North-West-based powerhouse, Constant Group Ltd, is marking a significant milestone, as the company celebrates 50 years of success at the forefront of the UK manufacturing industry.
The family-run business has humble beginnings in the late 1960s, founded by father and son Harry and Richard Garlick. Harry’s passion and knowledge of the aluminium industry drew his eldest son Richard’s interest, and instead of Richard investing his savings in a newsagent’s cabin in central Manchester, he offered it to his father, establishing Constant Aluminium Supplies Ltd in 1970.
The company began as a stockholder of aluminium sheet and sections supplying local business in the Oldham and Manchester area.
The company has since diversified into a specialist manufacturer of sheet metal materials facilitating growth into new markets, continued development and becoming known by customers simply as ‘Constant’ the company officially changed its name to Constant Group Ltd. with the launch of its new Group branded website reflecting its 6 strong businesses.
Continuing the legacy, the company has continued to flourish and is now led by two further generations of the Garlick family, Matt and Emma. Today, Constant leads the way as one of the largest sheet metal manufacturing companies in the North-West, offering single-source services for these types of products.
The business has invested heavily in staff and technology in a widespread overhaul of its manufacturing operations and marketing activities, and also to assist its ISO accreditation.
Growing rapidly, Constant Group recently expanded to a state-of-the-art 60,000ft2 manufacturing site, based in Meadowbank Business Park, just off junction 22 in Oldham, complete with the very best modern sheet metal machinery, becoming a family of over 80 staff in the process.
As for most, COVID-19 was unprecedented, but as the world has navigated the uncertainty of the pandemic, Constant has stood strong, maintaining continuity of service throughout the outbreak. The company’s infrastructure and operations teams implemented robust on-site safety measures in advance of the lockdown and combined this with remote working.
As essential workers, the business has provided support and services to several industries including telecoms, food, media, power generation, medics, and sport and fitness.
With no signs of slowing down they have experienced our busiest quarter on record with business up month-on-month and several new clients seeking their services and advice.
Chairman, Richard Garlick, said: “50 years ago I couldn’t have envisaged being part of a company providing a range of metal work solutions to companies around the world, from leading fitness brands like Fitbit to global telecoms Companies.
“Today we employ over 80 people from the Oldham and Manchester area, something again I’d never have thought possible when I started up with my father in the 70s.”
Managing director of Constant Group, Matt Garlick, said: “As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud of the achievements we’ve made, and we look forward to the next 50 years of accomplishments. We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but one thing remains the same – the value of this industry association is as solid as the products we manufacture.”
Looking towards the future the company have invested in brand-new machinery this summer,
“The feats we have achieved are unheard of within manufacturers like us. “But we love to lead the way, following in Dad’s footsteps with innovation, technology and continued investment into the business” says Matt.
Chief technology officer, David Gilligan, commented: ”Innovation is at the heart of our business. We’ve consciously invested heavily in new operational infrastructure, which allowed us to facilitate digital and technological growth, and to pave the way to develop the business further and therefore offer an effective lean manufacturing offering to new and existing customers.”
Managing director, Emma Gilligan, commented: “It’s hard to summarise 50 years of a business, there are so many things we can be proud of. I’d like to thank all of the staff that we’ve had over those 50 years and all of our amazing clients. Without them, we’d be nothing at all.”
