After over 53 years in the plastics Vacuum Forming and Fabrication sector and 15 years with Wrights Plastics, Ray Freeth has announced his retirement.
As the country went decimal in 1971, school leaver Ray chose an apprenticeship at PDI Ltd and the manufacturing and toolmaking skills learned provided the foundation for a career that has combined technical expertise, sales skills and entrepreneurial drive.
Looking back with pride on a remarkable career
In 1979 Ray was a founder member of AAC Plastics, and in his almost quarter century with the company he undertook a variety of roles – in production, operations and purchasing. He oversaw the expansion and relocation of the company to new 22,000 sq ft premises, and the following year set up a 16,000 sq ft warehousing operation. In addition to winning £m+ contracts, Ray developed overseas production partnerships, and introduced Business Excellence Model to develop best practice, continuous improvements and TQM. He was also appointed Board member to the subsidiary injection moulding company Kenilworth Components.
The success of the organisation lead to a buyout and after successfully overseeing the transfer of the vacuum forming arm to the new company, it was time for Ray to move on. In 2009 he set up his own consultancy, using his manufacturing, sales and project management skills to help organisations win new accounts and maximise opportunities with existing clients.
Saying goodbye to a much-valued member of the Wrights family
For fifteen years Ray has worked with Wrights Plastics, overseeing relationships with key accounts, offering expert technical Vacuum forming advice and developing enquiries into new business.
As Ray prepares to enjoy a well-deserved retirement, he believes Wrights Plastics has achieved a successful balance of services that will serve them well in an increasingly global market: “the mix of vacuum forming, with fabrication services, local bending and laser cutting mean Wrights are not over reliant on any one process, or any one customer. And to deliver all this under one roof is another positive for their customers.”
The biggest technological change in his five decades is easily the impact of CAD. “For a long time, tools were handmade, but since CAD they are now machine made and that means they are cheaper, more uniform and durable.”
Ray also notes the development of new materials, often driven by demand from growing sectors – such as aerospace – or in response to increased Health and Safety requirements, for example improved fire retardant qualities.
A Legacy At Every Red Light!
Ray is reminded of one of his proudest achievements every time he stops at a traffic light. Previously the white border on the backboards was screen printed which meant they faded and diminished over time but with Wrights Plastics, Ray offered a method of co-extruding white on black that means the backboards now have a greatly extended product lifecycle. So next time you are stopped at a red light, think Ray Freeth!
Retirement means more time with his children and grandchildren and hopefully improving the golf handicap.
All at Wrights wish Ray a long and active retirement and thank him for his exceptional service to the company and the industry.
