone really wrong, because ultimately the buck stops with you; you have to be there to guide the fix.

In the early days, I tried to do it all myself. But as you get more experienced, you realise it’s about getting your people within the organisation to work as a whole, and if you can get that happening, by and large, you do okay.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Motorsport is a bit of a passion for me. If it’s got wheels on it, then I’m interested. I also love snowboarding and mountain biking – plus I’m a really keen gardener!

What plans do you have for Wardtec in the future?

Last year, I sold the business. To me, that’s the ultimate endorsement, that somebody would want to buy your company. We’re now solely owned by Lawton Tubes. It’s a good fit. Lawton Tubes is a big family company. They share the same values and approach to investment and growth, and they have the professionalism to know you need people outside your family to run an organisation like that. We were on strong foundations before. But I think we’re on even stronger foundations now.

Find out more about Wardtec here.

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My father was a very clever design engineer with a broad background including aeronautical design, agricultural machinery, and motorcycle manufacture. He was unfortunate to get made redundant in the recession of the early 80s. There weren’t the safeguards back then that a lot of people have now when they lose their job; his back was against the wall.

In 1982, he took the brave decision to start up a business rather than become employed again, in one of the worst economic times the country has ever seen!

Wardtec didn’t start with all the razzmatazz some companies have when they launch. It started off tiny, with a husband and wife working tirelessly together in the back of the garage, taking on any bits of assembly work that needed doing.

When I think back, I don’t know how they managed to be so resilient. But my father and mother both had fantastic work ethics. They were very together, and their resilience showed through.

Onwards and upwards

It was a steady path upwards, but it certainly wasn’t an overnight success. The business went from doing small assembly work to renting a corner of a factory in the middle of Birmingham. I remember helping my dad there, building old machines up into something to try and make them do the job. This was before CNC and CAD/CAM software – it really was a task!

I trained as a vehicle design engineer – engineering and design is my passion; it’s in my blood. I had a good career, I worked hard, and I enjoyed what I did, but after I finished all my training, I got the desire to plough my own furrow and decided to join Dad. Wardtec was still a very fledgeling company at the time and I wanted to take a chance, to help him make something of it. It ended up being the right choice.

My father always had this constant push forward – and he had a lot of charisma. He was well respected in the industry that he’d worked in. His reputation as a person preceded him, so right from the beginning, people trusted in him and his business, which was a big factor in its success. If you gave my dad an order, he’d move hell and highwater to deliver it – an ethos that’s stayed with the company.

He was also open to taking a risk. When the time came, in 1989, he chose to borrow the money to buy a plot of land and build his own factory rather than rent one. Since then, we’ve extended the original building three times, the last one incorporated a full suite of offices. It’s about investing in yourself – and if you’re willing to do that, other people take what you’re doing seriously.

Next generation

One of my sisters had also joined the company before I did. We were growing steadily, including the acquisition of one of our competitors along the way. Unfortunately, not long after this acquisition, my father died from an unexpected and aggressive illness. Suddenly both my sister and I became Directors of the company, with my sister looking after the finance and administration while my focus was on the engineering and manufacturing side.

Wardtec is a manufacturing company, with engineering at its core. Engineering is what I know, and I’ve always run the company from that perspective. Doing the right job, correctly, and delivering it on time to the terms and conditions that have been agreed.

After a lot of hard work, we’ve found our niche making specialist fittings for the specialist water storage market. That’s what we’re known for, and we’ve built a very good reputation in that industry. There’s no magic or mystery to it. Customers want integrity and a safe pair of hands. We aim to make it as easy as possible for the customer, always endeavouring to make products the best they can be, so our customers come back for more.

Some of our customers have been with us for decades. When you have customers and staff who’ve been with you for over 10 years, that’s two things you know you’re doing right. But the challenges we’ve faced along the way have made sure we don’t get stuck in a comfort zone.

Agility in adversity

The financial crisis in 2008 energised the business – almost like starting again. It was the catalyst that got Wardtec into the stainless-steel fittings market, which was a real gamechanger for us. Now, 80% of the fittings we supply are stainless-steel. If we hadn’t moved into that market, it could have been a very different story for Wardtec.

Following on from that, I decided to take the business in a radical new direction. You have to operate on a bigger stage these days, and you’ve got to be competitive. We couldn’t have done that if we’d stayed as a pure manufacturer. So, we embraced the Far East manufacturing global import and export markets and dovetailed it with our in-house manufacturing. It hasn’t been easy – no business is ever easy, but it was the right decision and it’s proved to be a great success.

Covid was another reminder you need to be able to think on your feet in this industry. Taking apart the financial working of the business meant we came up with a plan to ride it out without significant impact – and then things went from one extreme to the other. Business was off the charts, and we had to turn everything back on at 150%!

Specialist projects

Most of what we produce are essential items. No matter what’s going on in the world, people still want hot water and central heating. Occasionally, we supply components to a customer who recognises we’re an engineering company with the ability to take an idea from a conversation right through to a finished product.

It’s led us onto some unusual projects, like tooling, and other weird and wonderful things for motorsport companies, which is a passion of mine. It’s interesting working on specialist projects, because it pushes us forward and everybody within the business learns something. It energises people into thinking about stuff differently and using more CAD/CAM software than we normally would. That renewed energy then feeds back into the high-quality products we produce for our core OE manufacturing customers.

Meeting demand

Wardtec has all the advantages of a small company, which is fast reaction time and the ability to be involved on a very one-to-one basis. But we also have the professionalism of a large entity. We really started to embrace the CNC culture 20 years ago, and we’ve now got latest generation multi-spindle multi-axis gantry loaded systems, and VMCs backed up by full CAD/CAM systems. So, we’ve evolved with the industry. The product types we produce now just would not be possible without CNC technology.

Whilst manufacturing is probably only 20% of what we do, the other 80% is procured items globally. Our Far East supply partners also embrace the latest high-tech CNC technology. Knowing how to make something from a technical perspective means we know how to purchase it correctly and build relationships with our partners on a technical level.

Wardtec joins Lawton Tubes

Lawton Tubes has been a Wardtec supplier since the year dot. The two companies have always had a good rapport and we know each other well. They’re a family company too – and Lawton’s approach to investment and growth is the same as ours. We share the same values and quality-focus. When you’re a manufacturing engineering company, it’s all about the details and getting everything 100% right. If it’s not right, it’s not going out the door. That’s important.

It wasn’t a difficult decision to join the Lawton Tubes family, because it’s a good fit. Although we started out doing copper products, 80% of what we now do is now stainless steel. You might be thinking that’s in conflict with Lawton as a copper tube supplier, but in fact, while many specialist fittings we make aren’t produced in copper, they do link closely through the industry sectors we jointly supply.

What it now means for our customers is access to an even broader range of high-quality products and specialist fittings with the potential to source their whole inventory from a single supplier, which has huge cost-and time-saving benefits.

I’m very passionate about Wardtec and I want it to succeed and be profitable long into the future. Lawton Tubes have a policy of growth and they’re people-focused, which rang all the right bells for me. We’re all very different personalities, but we’re on the same page. Wardtec was on strong foundations before, but now with Lawton Tubes, those foundations are even stronger.

Find out more about Wardtec here.

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