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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Enter the inaugural Lawton Awards Gala!

Held on Saturday 10th May at the prestigious Warwick Racecourse, over 160 people from the Lawton Tubes workforce and guests came together to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and long service of fellow colleagues, making for a fantastically fun and uplifting atmosphere.

On arrival, our lucky Lawton team members got to rub shoulders with the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow and Marilyn Monroe while sipping drinks and a having a flutter in the gorgeous May sunshine. Once we were all spent out, we retired to the main marquee where a delicious three-course meal was served and enjoyed by all. This was followed by the awards ceremony, hosted by the compere, Brody Swain, and plenty of drinks and (bad) dancing into the night!

Awards up for grabs were both silly and serious, a nod to Lawton’s unique blend of fun meets professional.

Some of the stand-out categories included Customer Service Superstar, which went to Aimee King (Sales Support Assistant), Problem Solver of the year, which went to Jon Brealey, (Operations Manager), and the Unsung Hero award, which went to Aga Szefler, Shift Manager.

Each Lawton site also saw its Team Player Extraordinaire recognised, with awards going to Ryan Allison, IT Support from Coventry site, Derek Bond, Operations Manager from Poole site, and Mark Tandy, Operations Manager from Redditch site.

Other, more light-hearted awards included a prize for Fashionista of the year, claimed by Kristine Dergaca, Supply Chain Administrator, and Chatterbox of the year, which went to Lee Clayton, Head of Plumbing and Heatin, (no surprises there!).

Awards were also handed out in recognition of team members’ longstanding service to Lawton Tubes. A total of 47 staff members from across our three sites received the Lawton’s Long Service Award. You can see the names of our dedicated long serving team members here.

A big thank you to Shannon Stevenson and Lee Clayton for organising such a memorable event; an exceptional time was had by all, and it certainly won’t be the last!   

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With Chris Jones’ keen eye for detail and daring spirit, honed while serving in the military, he’s the perfect man for the job. When he’s not ensuring the safety of others, he can be found traipsing all over the peaks of the UK, raising money for charity and pushing himself to achieve the next personal milestone.

You joined Lawton Tubes just over a year ago; what was your previous experience in health & safety (H&S) management?

Before Lawton Tubes, I worked as a safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) management coach and business partner for six years in the Waste and Recycling Industry.  And before that I worked in SHEQ management for over 20 years in manufacturing, construction and distribution.

Why H&S management; what’s the appeal of the role for you?

I’m a family man, right down to the core of my being. Whenever I see a situation that may result in potential harm, I imagine what it would feel like if my loved ones were at the business end of that harm.

And I expect no less of any member of the team. I put them in the shoes of the person that it could affect and ask them, what if it was your family member – what would you do?

In short, it’s because I care.

What’s your area of expertise?

I don’t consider myself an expert, only in the sense that there is always something new to learn; health and safety is a process. I have decades’ worth of experience to draw on and a particular skillset of grounded, hands-on knowledge that I bring to the role.

What qualities do you bring to the role?

I make sure I’m open, honest, approachable and engaging. When working in H&S it’s vital to build trust with your colleagues, I believe these qualities build that all important trust within working relationships.

What’s involved in being H&S Manager for the Lawton Tubes Group?

If I had to define it in one word, it would be ‘protection’.

I aim to protect our people and protect the company. We have a company full of brilliant people that deserve to be served by an exemplary H&S strategy, anything less is unacceptable.

In my first few months, I’ve gained an understanding of the existing safety climate and developed a management system that achieves accreditation to ISO 45001 to suit us at Lawton.

H&S is a team effort, one that requires continual development and improvement. I relish getting stuck into a new project, exploring opportunities, solving problems and applying practical solutions to show that H&S benefits everyone in the workplace.

What kind of H&S assessments do you carry out and how do you go about this?

We’re working to introduce safe operating procedure risk assessments (SOPRA’s) which visually communicate vital safety information and help to confirm the individual’s understanding of health and safety procedure.

In a hazardous environment, controlling significant and relevant exposures is a primary focus. To that end we have brought in an overarching company risk assessment and also the general statutory requirements that are part and parcel of any effective H&S system.

The variety of H&S procedures and concerns must be vast across the group – what are the main H&S considerations and how do you go about managing, monitoring, and measuring these?

My attitude is, if it can be simplified, I’ll find a way of simplifying it. Not only does this make procedures easier to follow, it cuts down on the time necessary to carry them out.

I’ve brought in a ‘simple and standardised’ method to ensure a straightforward system adoption across the entire Lawton group.

Too often a new system is bogged down in over-complication, which makes it difficult to follow practically. I have endeavoured to make these processes easier to carry out, precisely because they are of extreme importance.

Can you talk us through some of the new H&S training you’ve implemented at Lawton Tubes since becoming H&S Manager?

We have updated the health and safety induction video to keep up to date with all applicable regulations intended to keep our workforce safe. We are in a continual process of reviewing and refreshing training where needed.

Where we have innovated is in creating our ‘6 for Safety’ Critical Behaviours: 6 points that are designed to cement foundational ideas around health and safety into everyday discourse.

