Kent-based Kewell Converters, one of the UK’s longest-established independent foam converters, marked National Manufacturing Day 2025 with a dual celebration of national recognition and local impact.
Last week, managing director Nick Kewell was invited to 11 Downing Street for a reception hosted by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury Lord Livermore, in partnership with Make UK, alongside 50 business leaders from across the country. The event highlighted the vital role of UK manufacturing in driving innovation and economic growth.
Meanwhile, back in Edenbridge, Kent, the company opened the doors of its 33,000 sq ft advanced foam engineering facility to students, businesses and community representatives.
The morning session welcomed more than a dozen mechanical engineering students from East Surrey College, offering a hands-on introduction to production processes, digital design and career pathways across engineering, operations and technical sales.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to business and community engagement, with local employers and supply chain partners touring the factory. Visitors saw demonstrations across more than 30 specialist machines, including CNC contour profiling, 5-axis routing, lamination and waterjet cutting, that underpin the company’s work in aerospace, defence, healthcare and industrial applications.
Nick Kewell said: “It’s been a milestone week, opening our factory to inspire young talent, and representing the sector at Downing Street alongside peers from across the UK.
“National Manufacturing Day demonstrates the strength of British engineering, and for us, it’s also about showing how a family-run SME can deliver globally competitive, high-performance solutions while continuing to invest in people and technology.”
That investment includes embracing digital design platforms, automation and AI-led innovation to enhance precision and efficiency. From CAD/CAM engineering to testing and production optimisation, Kewell Converters is actively trialling emerging technologies to ensure it remains at the forefront of modern manufacturing.
