Union Industries celebrates first anniversary of employee ownership

Union Industries is celebrating the success of its first year as an Employee Owned company, which has set it on course to record one of its best financial years since it was incorporated in 1975.

In the 12 months since its founders, Paul and Isobel Schofield sold their shares to the Union Industries Employee Ownership Trust, the company has experienced an ongoing period of increased demand for its products and services, expanded its workforce and also put in to practice a number of ideas suggested by staff, which has contributed to the company’s success.

Under Union’s Employee Ownership scheme, every employee at Union Industries was awarded an equal share of the business; new starters who joined after the sale are also given shares after 12 months of employment. Although the company has always boasted a committed workforce, becoming Employee Owned has further empowered its team; everyone now also has an added financial incentive as a result of a tax-free bonus!

Prior to the transition into Employee Ownership an Employee Council was formed, which is made up of individuals from each department within the company. The Council members meet regularly to share information and suggestions that their ‘constituents’ may like the board to consider.

Leeds-based Union manufactures a range of industrial products, including its market-leading range of Industrial Rapid Roller Doors that are commonly regarded as the best in industry. These fast acting doors are installed in distribution centres, warehouses, factories and storage facilities to improve logistics and save heat loss for companies across the UK and Europe including Tesco, Cummins, ASDA, TRW, Lidl, Jaguar Land Rover and Bidvest Foodservice.

From its origins as a tarpaulin maker and repairer, Union has evolved to become a specialised bespoke manufacturer of advanced heavy duty textile products for both Civil and Military applications. The subsequent development of the company’s engineering capabilities led on to the creation of the current range of High Speed Industrial Doors, including the unique Eiger Freezer Door.

Other successful product developments using Union’s core skills include Industrial Curtain Systems and Fabric Enclosures, which are used in factories to prevent heat loss, and to help contain dust & toxins in order to stop cross contamination.

“Because we understand how EO works” comments Andrew Lane, Union’s Managing Director, “and because it’s very much about the ‘people’ at Union Industries, we have created a system that ensures fairness throughout the company, that’s why we created a bonus structure that pays the same amount to every member of our team. We share the challenge of meeting our customer’s needs so we should share the rewards of a profitable business.”

Jenny Slight, Union Industries Administration Supervisor and Chair of the Employee Council, said: “Since we made the transition into an Employee Owned Company, it has been equally exciting as it has been challenging.

“I’m proud to be leading the Employee Council, which has allowed its members to take on much more responsibility. We’ve had some great ideas from various people across the company – product improvement suggestions, team building & social events, even a family open day. Union is one big happy family, thanks to Employee Ownership.”