The 6 points are:

• Look out for others
• Act with integrity
• When in doubt, ask
• Take pride
• Operate as trained
• Never ignore a hazard

The eagle-eyed will see that each one of these critical behaviours spells out LAWTON! These behaviours are designed to protect everyone at Lawton, they are simple to understand, and many people follow them naturally anyway.

What have been the benefits of the new training so far?

It’s early days but the training has benefitted both my colleagues and the company. It has given them the opportunity to increase their knowledge base and improve their already exceptional job skills, which has in turn had a positive effect on efficiency.

These H&S systems show all those at Lawton that they are valued and that their safety and morale is at the heart of everything we do.

What are you hoping to achieve for the group by implementing these new H&S procedures?

At the very least I aim to reduce the likelihood of work-related injuries. Lawton Tube already excels in so many areas, and I believe by working toward H&S accreditations, and even the British Safety Council’s Sword of Honour, we will achieve recognition for safety excellence.

How do Lawton Tubes customers benefit from improved H&S procedures within the group?

A safer workplace is a more efficient workplace. By ensuring there is less of a chance of an accident occurring, many unnecessary delays can be avoided. By taking health and safety seriously we communicate that we care about the wellbeing of our own and by extension, our customers.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Lawton Tubes?

A few things spring to mind: meeting and helping other people where I can, listening to their ideas, a problem that needs solving or a suggestion on how to improve processes.

Anything that helps to bring about a positive change or an improved outcome in work life. I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can help facilitate that change.

I would say the main thing is the variety, not one day has been the same since I started, which is fantastic!

Contact our team to find out more about Lawton Tubes H&S processes; our experienced staff are ready to answer your questions.

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This wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of Paul Bourton, Lawton Tube’s Group Quality Manager, and his team. We caught up with Paul to find out more about his role at Lawton Tubes and how his expertise helps ensure we deliver quality at every turn.

You recently joined Lawton Tubes. What was your previous experience in quality management?

I was a time-served steam turbine fitter working on submarine turbines.

My duties included doing self-inspection, performing quality checks, and investigating product failures and downfalls. I was made redundant in 2011. While looking for other opportunities, I found my skills aligned perfectly with the quality sector.

My journey started as a quality inspector for a hydraulic equipment supplier 13 years ago. From there, I’ve worked my way up to quality manager. Along the way, I’ve grown to enjoy it more and more.

What’s your area of expertise?

I’m very much a people person when it comes to quality management. My passion is improving relationships with our supply chain and customers. I want to make sure what we’re selling is what a customer wants, and if it’s not, to make sure they get the support and response they need to rectify that quickly, because our customers are the most important people in the business.

What qualities do you bring to the role?

I’m a hands-on person. I’m not the sort of quality manager who likes to sit behind a desk and just do compliance audits and reports – although that is a part of the job! I like to meet with our customers, visit our suppliers, and develop the business through communicating with people. 

What’s involved in being Group Quality Manager for Lawton Tubes?

I cover quality management of both our service provision and products across all three Lawton Tubes sites – that’s Coventry, Poole, and our most recent acquisition, Wardtec in Redditch (a turnparts factory which uses CNC machines). It’s important we all feel part of the same team, so I’ll be making regular site visits this year to ensure the channels of communication between our sites are kept open.

Manufacturing is a heavy focus for me, as well as the whole supply chain. I manage our relationships with suppliers to make sure we get quality materials. Any nonconforming product is reported on. It’s my job to ensure we get corrective action in place in a timely manner and avoid recurring issues.

Can you talk us through some of the product quality processes used at Lawton Tubes?

Our copper products are being used in both domestic and commercial construction, gas, and electrical grids and hospitals across the world. They’re manufactured to BSI standards, and some are kitemarked, so all products have to be manufactured to a very high quality.

One of the ways we measure the quality of our copper products is by adhering to the ISO 9001 Quality System. This is an internationally recognised level of standards used across the manufacturing industry. It gives us a robust framework for carrying out all our processes, to ensure we consistently meet customer requirements and find ways to improve on what we’re doing.

We perform regular in-house tests including hardness, dimension, and tensile strength as well as using third parties where required, ensuring the product adheres to that standard.

Tell us about how metal grain analysis enhances the quality of Lawton’s products…

Metal grain analysis allows us to examine the structure and composition of our copper products at a microscopic level. It’s vital for picking up any irregularities or imperfections in the copper that may compromise the integrity of the product. Using metal grain analysis allows us to identify any potential issues with the material and rectify them before they impact the standard of the product, ensuring the same high quality every time.

How do you ensure quality across your design processes?

We have a team of skilled CAD designers. They create precise, detailed blueprints for our copper products using state-of-the-art software and technology. We do this for custom components and when we’re refining existing designs to optimise the functionality and efficiency of our products and make sure they’re superior quality but also efficient to manufacture. 

We also reverse engineer products some in house, which means we can be innovative when it comes to meeting customers’ changing needs. By taking apart and analysing existing products, we can look at design and functionality, and the performance characteristics of the product. And that insight allows us to develop tailored solutions that not only meet customer expectations but exceed them.

How important are these quality control processes?

