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Development, FacilitiesJune 3, 2020September 6, 2022

The future is electric!

AF Switchgear made a decision to install a Photovoltaic array a couple of years ago, therefore our very own Solar Farm and we are delighted with the results.

Our PV array is made up of hundreds of Polycrystalline panels, each rated at 260W covering our factory roofs. The DC power is converted to AC through 25kW inverters into a bespoke built Switchgear and Monitoring System.

In total we have generated over 275,000 kWh to date, contributing greatly to our power usage.

Click here to take a quick look at our Solar installation video on our LinkedIn!

AF Careers, Covid-19May 22, 2020September 6, 2022

Lockdown Virtual Learning

With COVID-19 impacting all Colleges and their ability to continue the apprentice training programme it was crucial that a way could be found quickly to ensure our apprentices did not miss out on their academic work.

With a ‘can do spirit’ and working with our provider, West Nottinghamshire College we soon found a solution to support our current apprentices.

We have fully IT equipped a meeting room at our HQ for use as a college classroom where
students via Microsoft teams are able to have interactive lessons with the tutor on a ‘one to one’ or group session.

Assignments are set as normal together with the NVQ level 3 reviews. This has benefited all students to ensure that they do not miss out on study time, thereby maintaining levels of attendance and advancement.

AF Group currently supports over 20 apprentices within the electrical, administration and Fabrication sectors of the business.

Internal NewsMay 18, 2020March 14, 2022

AF Switchgear upgrade to EFACS E/8

We Have Migrated to a New ERP Solution

Enterprise Resource Planning – in other words, ERP!

AF Switchgear is pleased to announce that with the help of our key partners at Exel Computer Systems plc, we have recently migrated to the new EFACS E/8 Enterprise Resource Planning solution.

This is a major step-change for the organisation and involved a complete review of all legacy processes. The E/8 system was stress-tested to ensure that the technology and automation features coupled with the design innovation as a package, met our needs as a business and delivered the immediate benefits we were looking for.

Now the new ERP system is in place, further enhancements and modules will now be added to improve production scheduling, stock control, shop floor data capture plus field service reporting which will follow later this year.

Special mention must also go out to Richard King and Lee Harding both from Exel for their support throughout the whole process.

What is ERP?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a simplified integration of business process management and implements everything into one system. At AF Switchgear we use ERP for Production purposes mainly. This means it is easier to streamline projects and meet (and even surpass if possible) set deadlines.

Need a Switchgear Solution?

Our experienced team of switchgear and power distribution specialists are available to help you today. For help and advice, contact us on +44 1623 555 600 or email us at sales@afswitchgear.co.uk.

Internal NewsApril 24, 2020March 14, 2022

25 Years Anniversary – Stan Carter

Happy Anniversary to One of AF Switchgear’s finest

At AF Switchgear, we are fortunate to have many long-term serving employees established in our workforce.

Stan Carter is no exception; having reached his 25-year milestone just recently, Stan was presented with a bottle of bubbly and some holiday vouchers by our Operations Manager, Mike Ratcliffe to celebrate this milestone achievement. Stan joined AF Switchgear back in 1995 from Sutton Riley Engineering as a Switchgear Panel Assembly Team Leader and has remained a valued member of the Production Team ever since.

In those days, there were just 15 production staff building AF Switchgear panels; today there is more than 80 production staff, so Stan has certainly seen some significant changes and growth over the years! On behalf of the company, we wish to congratulate Stan and thank him for his many years of service to the company.

*presentation and photo were taken just before lockdown phase

Why AF Switchgear?

We are one of the UK’s leading and largest switchgear manufacturers. With a combination of decades of experience within the electrical industry and power distribution industry, we set the standard for LV Switchgear and other relevant leading products.

We provide bespoke solutions in:

Do you require assistance with a switchgear or power distribution system? Contact our experts on +44 1623 555 600 today or email us at sales@afswitchgear.co.uk.

Covid-19April 2, 2020April 2, 2020

Company Announcement

At AF Switchgear, meeting our customers’ expectations is a key priority. As concern over COVID-19 (Coronavirus) grows, we want to assure you we are monitoring developments, as well as following health and government regulations whilst continually assessing and responding to changes.

At this time we are still operational and open for business as we are tasked with supporting our customers and end users, concentrating our efforts on critical equipment needed for Government, NHS, Data and Telecoms projects.

Our ever-changing Business Continuity Plan includes:

Prioritising the safety of our customers and employees
Regularly communicating with our employees on safety and hygiene.
Coordinating with our customers before any essential site visits to ensure safety measures are in place for everyone.
For essential manufacturing we have adopted a 3 shift system, open 24 hours to ensure we can comply with social distancing guidelines in place.
Our office staff are working from home where possible and the remainder are working split shifts between 6am and 10pm
We are in regular dialogue with our supply chain and partners who are also working hard to minimise delays and disruption and where necessary actively exploring alternative sources of supply where needed.
Any team members working remotely use company issued secure computers complete with end-point protection and connection to our network using a secure VPN

AF Switchgear group operations meet the criteria of an essential critical infrastructure supplier as defined by the government. While we do not anticipate major interruptions to our operations, we are experiencing some material delays and staff absences for obvious reasons.

