An engineering business behind a striking Covid memorial is investing in young people as it looks to build a bright future.
RAF Engineering, like many businesses, put its expansion plans on hold to ensure it could deal with the economic impact of Brexit, Covid, war in Ukraine, and increased energy bills.
Now the company, based in Workington, Cumbria, is setting its sights on the growth and diversification which it previously planned.
Rafal Gibki and Aneta Gibka took over the company, formerly Hudson Swan, five years ago, with ambitious plans to develop the business.
Having successfully steered the company through a turbulent economy, they are fully focused on carrying out their plans.
They are already ahead of schedule on their revised plans after reaching a £1m turnover target last month.
RAF, which employs 15 people, mainly from the Workington and Whitehaven areas, manufactures quality precision engineered and machined steel parts to a range of industries.
Approximately 60% of its customers are in the nuclear industry. It also supplies engineering, food and agricultural clients and plans to supply renewable and defence industries.
Iggesund, TSP, and James Fisher in Cumbria, and Tata Steel in Port Talbot, are among its other clients.
Most recently, the business manufactured a striking memorial to commemorate the victims of Covid which has been installed in a garden of remembrance at Workington’s Vulcan Park.
The steel sculpture, designed by Steven Marshall, depicts a pair of hands around the world and was unveiled last month.
The business also tries to support other initiatives in the local community including sponsoring sports teams, first aid programmes, and internet safety initiatives for young people.