They’re very important, Lawton is a household name, so our reputation has to be upheld. If a domestic plumber is trying to pull a 90-degree bend and the tube is the wrong hardness or wall thickness, it will snap or ripple. With the air conditioning and commercial gas industry, there are other things to consider because those tubes are working within pressurised systems. With medical gases the tube has to comply to specs and NHS HTM02 standard, so the products need to be super clean and well packaged. We need to make sure all elements are correct.

Specifically, within our engineering section, OEMs may even require tighter tolerances above that of the pipe spec. Final application of our copper pipes can go into anything from nuclear submarines to alcohol distillation for Whiskey production. So, we have to check and double check what each customer requires. It’s years of experience dealing with long standing customer relationships that sets us apart from our competitors; we go above and beyond when it comes to servicing a quality product.

What does this mean for Lawton customers?

Before I joined the business, it was down to the technical sales managers to juggle supplier and customer relations, which isn’t ideal. It meant we fell down on customer response times on occasion. So, I’ve initiated a set of processes that means we can now communicate more efficiently with our customers to resolve the issue quickly.

Embracing the digital age has been pivotal for us at Lawton Tubes. We’ve recently integrated Smartsheets into our operations, which has transformed the way we handle customer feedback and complaints. It gives a streamlined, efficient way of logging, tracking, and resolving issues and we can make sure every concern is addressed promptly and effectively. It’s been so successful we’re planning to roll Smartsheets out in other areas of the business!

We’re still transitioning, but it means now going forward, our customers will have me as a direct point of contact for requests or complaints rather than dropping an email or call to customer services or the account manager. It means I can keep them informed. And the feedback from the wider business and our sales team has been that customers are very happy with the progress and changes we’ve made so far.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

We are an established family business, so when we get issues or niggles, it’s having that satisfaction where we know the answer and we can put it right. Going back to the customer or client and being able to say, ‘We’ve sorted this now for you.’ It’s a great feeling.

What are your goals for the department moving forward

One of the biggest challenges at the moment is that we have a lot of products, and the portfolio is growing. We distribute to over 40 countries and across the UK, so when goods ship, they need to be right.

An issue, whether it’s our product at fault or not, can hold up site work or production lines. My goal is to grow our facility and the personnel here to a level where we can carry out the work within the customers’ busy time frame.  

I also want to enhance my relationships with our other sites to strengthen the Lawton Tubes team, ensure the continued quality of our product and services across the group, and maintain that synergy.

What’s it like being part of the Lawton Tubes family?

The business is great – it’s thriving. The people here are fantastic. From day one, I’ve been welcomed as part of the family. I’ve got great support from my team and every aspect of the business. I can’t fault the place – it’s brilliant! I hope to be here for years and years to come.

Find out more about Lawton Tubes’ quality accreditations here.

The post Meet the man managing Lawton Tube’s quality products and services, Paul Bourton appeared first on Lawton Tubes.

From implementing sustainable practices to fostering community engagement and contributing to infrastructure improvements, Lawton Tubes is dedicated to investing in people and reinvesting in our business. We believe that by caring for our employees, the wider community, and the planet, we’re not only making a positive impact but also ensuring a better future for all.

Nurturing a Sustainable Future

At the heart of Lawton Tubes’ values lies a deep concern and care for the environment.

Copper is one of the ‘greenest’ metals available; it’s estimated that 80% of all copper produced in the last 10,000 years is still in use today. Copper is an antimicrobial, sustainable material that can be repeatedly recycled, giving it an infinite lifecycle. That’s why we wholeheartedly promote copper as the sustainable choice for plumbing & heating, medical, air-conditioning and refrigeration and engineering sectors.

We have made significant efforts to remove as much plastic packaging materials as possible from our product offering into the market. This has been carried out in conjunction with our customers. Over 2 million plastic tube end caps have been removed from our supply chain.

We are further reducing our carbon footprint by transitioning to electric vehicles and upgrading our facility’s lighting to sensors and LED fixtures, all to embrace more sustainable practices.

At Lawton Tubes, we’re tackling sustainability head-on. We are proud to be working alongside the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) to challenge, educate, and inform industry leaders about the benefits of copper.

Engaging with the Community

Beyond our manufacturing facilities, Lawton Tubes actively supports the community. We have a deep appreciation for activists who are working hard to make the world a better place. That’s why, alongside plumbing ambassador Peter Booth (aka PB Plumber), we established the LPB Awards to celebrate those within the industry who’ve made a significant impact on the plumbing community.

Lawton Tubes staff also attend Further Education Colleges, to demonstrate the use and explain the benefits of copper to apprentice plumbers and gas engineers.

We are also thrilled to endorse the Frank Bruno Foundation, a charity that is fighting back against mental health stigma and helping people stay in work – a mission that resonates with many tradespeople, especially those who are self-employed.

Supporting this fantastic cause was an easy decision for Lawton Tubes. In our outreach work with the plumbing, air conditioning, and installer communities, we’ve grown to truly understand the importance of mental health and the need to raise awareness, particularly for those in a trade. Frank’s mission aligns perfectly with our commitment to positively impacting the community.

So far this year, we’ve raised over £15,000 to support the foundation and are committed to continuing the good work.

