Next time you pop out for chips, you’re likely to be served from a fryer made by this week’s #MadeinSandwell Monday star. Hewigo, based on Little Fields Way in Oldbury, is the UK’s leading manufacturer of frying ranges for local fish and chip shops. The company has also supplied to Cyprus, Canada and China.

As we reported back in May 2020, Hewigo was able to use Aim for Gold funding from Sandwell Council to modernise its production process, installing a laser-cutting machine in early 2019, just before the UK went into lockdown.

Managing director Phillip Purkiss said: “Undoubtedly this machine was always going to make a big change to our business, but it has surpassed all our expectations. Without the support of A4G allowing us to make this investment, we could have easily fallen behind our competitors.”

Instead, Hewigo was able to continue manufacturing during lockdown, putting the new machine to good use and helping the business maintain its strong position in the market place. The resulting high turnover and growth has meant that the company is now expanding its workforce, and is actively looking to recruit new solidworks and machine operators, gas engineers and fabricators.

Phillip said: “Turnover has grown to record levels over the last two years. Now we have the best machines, we are on a mission to invest in the best workforce, creating new jobs for Sandwell.”

If you’re interested in joining Hewigo’s growing team, email your CV to jason@hewigo.com and the team will call you to arrange a confidential chat to discuss the roles in more detail.

#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 Twitter, read this.