At Lawton Tubes, we take great pride in our long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting some special guests within our community for a VIP factory tour at two sites, Coventry and Wardtec. MB Plumber and his Apprentice Morgan, PB Plumber, and George, PB’s dad, a retired plumber with decades of experience, joined us for a day filled with valuable exchanges about plumbing, manufacturing, and the evolving technologies that shape our industry.
The highlight of the tour was the hands-on experience where our guests got the chance to craft their own copper water technology fittings. As a family-run business, it was a pleasure to connect with three generations of plumbers, sharing stories about our mutual passion for the trade while showcasing how our processes have evolved.
(Left – George Booth, MB Plumber (Marcus Bull), Apprentice Morgan – Right)
During the visit, we also shared a deeper insight into our copper tube manufacturing process, emphasising our focus on precision and sustainability. Our commitment to zero wastage in the production process is something we take seriously.
Watch the video below to hear from Mark Tandy, one of our skilled colleagues, talking through the process of forming and manipulating copper tubes into fittings. The journey begins with forming the end of the copper tube, which results in no material loss. The only by-product created is swarf, produced during operations such as facing the front, undercutting the back to eliminate burrs, and parting off the product.
Even though swarf is inevitable in this process, we ensure that all byproducts are handled responsibly. We collect scrap material monthly and recycle it, making our copper tube manufacturing process 100% sustainable. Copper, being fully recyclable, allows us to contribute to a circular economy while maintaining the highest quality standards for our products.
At Wardtec, we believe that innovation and sustainability should go hand-in-hand. Our zero-waste approach not only minimises environmental impact but also ensures that each piece we manufacture meets exacting quality standards. By continually improving our processes, we’re able to offer superior products while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
Whether it’s hosting generations of plumbers or refining our manufacturing techniques, we remain dedicated to the principles that define us, quality, sustainable innovation, and family tradition.
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