Investing in the Factory

We have made significant changes to our factory to demonstrate our dedication to our teams. We invested £500,000 to completely refurbish the factory roof, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our employees and maintaining a modern, structurally sound and efficient manufacturing facility.

Inside, we’ve had the entire factory interior repainted, creating a fresh and clean workspace that enhances employee morale and boosts productivity.

Completely refurbing the main offices to include breakout pods and rebuilding the quality control department (complete with modern equipment) has benefited Lawton Tubes’ employees as well as our customers. Our increase in staff, including a new Quality Manager, and a new Health and Safety Manager, is a clear signal of our care for our employees’ wellbeing.

We’ve also undertaken a complete refurbishment of the annealing plant to reduce gas usage and improve plant efficiency while upholding our all-important quality and safety standards.

With our very retro plant canteen, it was high time we updated it! Now, we’ve created a comfortable, relaxed space with new, modern seating and appliances to improve everyone’s break time.

We understand that any improvements – however small seeming – can make a big difference to a person’s work day. That’s why we felt it was important to refurbish our staff spaces. While we didn’t go for golden thrones, there are certainly antimicrobial copper fixtures used throughout!

Elevating Customer Care

Improving customer care has been a priority for Lawton Tubes.

As well as increasing our teams to support clients, we have adopted a new VOIP Phone System (3CX), a well-established system used by many large, global-scale businesses. This provides a better customer experience with us, allowing customers to reach individuals within the organisation much faster.

We can also pull reports to identify any specific improvements or faults, and monitor the customer service process. By smoothing this process and improving efficiency, our customers and internal teams are happier all round.

Technology advancement features heavily in our investment plans. Smartsheets have been trialled within our Quality Department and customer complaints can now be submitted online via our website, speeding up the process. Further development will see greater use of online forms, like new customer credit applications and any incoming enquiries from around the world.

Future Plans

We’re not done yet! With the growth of the fittings and accessories side of the business, Lawton Tubes needs more warehouse space and improved stock control. In answer to this, we’ve sourced a nearby building. This means we can maintain even higher stock levels and deliver an even swifter service for our customers in line with demand.

Plus, there are still more renovations planned, including a fresh lick of paint for our corridors, and a revamp of the warehouse canteen, locker room, and shower area.

We’ll also modernise our Coventry site’s reception area and introduce some wonderful copper sculptures from installers who fit our products. Future visitors may wonder whether they’ve arrived at an art gallery rather than a copper-pipe supplier!
Explore Lawton Tubes’ website to learn more about how we care for sustainability, charity, and the people in our communities.

The post Lawton Tubes Values: Caring for People and Planet appeared first on Lawton Tubes.

Lawton Tubes’ copper pipe options are as diverse as the myriad engineering applications they empower. No matter the industry, if there’s a need for copper pipe, Lawton Tubes can fulfil it. From automotive and train building to electrical connectors and whisky distillation, Lawton’s copper pipes serve all these sectors and many more!

A wide range of sectors

Catering to this exciting range of applications is our head of Engineering, Brendan Read.

With over a decade’s previous experience working for one of the largest copper mills in Europe, Brendan joined the Lawton Tubes family five years ago, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge on the copper manufacturing industry. Now, Brendan heads up our Engineering Sales, providing our new and existing customers with invaluable advice on Lawton Tubes’ bespoke copper pipe offering.

“One of the things I enjoy most about the role is the variety of sectors we supply our copper pipes to,” says Brendan. “The applications for our tube are endless – from automotive to marine to heat exchanges to induction – there are endless opportunities to use our tube. Getting to work with all the different engineering sectors is a privilege – and a challenge! It keeps things interesting.”

Bespoke Copper Pipe for Engineering

Lawton Engineering harnesses the distinctive capabilities and resources of Lawton Tubes’ manufacturing facilities located in Poole and Coventry. This synergy allows Lawton Engineering to provide bespoke copper tubing and invaluable support to the industrial market.

“We understand that each customer, each project they’re working on, has specific needs – often when it comes to copper pipe dimensions,” Brendan explains. “It might also be a need for quick lead times; our turn around on manufacture is fast anyway, around 4 weeks, but we’re always open to finding a solution to best help customers in those situations.”

Thanks to the extensive knowledge of Brendan and the engineering team, Lawton Tubes can manufacture customised copper pipe to suit any engineering need. This includes producing tube to the specific hardness required, with a wide range of surface hardness options available from soft through to hard, all designed to cater to a variety of demanding applications.

“Each copper pipe we manufacture is designed to withstand the challenges of sophisticated engineering and bending processes,” says Brendan.

Lawton Tubes produces copper products to a variety of standards to suit the varying needs and industry requirements of our customers. Alongside our ISO 9001 Quality Certificate, we also manufacture and distribute to the American ASTM specifications, and the European specifications BS EN 12449, the BS EN 12541 and the BS EN 13600.

All our coper pipe is subject to eddy current tests and is inspected at various stages of production. It can be deburred, either by hand or machine, to further customise its application.

Copper and copper alloy products

Lawton Tubes caters not only to industries requiring different dimensions of copper tube but also those that demand products made from copper-based alloys.

