Proud past and bright future for West Midlands metal firm

General manager Neil Jackson said: "It is both a milestone and a stepping stone in the history and evolution of Brookside."

The notion of a proud past and a bright future strongly prevails at this metal recycling business.

Since it was founded in 1938 Brookside has grown to become a market leader in the recycling of copper to produce secondary copper alloys and master alloys used by the engineering, foundry and artworks industries.

It has survived and prospered despite seeing much of its customer base move to offshore markets by focusing on three simple ingredients; quality products, efficiency in all aspects of its operations and a clear focus on providing a service to both its suppliers and its customers.

Brookside's skilled workforce help provide one of the most comprehensive ranges of high quality alloys in the world.

Situated in Willenhall, it is well placed to service its network of both suppliers and customers throughout the UK, including a number of metal recyclers (suppliers) and engineering foundries (customers) in the Black Country region. Its alloys are used in a diverse range of applications and industry sectors from ship propellers and propulsion systems to bathroom fittings.

Richard Payne who is commercial director at the company talked about some of the more interesting applications that they have currently been involved with: "Verity, the Damien Hirst statue which was recently erected at Ilfracombe, was manufactured using bronze produced by Brookside.

"It is always nice to be part of something which brings such public interest and prominence. The alloy used will ensure that it stands up to the salty sea air for generations to come.

"The iconic bronze bull at Birmingham Bullring is also cast from metal produced by Brookside and it is both a challenge and an honour that we are regularly seen as the 'go-to-company' when new projects and alloys are being developed."

Brookside seeks to provide industry with alloys which perform to the highest standards, at competitive prices and which are delivered with the professional and technical service its customers have come to expect. This approach to efficiency and service has allowed Brookside to compete successfully in both the UK market and on the international stage. Together with overseas recruitment, multi-lingual employees and valued business partners, its export business has grown to account for 75 per cent of turnover.

Brookside's industry experience, knowledge and forward thinking has helped the company maintain strong order books despite the difficult trading conditions.

Richard added: "At Brookside the management and workforce are constantly looking to improve our business, service and recycling credentials. Having recently signed an exclusivity agreement to help develop a new metal recycling process these are exciting times at the company."