Sandwell UK Ltd is a highly professional company focused on specialist surface engineering solutions for top level clients. Specialist skills with excellent product knowledge in shot peening technologies and surface engineering are key to the company’s success. We are always pushing surface finishing boundaries with new innovative techniques.
The Directors of Sandwell UK Ltd, Colin McGrory and Liz Slater, established the company in 1997 with the core values of providing consistently high quality processing combined with excellent customer service. These values have been motivational and a key to the continuing success of Sandwell and remain at the heart of the company.
Sandwell’s new operations and technical centre.
The means of achieving and sustaining those core values has involved the recruitment of a dedicated and skilled workforce. The investment in new staff and a continuous programme of staff development has allowed Sandwell to maintain both its high standards and expertise in recent advanced technology.
This is combined with a strategy of continuous investment in machines, equipment and technology which is supported by a multi-million pound investment in a new operations and technical centre adjacent to the current facility.
Director
Colin is the driving force behind Sandwell’s technical innovation, bringing extensive expertise from his aerospace metallurgy background and 21 years in Formula One Motorsport. His deep knowledge of advanced engineering and surface treatments forms the foundation of Sandwell’s cutting-edge approach to precision finishing.
As a member of the SAE International Committee for Shot Peening, Colin is actively involved in shaping industry advancements. He continuously explores new techniques and technologies to enhance engineered finishes, ensuring Sandwell stays ahead of evolving challenges in high-performance sectors.
Passionate about problem-solving, Colin thrives on tackling complex technical issues and working closely with customers to develop tailored solutions. His ability to blend technical expertise with innovation ensures that Sandwell not only meets but exceeds industry standards. Under his leadership, the company continues to push the boundaries of precision surface engineering, delivering high-quality results for aerospace, motorsport, and other demanding industries.
Director
Liz plays a crucial role in ensuring Sandwell meets its commitments to both customers and employees. She is dedicated to providing the workforce with the support, equipment, and training needed to perform at their best, fostering a productive and efficient environment. Her leadership helps maintain smooth daily operations while continuously improving workplace processes.
A key aspect of Liz’s role is customer liaison, ensuring that Sandwell upholds its reputation for exceptional service. She takes pride in maintaining strong customer relationships, ensuring that every client receives the high level of support and responsiveness that Sandwell is known for.
With a strong focus on both internal and external excellence, Liz ensures that Sandwell remains a leader in precision engineering. Her commitment to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction helps drive the company’s ongoing success, creating a workplace culture that empowers employees while consistently delivering outstanding results for clients.
Technical Director
Before joining Sandwell, Ben spent eight years working in the fields of Metrology and Automation, developing a deep expertise in precision measurement and advanced manufacturing technologies. His career began as a Metrology Engineer at a Research Foundry before moving into the Metrology Lab at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). He later became the Technical Lead in Large Volume Metrology at the AMRC, working on high-profile projects for major Aerospace OEMs.
As Technical Director at Sandwell, Ben is focused on advancing machine automation, integrating 3D scanning technology, and leveraging robotics to enhance efficiency and precision. He also plays a key role in Sandwell’s collaborative research projects, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in surface engineering.
With a passion for cutting-edge technology, Ben is instrumental in shaping the future of Sandwell’s technical capabilities, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry advancements.
Director
As Director, Sarah plays a crucial role in ensuring Sandwell’s customers receive the highest level of service. She is often the first point of contact, effectively communicating customer needs to the production team to ensure seamless project execution. With a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement, Sarah is committed to driving excellence in every aspect of the business.
As part of the new generation of Sandwell’s leadership, she brings fresh ideas and innovative strategies to enhance efficiency, optimise processes, and improve customer satisfaction. Her hands-on approach and forward-thinking mindset help Sandwell adapt to industry changes while maintaining its commitment to precision and reliability.
Sarah’s leadership ensures the company continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and best practices to remain a leader in shot peening and coatings. Her dedication to quality and operational excellence is instrumental in Sandwell’s ongoing success and reputation for delivering
Production Manager
With over 25 years as a professional engineering manager, Gary brings extensive experience in production, sales, and customer expectations across multiple sectors. As Sandwell’s Production Manager, he ensures efficient, high-quality output while meeting demanding turnaround times. His problem-solving skills and strategic approach help navigate challenges, optimising operations for both the company and its customers. Committed to balancing quality with cost-effectiveness, Gary’s leadership strengthens Sandwell’s reputation for excellence in precision engineering.
Facilities Maintenance Manager
Patrick joined Sandwell in 2016 and has been instrumental in maintaining and improving our facilities. With a deep understanding of our site’s infrastructure and processes, he ensures that all maintenance operations run smoothly and efficiently.
As our Facilities Maintenance Manager, Patrick is responsible for overseeing all maintenance activities, including machine calibrations, media control, and equipment upkeep. He thrives on creating innovative improvements to machinery, optimising performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. His dedication to continuous improvement helps keep our operations running at peak efficiency, supporting both our team and our customers.
Sales and Marketing Manager
Oliver has been with Sandwell since 2015, beginning his journey as a Process Technician. Over the years, he has grown within the business, gaining in-depth knowledge across all our processes. His hands-on experience and strong technical background make him a key player in delivering effective, high-quality solutions for our customers.
As Sales Manager, Oliver oversees all quotes and inquiries, while continuously enhancing the customer experience. His unique blend of technical expertise and commercial awareness enables him to build strong client relationships and provide tailored solutions that consistently exceed expectations.
Process Manager
Alex became part of the Sandwell team in 2022 and brings a wealth of expertise in shot peening, with industry experience spanning over 21 years. Her knowledge of automated shot peening is second to none, and she holds various aerospace personal accreditations, making her a key asset to our team.
As our Process Manager, Alex is dedicated to continuously improving and optimising our processes. She works tirelessly to refine techniques, enhance efficiency, and ensure that our operations meet the highest industry standards. Her passion for innovation and excellence drives Sandwell’s commitment to delivering top-tier results for our customers.
Quality Manager
Edvin, Sandwell’s Quality Manager, brings over 15 years of engineering experience, a business management degree, and multiple aerospace certifications. His expertise in quality control, audits, and compliance ensures our processes and products meet the highest industry standards. Working closely with production teams, he drives continuous improvement and refines quality systems to uphold Sandwell’s reputation for precision and reliability. Passionate about process optimisation and problem-solving, Edvin is committed to enhancing quality systems and delivering top-tier results for aerospace, automotive, and other high-standards industries.