“Obviously, our main material is copper!” says Brendan. “It’s one of the few 100% recyclable options out there for sectors looking to improve their sustainability. That being said, we also turn to copper alloys when the material’s properties best suit the needs of the customers.”

“Predominantly on the plumbing and ACR side we deal with C106 standard copper tube,” explains Brendan. “We also deal with ETP copper tube, and we look at different alloys – copper/nickel 90/10, 70/30 – and have access to aluminium brass, which just shows the diverse packages we can offer to our customers.”

Brendan has an extensive knowledge of metal alloys, including which can be best used for different industry applications. And no matter the material, he always ensures Lawton Engineering only works with the highest quality metals.

Copper tubing applications

Lawton’s copper-nickel tubes, 90/10, are often used in sea water applications due to the material’s excellent corrosion resistance. The 70/30 can be manufactured in various lengths, depending on requirements and can also be supplied in coils.

For induction, Brendan recommends Lawton’s oval copper tubing in a c101 alloy. “The reason for the oval is because it creates a greater surface area,” clarifies Brendan. “A main application for this tube would be in furnaces actually, so they will send a current through the tube and it will melt the copper.”

Lawton Tubes’ large copper pipes have a heavy wall which is ideal for the kind of heat exchanges required for distilleries. “We do a lot of work with distillery businesses and can manufacture in different sizes to cater customers’ requirements,” says Brendan.

Solving your delivery and stock problems

Our extensive range of copper products and having the expertise to match would be nothing without the means to deliver them to our customer. Partnering with Lawton Tubes as your copper pipe provider gives you easy access to our expert consultants and bespoke copper tubing thanks to our excellent in-house logistics team, as Brendan explains:

“We’re proud to have our own dedicated fleet of vehicles. It gives us a competitive edge on delivery times and ensures our copper products reach our customers in premium condition. Our drivers are a credit to us,” says Brendan. “Many customers have shared stories about how helpful our delivery drivers are.”

Not only that, Lawton can also reduce the pressure on customers to store heavy amounts of stock. “Our service package includes the option for customers to store stock in our extensive facilities, which relieves the demand on space for them. Very handy for some of our bigger clients within the engineering industry!”

For more information on Lawton Tubes’ Engineering Sales or if you have any enquiries for your engineering projects, get in touch with our team.

The post A Head for Engineering appeared first on Lawton Tubes.

Meet Adam Pugh, Head of Fittings & Accessories 

At the helm of this flourishing department is Adam Pugh, Head of Fittings & Accessories and Senior Account Manager for Plumbing. Adam may have a long job title but his approach to his job is simple: prompt action, open communication, and growth. 

With a solid background of over two decades in plumbing and heating, Adam’s journey with Lawton Tubes began 13 years ago as a key account manager selling copper pipes. His career path soon converged with the company’s evolving landscape. 

“Our main market is and has always been copper pipe, but that was always going to reach its ceiling-point,” Adam explains. “Copper pipes is our bread and butter, but the drive was always to get behind fittings and accessories, and to evolve and to grow into that sector organically.” 

Adam’s experience and drive played a pivotal role in this strategic shift. Recognising the growing market potential, Robert Lawton (International Sales Director), Adam and the team drove the incorporation of fittings and accessories to Lawton Tubes’ existing offering within their client pool, and beyond. “From where we were 10 years ago selling to small accounts, it has grown now to a serious part of the business,” recounts Adam. 

Not only is he proud of transforming a fledgling offering into a substantial pillar of Lawton Tubes’ portfolio, Adam’s also taken on significant accounts. He takes pride in managing the UK’s largest contract for a single customer, a feat that underscores his commitment and the company’s capabilities. 

Diverse Range of Fittings 

Lawton Tubes’ Fittings & Accessories department offers a meticulously curated range, tailored to diverse applications. Some of the star products according to Adam are end-feed fittings, soldering fittings, compression fittings, and brass and chrome pipe rings (to name but a few). 

Lawton’s end-feed fittings are seamless, one-piece designs that marry durability with user-friendliness. Covering sizes from 8mm to an impressive 219mm, these fittings complement our copper plumbing and heating pipe, all adhering to BS EN 1057 standards. 

Ideal for installing plumbing in limited spaces, our solder ring fittings span from elbows of varying degrees to coupling. Available from 8mm to 54mm, these fittings are ideal for use with Lawton EN 1057 copper pipes. Whilst on the subject of solder, Lawton Tubes also stocks soft solder reels (both leaded or lead-free), silver brazing rod, and soldering flux.  

Both brass and chrome finishes are available amongst all our pipe rings and compression fittings. Making Lawton Tubes stand apart from our competitors, we not only stock standard compression, we also offer DZR compression fittings – perfect for applications that will be vulnerable to stress-cracking corrosion.

Amid this product diversity, Lawton Tubes boasts staggering annual sales figures – equivalent to over 200 times around the M25 in 15mm pipes, and 2,000 bathtubs’ worth of 15mm 90-degree elbows!  

Exemplary Standards and Service 

Yet, Lawton Tubes’ strength lies in more than just products; it’s our commitment to exceptional service and quality which has been key in entering the fittings and accessories market. 

“All new products that we release have to conform to a standard,” says Adam, “We would look at those standards and obtain the certifications; those that are required, and others that are seen as an advantage from a customer’s point of view.” 

