This week’s #madeinsandwell Monday star is Forkers Ltd, a civil and ground engineering company that operates nationally from its head office on Shaw Street in West Bromwich.

The business was first established as P Forker Contractors Ltd by specialist tunnelling subcontractor Paddy Forker in 1972. Working initially in the West Midlands for local councils and Severn Trent Water, the company specialised in drainage, sewerage, tunnelling and timber headings.

Forkers soon developed a reputation for problem solving, innovation, high quality and a commitment to collaborative working. In the 1980s it expanded into ground engineering and then diversified again in the 1990s, taking on a number of civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

With the global challenge of delivering sustainable energy and carbon reduction, many of Forkers’ activities dovetail into the renewable energy sector, enabling expansion into wind farm infrastructure, battery power storage and ground source heating.

While water and waste water services continue to be a core part of the company’s business, Forkers has also constructed award-winning bridges, carried out major road improvement schemes and completed a range of commercial and industrial building projects. With over 50 drilling rigs and a wide range of specialist grouting plant, Forkers is now the largest mine workings stabilisation contractor in the UK, providing a broad range of services to both the public and private sectors.

Forkers prides itself on its continuous improvements in health and safety performance, resulting in receiving the British Safety Council International Safety Award for the last 18 consecutive years.

Bob Thomas, chief executive officer at Forkers, believes that the company’s Black Country base has played a large part in its success.

“The proximity to major motorway networks, mainline stations and airports allows us to quickly access and support our operations in all parts of the UK,” he said. “Sandwell Council has also been a huge help, meeting with our management board to discuss our business plans and identify the advice and support available in the borough. Our company is keen to find out more about the exciting developments that will be taking place in the future.”

#madeinsandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #madeinsandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through our social media networks, read this.

Forkers ranked at number seven in Sandwell’s Top 50 fastest growing businesses index for 2017. Read more about our Top 50 here.