Following the 10,000 sq ft expansion of its Leeds-based factory, ACS Stainless Steel Fixings has announced several senior appointments to its team, including Lucy Furnival as commercial director, and William Bishop as sales director.

The company is a leading manufacturer and designer of structural building components, including but not exclusive to wall ties, windposts, masonry support and brick slip systems – all essential components used for the construction of modern-day structures, large or small.

Lucy, a seasoned professional within the UK’s construction and manufacturing sector, joins the team to spearhead the expansion of its national presence. Leveraging her extensive experience from prominent brands such as Hilti, SIG PLC, and Speedy Hire, she will play a pivotal role in driving growth initiatives as well as promoting ACS’ steadfast commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

Speaking of her appointment Lucy said: “Our sector is evolving, and I’m hugely drawn to ACS’ authenticity – something that comes from being a family business – and its agility and appetite for change and continued investment in innovation. The company has strong environmental credentials and a passion for moving forward sustainably – something underscored by the recent factory expansion in Leeds.

“I am genuinely excited to take on this role and spearhead the advancement of this vision, working alongside our clients and supply chain to foster continual improvement. Together, we aim to build safer, more sustainable structures that benefit both people and the planet.”

After a successful year as the business development director at ACS, William Bishop has been promoted to the role of sales director. Drawing from his extensive experience of being heavily involved in the high-rise construction sector for over 15 years, William is poised to leverage his expertise to expand ACS’s client base and said: “I am thrilled with this fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Lucy and our board. Together, we are committed to extending the reach of our well-designed, patented products, ultimately making a positive impact on more people’s lives.”

Other changes at ACS come as six other new colleagues are appointed. Noor Haddad joins the business as specification and design manager, joining strategic specification director Paul Ruding, as they champion best practices within the built environment sector, visiting architects and specifiers to deliver free seminars and training sessions on responsible specification.

Noor is joined by Jake Harris who will be stationed at ACS’ cutting-edge factory in Leeds, spearheading business development initiatives in the North of England, while Tara Lee Smith, based in London, will focus on driving business development efforts in the South of the country.

ACS has also welcomed an additional three new colleagues to bolster its business development plans further. The southern team has welcomed business development managers Tia Butler and Emily Higgins, whilst Aarron Hume joins the Leeds office as the company’s new business development director.

The appointments come following ACS’ factory expansion, where 10,000 sq ft of additional, sustainable manufacturing space will allow the company to pioneer new technologies and automation as well as grow its now 124-strong manufacturing and construction workforce. Managing director David Flannery said: “Our focus on growth this year is underscored by strategic investments in both our talented workforce and cutting-edge facilities.

“This reflects our unwavering confidence in the future of the UK’s manufacturing sector, a sector in which we are dedicated to continuous expansion and the pioneering of innovative products, proudly crafted here in the UK.”

ACS is based in Cross Green in Leeds, the business operates sustainably and was awarded a Carbon Neutral Business 2023 accreditation thanks to initiatives at the facility including the 249kW photovoltaic renewable roof panels that power operations – which can generate almost 1,000 kWh of electricity per day – as well as electric vehicle charging points. Operations are also sustainable; 90% of the raw material used at ACS is recyclable, while the resulting suite of stainless steel products is 100% recyclable.

Find out more about ACS here: https://acsstainless.co.uk.