An engineering firm that Alun and Angela Looker started from their home in Llanmorlais in 1966 has reached 60 years in business, still run by their family.
Cross Engineering marked the anniversary at its workshop in Penllergaer. Current and former staff, customers, suppliers and families gathered there for the celebration.
The firm moved there in 1970 to be closer to its key customer at the time, 3M. 3M’s Gorseinon Road factory closed in 2021 and is now earmarked for up to 400 homes.
Cross says it has stayed an independent Swansea business ever since.
Steelworks repairs to recycled glass art: what Cross makes in Penllergaer
The workshop takes on everything from one-off components and emergency repairs to specialist fabrication and bespoke projects.
The company says its customers include steelmakers, aerospace firms, food producers and pharmaceutical companies, among other industries.
Its waterjet cutter slices through material with a very high-pressure stream of water. It has brought in very different work, from architectural projects to commissions from artists working in stone, tile and recycled glass.
Abigail Jeffreys, the third generation, now leads Cross Engineering
Abigail Jeffreys, the third generation of the family, leads the company with her father, David Jeffreys, and her sister, Rebecca Kinahan.
Works director Andrew Phillips has been with the firm for 38 years.
Abigail said 60 years was no reason to ease off. “Sixty years gives us a lot to be proud of, but we are certainly not standing still,” she said.
She said the company was “continuing to invest in new machinery and technology”. She said a team led by Andrew Phillips and Andrew Evans had the know-how to get the most out of it.
She added: “Engineering keeps changing, and so do the challenges our customers bring to us. That is what keeps the business interesting, and there is still plenty we want to achieve.”
Staff with 30 years’ service, and apprentices coming through at Cross Engineering
David Jeffreys said several of the team had been with the company for more than 30 years. “Their knowledge, commitment and craftsmanship have been instrumental in building the reputation we’ve earned over the years,” he said.
Andrew Phillips said the firm was training new engineers as well. “We’re proud to be investing in the next generation through our apprenticeships, helping ensure we continue to develop the skills and capabilities needed for the future as technology develops,” he said.
Gower MP and Gorseinon mayor join the Penllergaer anniversary party
Rebecca Kinahan said the best part of the day was having so many people from the firm’s history in one place. “Cross has always been about its people and the relationships we build, and I think the day reflected that perfectly,” she said.
Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi was among the guests taken on a tour of the works.
Swansea Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Andrea Harrington, also attended. So did the mayor of Gorseinon, Cllr Joe Clayfield, with guests from businesses across south Wales.
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