Logistics has also played a big part in winning over new business for the company. We ensure that our own fleet of lorries operate daily, ensuring timely and eco-friendly deliveries. “It’s a nice edge to have now. None of our competitors have the facilities to do that,” Adam says.  

By combining copper pipes and fittings within the same shipments, we not only reduce courier costs but also champion sustainability – another important value for both Adam and the business. 

A major contributing factor to Lawton Tubes’ timely delivery is our ability to store impressive quantities of products in our warehouse. “One of the key reasons Lawton is successful is because we invest in stock. So our OTIF is very, very good. To get that delivery, on time and in full is very, very important to us,” Adam says. 

In addition to our commitments to top-tier standards and delivery, Lawton Tubes enhances customer satisfaction through candid conversations, receptive feedback, and a dedicated customer services team that cultivates a culture of openness and dependability. As Adam explains, “We’re an honest business; we’ve got honest people that work here so we can have some really good, honest conversations with our customers.” 

“We have a Technical Team to provide that technical expertise to customers as well. If someone wants to speak to someone they can, whether online, over the phone, by e-mail or even a site visit. We offer all that back-up in the industry.” 

Evolution to Excellence 

The department’s growth is not confined to the UK. With an expanding fittings and accessories portfolio, Lawton Tubes has become a go-to source for international clients, stockists, and merchants, looking to source everything under one roof. “It’s not just about the copper tube,” says Adam, “We can sell them the full pipeline package.” 

Having started with medical fittings back in 2008, we have now emerged as a comprehensive provider of fittings for heating & plumbing and ACR sectors too. Adam works closely with his ACR counterpart, Chris White, to ensure that Lawton Tubes can supply full air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing and heating systems for both domestic and commercial properties. 

This dedication to meeting customers’ needs is why Adam and his team make a point of active listening. “A lot of ideas, and a lot of strategies we use are based on talking to customers,” he explains. “They’re the ones that are using our products, so regular communication with customers is vital.” 

The impetus behind the upcoming product launch for plumbing fittings is certainly customer-driven. Whilst still under wraps for now, the launch promises to be quality products with Lawton Tubes’ 25-year warranty and, of course, it’ll be superior and sustainable copper. 

As Adam says, “We are quietly confident about the product that we sell and its attributes.”  

Click to explore Lawton Tubes’ range of Fittings and Accessories, and to read our latest news stories.  

The post Lawton Tubes’ Fittings & Accessories: Interview with Adam Pugh appeared first on Lawton Tubes.

ACR plays a crucial role in our modern, everyday lives. From domestic fridges keeping our food fresh for longer, to medical cooling systems that store life-saving drugs and organs for transplant.

Lawton Tubes has been a proud supplier of copper pipes and fittings to the ACR sector for 15 years. “Copper pipe is perfect for ACR!” says Marketing and International Sales Director Robert Lawton. “It’s a superior conductor, easily soldered, durable and corrosion resistant – everything you need for air conditioning units and refrigeration.”

“As well as using copper for these applications, we’re also committed to championing the industry and recognising the exceptional individuals who bring something special to the world of ACR,” Robert says.

Among them is Paul Singh, whose remarkable journey is testament to the diversity and global reach of this trade. An expert refrigeration engineer with over 46 years’ experience, Paul is happy to share his personal insights on the industry, shedding new light and encouraging newcomers to take up the ACR baton.

Accidental ACR hero

Having stumbled across the trade while accompanying his friends to a job interview, Paul was hired as a trainee at Carter Refrigeration Display. During his time there, Paul established his own training scheme to share his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of ACR engineers.

Over the years, Paul’s dedication to refrigeration engineering education led him to become a lecturer (and later Head of Refrigeration) at Solihull College of Technology. Frustrated by the restrictions imposed by the formal education system, Paul left and founded his own training academy. Now, ChillAir Training Academy offers unique flexibility and personalised instruction to small groups of apprentices.

A Passion for Progression  

“There is no specific skill or quality someone entering the sector must have,” explains Paul, who advocates for newcomers of all ages and backgrounds to join the ACR industry. “There are people who have excelled in the industry without any formal qualifications. Whatever a trainee’s passion is, we will grow that, and whatever their weaknesses are, we will help them overcome them.”

The ACR sector is a welcoming and nurturing environment that embraces individuals from diverse talents and backgrounds. Paul’s time in the industry has been incredibly fulfilling, especially seeing his past students’ children joining ChillAir Training. In some families, Paul has trained multiple generations, including grandfathers, fathers, sons, and daughters – exemplifying the industry’s sense of community and support.

“You wouldn’t get that in any old job,” claims Paul, “I’ve seen the industry from an engineer’s point of view, from a lecturer’s point of view, now a training consultant’s point of view, and I’ve seen it from the board of trustees – it is like a family.”

Why is ACR a great industry to get into?

The vast and intricate world of ACR can seem like a complex and daunting career path. But Paul is keen to dispel these misconceptions and promote its perks.

“It is a trade that you can take with you, anywhere in the world,” he says, which is a sentiment echoed by Lawton Tubes who supply AC copper coils to over 35 countries. “Even our unique K65 120 bar pressure CO2 copper pipe systems make it into supermarkets as far north as Iceland and as far away as New Zealand,” says Robert Lawton.

