Nufast Managing Director Gordon Smith (pictured left) will retire from the management team this Christmas.
Gordon Smith has been with the fastener manufacturer and distributor since 2000 and will step down from the board at the end of the year.
Replacing him will be Craig Lawson (pictured right), who has 27 years’ extensive experience in senior procurement and supply chain management across the UK and Europe in the fastener industry and manufacturing sectors, with a focus on leading innovative procurement and logistic solutions.
Smith said: “It is with pleasure that I am able to announce my retirement at Christmas 2018, having been very fortunate in enjoying a fulfilling career qualified in mechanical engineering and commerce which commenced in 1966. The opportunity for retirement whist still active and healthy will enable me and my wife Anne to pursue our many outdoor activities and travel.
"The last 18 years as Managing Director of Nufast have at times been testing and enjoyable in mixed degree, but always fulfilling with constant support from colleagues within Nufast and Unistrong. I am pleased that the company is now founded in new premises with sound financials and excellent future prospects; especially as our parent company Unistrong has committed significant additional investment in Nufast Ltd. this year enabling growth in all aspects of the business.”
Nufast Limited is a rapid turnaround business specialising in the manufacture and distribution of Fasteners, Pressed Parts, Special Cold Forged Components and Associated Machinery and Tooling.
The outgoing MD added: "Having dedicated a significant portion of my life in Nufast I could not leave without ensuring that the future of the business, employees, customers and suppliers was assured; in this regard I am particularly pleased to advise that to succeed me we have been fortunate in securing the services of Craig Lawson as the new Managing Director of Nufast Ltd.
“Craig is well known and respected within the fastener industry and I am pleased to welcome him to Nufast Ltd. with whom I am certain that the future of the business and particularly services to customers will be assured and enhanced."
Craig Lawson added: “On behalf of the executive team, I would like to thank Gordon for his leadership of Nufast Ltd and the strong legacy he will leave not just for our company but for the customers we serve all over Europe. On retirement Gordon will have completed 18 years of service with the company and he has made an enormous contribution to the success of Nufast Ltd spanning many areas of the business over the years. We are all excited for Gordon and Anne and I am sure you will join us in wishing them our very best as they embark on this next phase of their lives.
“I am delighted to be back in the fastener industry, where I have spent 27 years working in various positions but predominantly in Procurement and Supply Chain. I have worked for many world leading organisations and my extensive purchasing and manufacturing knowledge will help Nufast grow their position and reputation as a leading fastener supplier, and become the customer’s preferred choice and partner.
“With the recent investment from our owners Unistrong and in my role as Managing Director our aim is strongly focused towards growth, efficiencies, profit and the development of our existing/new supplier partners."
