Westley Engineering appoints new Managing Director to drive next growth phase

Westley Engineering has appointed Christopher Greenough as its new Managing Director, marking what the historic Birmingham manufacturer describes as an “exciting new era” for the business following the retirement of long-serving leader John Harland.

The leadership transition represents a significant milestone for the engineering firm, which traces its origins back to 1812 and today specialises in high-precision press work, tooling, CNC machining and production engineering.

Greenough joins the company with more than three decades of senior manufacturing leadership experience, having previously held Commercial Director and Managing Director roles across British industry. The company said his appointment reflects its ambitions for continued growth, investment and diversification into higher-value manufacturing sectors.

Today, Westley Engineering employs 47 people and generates annual turnover of around £5 million through its combined tooling, presswork and CNC machining operations. Operating from its Birmingham facility, the company supports customers across automotive, industrial, aerospace and defence markets, holding both IATF 16949 automotive accreditation and AS9100 aerospace certification.

“Westley Engineering has an extraordinary heritage and reputation which has been built over generations,” he said. “What immediately stood out to me was the depth of engineering capability within the business and the commitment of the people here.

“The unique combination of tooling expertise, CNC machining capability and quality accreditations gives us a very strong platform, particularly within aerospace and defence, where customers are increasingly looking for resilient, technically capable UK manufacturing partners.”

– Christopher Greenough, managing Director, Westley Engineering.

The company’s roots can be traced back to Westley Richards & Co., founded by William Westley Richards in 1812 as a firearms manufacturer serving both sporting and military markets. During the Second World War, the business expanded into military machining and component production, laying the foundations for the engineering division that would later become Westley Engineering.

Under ownership of the Clode family since 1956, the wider organisation evolved into separate bespoke gunmaking and industrial engineering operations before formally separating into Westley Richards and Westley Engineering in 1998.

In recent years, the engineering business has continued investing in manufacturing technology, including the installation of a Brother Speedio S70 XD1 CNC machine, EDM spark erosion equipment and a Mazak turning centre.

Greenough said investment in technology and workforce skills would remain central to the company’s future strategy.

“Manufacturing in the UK has enormous potential when businesses are prepared to invest in technology, people and culture,” he said.

“One of my priorities will be strengthening our apprenticeship programme and continuing to invest in workforce skills, because the future of manufacturing depends on developing the next generation of engineers.”

Looking ahead, Greenough outlined ambitious long-term growth plans for the business.

“The objective is clear — we want to build a stronger, larger and more resilient business,” he said. “There is no reason why Westley Engineering cannot double in size over time.”

The company also paid tribute to outgoing Managing Director John Harland, thanking him for his leadership and contribution in helping position the business for its next phase of growth.

As UK manufacturers continue responding to reshoring opportunities, supply chain changes and growing demand for domestic engineering capability, Westley Engineering’s latest leadership appointment signals a renewed focus on long-term expansion and industrial resilience.

‍