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