As well as being a worldwide trade, Paul emphasises other benefits of embarking on an ACR apprenticeship: “Trainees are also working in a real environment, dealing with real-life systems out in the workplace and also generating income for themselves.”

The learning opportunities within ACR are diverse. Apprentices cover Maths and English Level 2, before receiving comprehensive training in both theoretical and practical subjects, so they have all the necessary skills and knowledge for their professional journey.

“It’s a long-term, sustainable option for a career. If you’re a good refrigeration engineer, you’ll never find yourself out of work,” Paul says.

He also highlights the industry’s abundance of fields to explore. “You don’t necessarily need to work with the tools. You can go into the more theoretical, office side of things: the designing; the calculations; the software; the electronics. This is a field that will nurture you to become an expert in whatever you’re interested in.”

From Apprentice to Business Owner: Meet Will

Having completed his F-Gas training qualification with Paul, Will Watson can attest to the abundance of opportunities for growth in ACR.

Will was introduced to the trade by his father and started as an apprentice installation engineer with no prior knowledge of the industry. His determination, training and on-site experience led him to become a well-rounded and skilled service engineer with the confidence to establish his own business, Airpro Air Conditioning.

Now, as a business owner and one of the UK’s largest Instagram influencers in the trade, Will is in an inspiring example of the opportunity ACR presents for an autonomous and prosperous career.

“My journey as an apprentice enabled me to learn from multiple angles,” says Will.

Recognising the scarcity of skilled workers within the industry, Will emphasises the need for new talent and the importance of experienced engineers imparting their knowledge to trainees. “I look forward to employing people through an apprenticeship route in the near future,” he says. “We must welcome individuals who wish to join the industry and help them through their journey where possible.”

Challenges for future engineers

For those keen to make a difference, there many challenges facing the ACR industry that welcome insight from passionate problem-solvers and future inventors.

Although using copper pipe and fittings is a crucial way of improving sustainability in the industry (copper is infinitely recyclable), there is also a need for more energy-efficient ACR technologies to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. The potential environmental impact of refrigerants used in ACR systems is another challenge, as many traditional refrigerants use potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.

A crucial aspect of addressing these environmental challenges involves engaging in talks and raising awareness within and beyond the industry, something Lawton Tubes actively supports in colleges across the UK.

“Our interactive workshops and iconic copper pipe-bending challenge inspire trainees and help them tap into that passion,” says Robert Lawton. “We even have plans to team up with Will Watson for training academy tours in the near future.”

Paul adds, “The Institute of Refrigeration has STEM ambassadors that go into schools, giving talks, and promoting the trade. Webinars have also been delivered to students, which trainees can actively get involved in, listen to and participate.”

“The youngsters of today are looking into the problem and pointing out things like global warming, energy efficiency, electricity, and it’s so, so costly. By getting into this trade, these youngsters can learn about how to solve these problems and pass their knowledge to future generations,” he adds.

Sector-led solutions

Paul urges companies and tradespeople in the sector to raise awareness of the issues affecting the industry, promoting solutions, and opening the opportunity for bright young people to kickstart their ACR career, and get involved in life-changing projects.

“On the news, in magazines, Facebook, environmental blogs, they can tell the world that these are problems we need to be aware of, otherwise our future isn’t going to be our future,” he states.

Will Watson is also a keen supporter of initiating change within the industry, using his influence and working with Lawton Tubes to spread the word across our social channels that ACR is a positive, impactful career path for young people.

Both Paul and Will were involved in judging the National RACHP Skills Competition, which recognises upcoming talent within the sector. As proud sponsors, Lawton Tubes presented the winners with copper trophies.

“Paul has appeared on the Lawton Tubes stand many times,” says Robert Lawton. “We were lucky enough to be joined by Paul again at this year’s Installer Show, where he shared his knowledge and highlighted current issues facing the ACR sector.”

The ACR industry is dependent on brilliant minds, problem-solvers, passionate environmentalists, and those who dream of a meaningful, nurturing career in any of the various facets of ACR industry.

An opportunity to build an impactful career

The are many compelling reasons to pursue a career in the ACR industries. With high demand for skilled professionals, diverse specialisations, practical learning opportunities, and global prospects, it offers a chance to make a positive impact on the environment and society. Paul summarises, “If your ambition is to make a difference in the world, then refrigeration, air conditioning is a great pathway.”

The post COOL TRAININGS: Paul Singh on ACR engineering and apprenticeships appeared first on Lawton Tubes.

World Refrigeration Day 2023

Launched in 2019 by refrigeration consultant and former president of the Institute of Refrigeration, Stephen Gill, World Refrigeration Day is now celebrated in over 153 countries.

At Lawton Tubes, we’ve been avid supporters of World Refrigeration Day since its inauguration. This year’s WRD is taking place on 26 June with a focus is on Next Generation Cooling, and alongside supporting the event, we have exciting plans set in motion to expand our role within the industry, as Marketing and International Sales Director, Robert Lawton, explains:

“Not only are we active supporters of WRD, we also support new talent coming through the ranks all the year round,” says Roberts.

