Every year presents new challenges for both business and industry. The year 2020 has seen us facing arguably the biggest challenge yet, in adapting to life during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Williams Refrigeration has been at the forefront of the industry for several decades and in August reached its 40 year milestone.
In what is normally meant to be an occasion for celebration, this presented an opportunity to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy year for the business in terms of product innovation, ongoing company developments and further sustainable achievements.
In early 2020 came the launch of the new WTBC70 Blast Chiller model, which is the largest cabinet to date. The WTBC70 was designed to accept two of the most popular combi oven trolleys on the market and then upgraded during October to accommodate the introduction of a third type - Rational's new iCombi trolley (60.21.331.201). Not only has this update showcased our adaptability, but also our fast market reactions to upgrade, improve and deliver.
Then came the launch of the new MaxiPrep Station in July, which provides easy access for up to 36 ingredients wells and offers flexible prep options to maximise space as required. The innovative MaxiPrep provides the perfect solution for rising demand in takeaway offerings.
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Shifting attention to create a solution for heightened hygiene measures, Williams developed and launched the new foot operated door opener for coldrooms, which can be used for both new and existing projects.
Alongside this, Williams continued its partnership with Time Finance to offer businesses competitive funding solutions and bespoke finance packages suitable for a range of budgets in an effort to help businesses as they come out of lockdown.
In addition, Williams has been busy implementing new developments in logistics and business operations, ultimately engineered to make it even easier to do business with us. These changes came into effect from November 2020.
Meanwhile, Williams also achieved the international certification for the ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standard, as pictured below.
From health and safety to sustainability. During the year, Williams has continued its long commitment to sustainable practices, both in the products manufactured and also in the process and plant. A new Greenlogic supplement will be launched soon, further highlighting our environmentally friendly methods, achievements and goals. Watch this space.
Back to products and to conclude a year of constant innovation at a time that has been tough for all businesses, saw the launch of the Williams Medi+ range.
Williams Refrigeration is proud to support key industries during this pandemic, including the supply of a significant quantity of products to NHS field hospitals. This Williams Medi+ range has been designed and engineered specifically for the pharmaceutical and laboratory environments, as well as hospitals, care homes and surgeries.
The response and feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive – especially since the announcement of the mass Covid-19 vaccination programme. The Medi+ range has recently been expanded further with the addition of the Medi+ 335.
As each industry tries to adjust to the ‘new normal’, businesses can rest assured to know that Williams Refrigeration is here to help, whether it’s in the form of our ever-growing choice of products or first class service.
A final word must be mentioned for our employees, where we recognised 14 long-serving employees, celebrating a combined 350 years of service between them. Significant milestones reached were 20 and 30 years.
To celebrate the occasion, the long service achievements were marked with a socially distanced lunch and gift awards, reiterating the importance of the global pandemic situation, but equally to highlight the loyalty and hard work shown by staff.
Staff that celebrated their long service awards were:
30 years: Shawn Gidney, Mark Dorr, Leon Espley, Richard Gaze, David Martin, Darren Bass and Carl Allcorn.
20 Years: Malcolm Harling, Alison Bailey, Paul Burney, Dale Muxlow, Shelly Hagland, Alan Colby and Nigel Garrard.
The business employs over 200 people across the UK and its latest milestone is testament to both the company and employees.
Tim Smith, Managing Director of Williams Refrigeration, commented: “Williams Refrigeration is renowned for its long-serving employees. We think it says something that we have so many employees who stay with us for most, if not all, of their working life.
“In the face of these unprecedented times, we, like many other businesses, have had to look carefully at our operations and structure, implementing some changes. That said, it is also a pleasure to celebrate good news and praise the continued long service commitment and loyalty of Williams colleagues.
“Congratulations to all on their fantastic achievements.”