OUR HISTORY
The Beginning - 1989
On a cold November morning in 1989, SWR was born and began operating from a small store and workshop in Hemel Hempstead. Our Founder John Bates created the company under the name Steel Wire Rope Ltd with one focus area, supplying full reels of wire rope.
Diversification - 1992
At the peak of the recession, the company re-branded as SWR Ltd, invested in presses, reeling and testing machines, and developed a range of high quality wire rope assemblies for trade. This led to the need for a move to larger premises in Hemel Hempstead to enable further investment in stock and capital equipment.
BS 5750 Quality Accreditation - 1994
SWR proudly became the first entirely independent UK wire rope supplier to achieve the BS 5750 quality accreditation, supporting the ethos held by SWR's owners.
Second Relocation - 1997
Further growth beckoned, along with a need to modernise. Jason Lee is appointed Managing Director and SWR moves to its current location in Eastman Way, Hemel Hempstead, to further improve the manufacturing processes and quality. Production of larger diameter stainless steel assemblies is increased and remains a speciality today.
ISO9001 Quality Accreditation - 1999
Working closely with NQA, SWR reach another milestone reflecting their “commitment to quality” by successfully achieving registration for the ISO9001 on the first attempt.
SWR Goes Global - 2000
SWR begin exporting worldwide. By 2006, products were journeying to over 50 countries, today SWR regularly export to all continents on a regular basis.
We Need More Space, Again! - 2004
SWR doubles in size by taking over the adjoining premise in Eastman Way, Hemel Hempstead to cover 15,000 sq ft, as well as securing a separate 10,000 sq ft storage facility also located in Hemel Hempstead.
Expansion - 2005
By 2005, SWR’s high quality steel cables and fittings could be found on structures such as Wembley Stadium, the Emirates Stadium, and on the Hong Kong Bridge. By this point customers included BAE systems, Ferrari, McLaren and BSI, to name a few. Jason Lee was delighted by the progress that the company had made, and was particularly proud of the team, who worked together to successfully set SWR apart from competition.
Company Values – 2011
Working closely with its employees, SWR developed a set of company values based upon the aim of creating a truly great company, both to deal with, and to work for.
Read more
SWR is Still Growing - 2016
SWR aim to be a supplier of great value to its customers and employees with quality and innovation at the heart of everything they do. Today SWR have 58 great people (and counting), 5 key values, 4 million unique website visitors and thousands of satisfied customers worldwide.
New Responsive Sourcing Website - 2017
SWR's in-house graphic design and web development teams created a custom responsive website to improve its online customer experience.
Investors in People Silver Award! - 2017
The Investors in People Standard is a framework of best practice, awarded to organisations who continually strive to be outstanding people managers. The performance model requires companies to meet a set criteria in areas including ‘learning and development’, ‘leadership skills’, and ‘recognition and reward’.
Jason Lee - Managing Director
“We were delighted to be presented with a Silver award and accreditation on our first application! We were particularly pleased with the accomplishment as we know that less than a quarter of IIP companies ever achieve this.”
Read more