The Isle of Wight’s manufacturing economy

The Isle of Wight’s manufacturing economy is heavily influenced by its history in the marine and aerospace Industry.   Manufacturing on the Isle of Wight dates back Medieval to 18th century with Wool processing and pottery and in the 19^th Century there was a boom in Shipbuilding.  Companies like J.S White & Co ( J. Samuel White and Co Ltd.) was a large employer back in the day and Sharon who works in our Office, Father and Grandfather learnt their trade at J.S White whom later in their working career went on to be Carpenters and Joiners and her mother a Secretary was based at Saunders-Roes Limited a British aerospace and marine-engineering Company which was on the Island around the same time.

Now adays, the Island has a robust manufacturing industry which encompasses a diverse range of fields, processes, and products with a pool of skilled workers and a strong history of innovation in manufacturing.  Many of the manufacturing companies on the Island past and present have an international reputation within their field of expertise.

Ceramic Substrates was foundered in 1968 by Frederick George Blain and in 1987 George (none of us called him Frederick) uprooted the Company along with our family to the Isle of Wight.  Ceramic Substrates has been based at Lukely Works in Carisbrooke ever since. Ceramic Substrates like many other companies have had to adapt and change manufacturing processes and methods over the years but the basic foundations are still there.

Wherever possible we like to use local companies within our supplier chain.  Using local suppliers provides benefits such as reduced costs, lower carbon footprint, boost the local economy and strengthen community ties.  However, we all know that this is not always possible.

There are several local companies that we use for Health and Safety within the Factory such as Wight Materials Handling whom we rely on to keep our Forklift operational and most importantly safe and fit for purpose.  Jason from Wight Materials was on site today to carry out our Forklift service/maintenance and I am happy to report there were no failures/faults.

It also feels good when we supply local manufacturing companies with technical precision engineered ceramic components for use in their very own specialized products.