Celebrating 25 Years
Posted on Jan 15, 2019The UK Gasket & Sealing Association (UKGSA) is celebrating its 25th Anniversary.
Formerly known as the Gasket Cutters Association (GCA), the network is still going strong with members from across the UK’s gasket and sealing industries.
Established in 1993, the aims of the Association remain the same – to represent the specialised interests of companies engaged in the conversion of materials into gaskets and seals for all types of industry use. The UKGSA provides a forum to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas between members and those with whom they have commercial and professional dealings, and to highlight new developments or methods.
Simon Winfield, chairman of the UKGSA and a director of MacLellan Rubber who are members, said: “The pace of change within our industry is significant and companies need to develop strategies and alliances to ensure they maintain a commercial advantage. The UKGSA offers members the opportunity to network and at a high level, and develop strategic partnerships with quality focused, investment-driven businesses in a way that they are unlikely to achieve anywhere else.”
One of the founding members, Keith Shepherd, director of J A Harrison & Co Ltd, said: “Initially I was attracted by the concept of dealing with and learning from other gasket cutters; it was hoped that members could work together to reduce prices with suppliers. 25 years on, companies who have remained members continue to learn from networking with other gasket cutters and have gained many long term friendships too.” Keith Payne of Keith Payne Products Ltd, another founder member, said: “During my 25 years of membership with the GCA/UKGSA, I have met many interesting owners and directors of gasket cutting companies. The Association has enabled like-minded people to join together at various meetings, golf days, race days and industrial visits to meet and discuss with a multitude of suppliers and competitors. Valuable contacts, friendships and business relationships have been formed over the years.”
The UKGSA organises a number of networking events during the year including technology site visits to major organisations in the UK, plus social events including an Annual Golf Day & fundraising Dinner.