“Plans are coming together to offer free talks at training colleges across the country to explain about why copper pipes are the preferred material for refrigeration and air-conditioning, as well some fun facts.”

“We won’t be going alone. Having embraced digital media, there are several professional installers who’ll be getting up in front of a young audience to pass on their knowledge too.”

More than a copper pipe dream

As well as raising the profile of the refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat-pump sector and the 15m people it employs worldwide, funds generated by World Refrigeration Day sponsors such as Lawton Tubes help support development, training, and outreach programmes to inspire the next generation of industry professionals.

“Having a passionate interest in our company and the products we supply shines through when encouraging the next generation,” Robert explains. “We love sharing installs and tips on social media as well as engaging with any comments or DMs from viewers.”

Lawton Tubes is building a strong network of industry professionals who are passionate about assisting the next generation. Come see us live at Installer Show NEC 27-29^th June where the RACHP UK Skills finals are taking place. Good luck to those apprentice finalists.

Lawton Tubes is the UK’s leading supplier of copper pipes for air conditioning and refrigeration (ACR). You can see our vast range of ACR products here, many of which are available ex-stock through national and independent merchants

The post Lawton Tubes sponsors World Refrigeration Day 2023 appeared first on Lawton Tubes.

As a fourth-generation family-owned company, Lawton Tubes has been manufacturing and distributing copper pipes since 1918. We supply plumbing, AC, and medical-grade copper pipe to trade and independent merchants across the UK and overseas, and it is our immense range of stock and ability to satisfy large, complex orders on a tight timeframe that sets our company apart from its rivals.

With more than 100 years’ experience in the industry, we have established ourselves as a household name for copper tube and fittings. Our knowledge, passion and drive for all things copper makes us the first choice for anyone seeking expert advice. Committed to spreading the word on copper’s recyclable, sustainable, non-toxic, flame retardant and antimicrobial properties, Lawton Tubes is on a mission to make copper pipes the future of installation.

Here’s what you can look forward to on the Lawton Tubes stand over the course of the InstallerSHOW 2023.

Traditional vs Modern Plumbing

Technical and hands-on members of the plumbing world are on the Lawton Tubes stand, sharing their expertise and insights into the industry, and of course, their affinity for copper products.

Peter Booth aka PB Plumber is hosting his popular Copper Pipe Bending Challenge – this year with the added pressure of it being a timed, head-to-head competition.

Peter Booth is well-known on social media for his honest, informative videos that have rekindled the flame for experienced gas engineers as well as inspired a new generation of plumbers – something Lawton Tubes keenly supports alongside PB with their engaging college visits.

The question is: do you have the skill to match Instagram’s human pipe-bending machine and walk away with a coveted Lawton-PB trucker cap and the 2023 Copper Champion Trophy? A heads-up to those thinking they can mark the pipe up: it all has to be done by eye!

Sophie Langley-Kara aka Soph Pink Plumbing is another inspirational figure within the industry who’s taken social media by storm.

Sophie is currently in the third year of her plumbing apprenticeship and is championing newcomers within the sector with her fresh approach and genuine love for her job.

Find her on the Lawton Tubes stand, where she’s hosting the Technical Zone along with Andy aka Pressfather demonstrating press fitting, automatic copper pipe bending, and cutting tools, showcasing our range of copper products.

LPB Plumbing Awards announcement

Earlier on in the year, Lawton Tubes, together with PB Plumber, launched the first ever Plumber’s Plumber of the Year Award. The aim of the joint initiative was to give those in the industry a chance to nominate – and celebrate – exceptional members of the plumbing community and honour the positive impact they have. There’s also the Plumber’s College of the Year Award, which looks to honour colleges and lecturers that have shown the most dedication and encouragement in supporting their students – and plumbing’s next generation.

Unlike other industry awards, the LPB awards aren’t a popularity contest or a money-spinning venture. Instead, they’re all about recognising those individuals and colleges who elevate fellow plumbers and the industry as a whole with their outstanding approach and attitude to the profession.

The nominees have been narrowed down to finalists and the overall winners of the Plumbers’ Plumber of the Year and Plumber’s College of the Year Award 2023 will be announced at 2pm on the Lawton Tubes stand (D40) on Wednesday 28th June by PB Plumber, Copperman and none other than Frank Bruno, MBE.

Meet Frank Bruno

Yep, you read that right. Over on our Lawton Tubes stand (D40), you’ll have the opportunity to meet British boxing legend Frank Bruno.

Firm supporters of Frank’s mental health charity The Frank Bruno Foundation, we’re playing host to the former heavyweight champion to raise awareness of the foundation’s work with those struggling to stay in the workplace due to challenges with mental health. Visitors to the Lawton stand will get the chance to grab a selfie with the big man, as well as signed merchandise, which will be sold to raise money for the foundation.

The Frank Bruno Foundation was set up by Frank in 2017 to help people address and improve their mental health through non-contact boxing and a focus on wellbeing. The charity aims to support people in building self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, enabling them to continue working in a trade they love while better managing their mental health.

For all this and more, visit the Lawton Tubes stand (D40) and find out why the future of your trade is copper.

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