J.C Penney, founder of one of the biggest store brands in America once said, ‘Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.’
At Made in the Midlands member Superite Tools Ltd the saying goes that, Family, an amazing team, second to none management, loyal customers and strong working relationships with local businesses are the forces at that are working together today to make Superite Tools Ltd the company that you see today.
2019 has seen this family grow, with the company acquiring Bropel Technical Welding, another local, long-standing family ran business.
Bropel was founded by John Higginson, better known as ‘Jack’ back in 1969, where he set up the company in his garage in Pelsall. However, the relationship between both companies dates back to 1969. In fact, Jacks first customer was Alan Collins AKA ‘Cogger’, a local toolmaker and founder of Superite Tools Ltd.
For the past 46 years, the two families have been working together, upholding the very fabric of the Superite Tools Ltd saying. From the humble beginnings of Jacks garage and Alans wooden shed to the purpose-designed premises, half a mile from each other in Aldridge.
Steve Taylor, technical sales manager at Superite, who started aged 15, 53 years ago has known the Higginson family since 1973 and speaks very fondly of Jack, admiring how he was able to grow his business as a pioneer of Die Welding and made a name for himself nationwide.
Looking back, Steve remembers Jack had customers who would travel from as far as Scotland for his expertise. Most of all, Steve remembers Jack as a kind, honest, hardworking man. Mores so Steve saw him as a man of his word, all traits that Steve says he has passed on to his daughter Sue.
Since joining Bropel as a young girl of 16, Sue has gone on to run the business along with her brother, John, when Jack retired. Since then, Sue has devoted 45 years to her family business and says that her customers are ‘more than just customers, they’re also friends’.
Martin, Alan’s son and MD of Superite said that “It has been a pleasure to do business with Sue’ and knows she will be very much missed by everyone she dealt with at Bropel, employees and customers alike. Martin also expressed his gratitude for Sue’s help, honesty and introductions. Both Martin and Steve believe Sue’s father, Jack, would be very proud of her.
Martin finished by stating how he’s also very happy to have taken on Neil Baggott who is a is a specialist in the field and has been with Bropel for 34 years, which is just testament to the Higginson Family.
As of The 16th of October 2019, upon Sues well-deserved retirement, Bropel Technical Welding has merged with Superite Tools and is now based in-house at 3 Vigo Place Aldridge.
Superite acquire Bropel Technical Welding