Should the government dictate further temporary containment measures or mandatory closures we will of course comply.

We will continue to seek support from the government and/or local authorities to maintain critical business operations as an essential business for our customers.

While it is difficult to predict the impact of the COVID-19 situation, please rest assured that we have the people, technology, and tools to continue to serve you during these unique, challenging times.

EventsMarch 24, 2020September 6, 2022

Data Centre World 2020

AF Switchgear would like to thank all our customers, suppliers and industry peers for taking the time out to visit us at Data Centre World 2020. The feedback for our new stand was incredibly positive and everyone enjoyed our new AF Switchbeer!

Your continued support & feedback on our products helps us to maintain our position as one of the largest switchgear suppliers in the market and for that, we are truly appreciative.

The company would also like to make a special mention to Experium Agency and publicly thank them for their support, hard work and brilliant design ideas in regard to the exhibition throughout the whole process.

Events, Internal NewsMarch 18, 2020September 6, 2022

Open Evening Update

AF Switchgear was due to hold a specialist Open Evening in conjunction with the West Nottinghamshire College Apprenticeship Service on the 25th March 2020. However, due to the current Coronavirus epidemic, we have regretfully decided to cancel this event.

We have a duty of care to our employees and those of the public so have decided, in-line with the current government and proposed advice the company felt it had no choice but to cancel the planned event. This is a decision that has not been taken lightly particularly given the numbers of invitees that were due to attend the event, currently well over 100 people.

On the bright side, the WNC is still planning to run assessments on the 15th and 16th April, so candidates should be aware that they will still need to attend those. After the assessment period, low key visits for selected candidates including their guardians will be arranged.

Again, special thanks to Ricky Singh and Lee Speed for helping with this recruitment drive, your efforts are very much appreciated and Good Luck to all the candidates.

EventsMarch 9, 2020September 6, 2022

Visit us at Data Centre World 2020

After a successful exhibition at Data Centre World 2019, where we launched & displayed our new branding, We would like to thank everyone who visited us over the two days. Your continued support & feedback on our products helps us to maintain our position as one of the largest switchgear suppliers in the market. We hope that you all enjoyed the Switchbeers and like our new modernised image for the AF group.

AF Careers, Internal NewsMarch 1, 2020September 6, 2022

Open day and job opportunities AF Switchgear

We Are Offering Careers Advice for a Number of Vacancies

AF Switchgear will be teaming up with West Nottinghamshire College’s apprenticeship service – Vision Apprentices – to offer careers advice on a range of vacancies.

On Wednesday 25 March, from 5pm-8pm we will be opening our doors for a specialist open event at our Nunn Brook Road site to enable prospective job applicants to find out more about the business and a range of job vacancies.

New apprentice recruits are required in electrical panel building, fabrication and welding, IT and business administration.

Tutors from Vision Apprentices will be at the event to discuss the apprenticeships, what the roles involve and there will be a tour of the factory and office facilities for guests to speak to employees, including current apprentices, engineers and administration staff about their jobs.

Anyone wishing to attend should register with college recruitment expert Lee Speed by calling 01623 627191 ext 8159 or email him at lee.speed@wnc.ac.uk

Current electrical engineering apprentice Sam Allen, 18, said: “Things are going very well for me here. I’ve just finished working with my mentor and I’m now working more independently on jobs and really enjoying things.”

Apprentice business partner Ricky Singh said: “This open event will be the perfect opportunity for people to learn more about these roles within a well-established company which specialises in switchgear and control panel applications.

“There could be the opportunity to apply for vacancies at the open evening should individuals have the pre-requisite qualifications.”

AF Careers, DevelopmentJanuary 14, 2020November 16, 2022

CPD Training

AF Switchgear recognise the importance of training and self-development throughout all walks of work life and is a proud member of the CPD Certification Service.

AF Switchgear can offer your electrical engineering or consultancy business a formal CPD seminar by one of our experts in subjects such as Forms of Separation for example.

What does CPD mean?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development.

Why do I need it?

CPD refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge and experience that you gain both formally and informally as you work beyond any initial training. It’s a record of what you

experience, learn and then apply.

CPD also ensures that you maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills you need to deliver

a professional service to your customers, clients and the community.

What are the CPD requirements?

All members must undertake a minimum of 20 hours CPD each calendar year

(January to December) of the 20 hours at least 10 hours must be a formal CPD format.

What are the benefits of CPD?

Allows you to fill gaps in your knowledge and skills to become more productive

and efficient. Builds confidence and credibility to stand out from the crowd. Helps you achieve your career goals.