Industry Body Celebrates 30 Years
Posted on Jul 24, 2023The UK Gasket & Sealing Association (the Association) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year (2023).
The Association represents the interests of its membership consisting of UK based companies, the primary business of which is the manufacture of gaskets from raw materials and/or the manufacture of joint sealants and/or the supply or manufacture of materials or finished products used in the sealing industry and/or associated industries. It facilitates the exchange of information and ideas and enhances the reputation and standing of members. With many of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers as members, the Association continues to go from strength to strength.
Simon Winfield, Chairman of the Association and Director of MacLellan Rubber Ltd, said: “I’ve been involved in the Association and part of the Executive Committee for many years. The openness with which members offer technical support to fellow members, such as advice with material selection and production issues, or collaborate on larger projects, is testament to the quality of the companies we have as members.”
Sandy McEwen, Vice Chair of the Association and consultant to William Johnson & Company Ltd, said: “William Johnson & Company Ltd is proud to be one of the original founding members and continues to have an active role. The Association provides a forum to network and develop strategic partnerships with quality businesses which help companies maintain a commercial advantage. Congratulations to the Association on achieving its 30th anniversary!”
Keith Shepherd, director at J A Harrison, said: “J A Harrison and Alliance and Heatshield are proud to be one of the founder members of the GCA. Over the 30 years we have built up some fantastic personal and business relationships. It’s only a shame that more gasket cutters couldn’t see that membership would only be to their advantage. In turn, this would help the Association grow and have more standing in the market with customers and suppliers alike.”
The Association initially represented companies involved in gasket cutting, but changed its name to include ‘Sealing’ to incorporate members who manufacture and supply products and services to the sealing sector and better reflect its membership.
Networking was, and remains, a key focus for the association with a range of technical, educational and social events held each year. Member ‘open door’ events have been introduced where smaller groups visit a site to tour facilities and receive technical presentations on products and services.
In more recent years the Association has launched a new website to better promote its Members, events and news; it proactively engages with the industry through social media channels; undertakes regular member surveys regarding relevant issues and the general state of the industry; it continues to represent Members by raising issues and lobbying national bodies. The Association is currently highlighting the EU REACH consultation on restricting PFAS.
Members have also collaborated to develop a Resources area on the Association’s website sharing useful technical information such as industry standards, material storage guidelines, product trade names together with member offers.
The Association now partners with a number of leading industry events such as Adhesives & Bonding Expo, CHEMUK, Fasteners Expo, Foam & Adhesives Expo, and Silicone Expo, further supporting our members who exhibit at these shows.
The Association welcomes established companies from the industry as well as start-ups and companies created following mergers and acquisitions. Companies who sell products and services to the industry, such as cutting machinery suppliers, are also reaping the benefits of joining the Association.
The 30th anniversary falls in September when the Association is holding its AGM, Annual Golf Day and Black Tie Dinner. This is the largest event in the calendar bringing together all members, who also participate in fundraising events to raise money for Macmillan Cancer.
Many long-term business relationships and friendships have formed over the last 30 years and the Association looks forward to being a conduit for this continuing for many years to come.
If you are interested in joining the Association, visit our website for more information and to download our membership pack or contact the Association’s Secretariat at info@ukgsassociation.co.uk
