Members and partners visited Clayton Engineering in Knighton for our October meeting and I think it was true to say we didn’t quite know what to expect, but all I can say is WOW. None of us could have imagined how interesting our visit to the factory, down a lane many of us hadn’t noticed before, turned out to be. We started our visit with the managing director Stephen giving an illustrated talk about the company, explaining that they have been designing and manufacturing launch and recovery equipment for the RLNI for over 45 years and that the RNLI now own the company ensuring that they retain the specialist knowledge and skills the company has developed over their long association.
With the help of Henry and Chris, two of his colleagues, we ventured into the workshops and we were very surprised to see first-hand what the company did. We heard about how they build and service the tractors on site, as well as having teams that can go out to support station engineers should they not be able to resolve the problem themselves.
We saw tractors and trailers specifically designed to launch and recover lifeboats from the beach, others designed to launch inflatable lifeboats, to a massive tractor and carriage able to imitate a slipway to launch a lifeboat directly into the sea. The incredibly complicated technology that goes into the tractors and other equipment along with the capabilities of the vehicles is truly amazing.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and thanked Stephen and his colleagues for giving up their evening to share with us the vital work the company does working with the RNLI. It was also good to hear that the majority of the workforce is local and that they have an active apprenticeship programme. No visit would be complete without a group photo, so here we are in front of the huge impressive tractor, just look at the size!! Thanks, Clayton Engineering.
We finished off our evening with an enjoyable meal at the Horse and Jockey and lots of discussions about our visit. More information about Llangunllo WI can be obtained from Isabel Morris our secretary on 01547 550689.
Words: Anne Newton