A Day of Discovery: Inspiring Future Talent at Kewell Converters’ Open Day

Celebrating innovation, people, and possibilities on National Manufacturing Day 2025

On 26 September 2025, Kewell Converters opened the doors of its Edenbridge factory to students and local businesses as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day, a nationwide celebration of British industry and innovation.

From the moment guests arrived, the factory buzzed with energy. Visitors explored the journey from sheet foam to finished product, discovering how advanced technologies such as CNC routing, waterjet cutting, and lamination transform ideas into precision-engineered solutions. But more than the machines, it was the people and their passion that made the biggest impression.

Hands-on learning and real-world insight

The morning began with students from East Surrey College, who immersed themselves in the world of foam conversion. They met engineers, designers, and technicians, learning how creativity, collaboration, and digital design all play a part in modern manufacturing.

For many, it was their first experience inside a working UK manufacturing facility, and their feedback spoke volumes. Students described the day as excellent, eye-opening, and inspiring, with several saying it changed their perception of what an engineering career could look like.

Seeing the full production journey from CAD design to quality control helped connect the dots between what they learn in the classroom and how those skills translate into real jobs in engineering, operations, logistics, and technical sales.

People at the heart of production

Throughout the day, visitors met the faces behind the factory floor, including Lucy, who balances family life with her role in finishing and assembly; Chloe, who has built her technical confidence in sales and customer care; and Jordan, who transitioned into production engineering through curiosity and on-the-job learning.

Their stories reflected a clear message: manufacturing is for everyone. At Kewell Converters, diversity and inclusion are part of daily life, showing that opportunity in British manufacturing is open to anyone with drive and creativity.

Connecting education, industry, and community

In the afternoon, the focus turned to collaboration. Local employers, supply chain partners, and community representatives joined tours and demonstrations, seeing first-hand how specialist foam conversion supports sectors such as aerospace, defence, healthcare, and industrial engineering.

Opening doors to the future

Kewell Converters’ Open Day wasn’t just about showcasing what we do; it was about inspiring the next generation of makers. It demonstrated that a career in UK manufacturing can be as diverse as it is rewarding, whether in design, production or quality assurance.

For those who visited, it was a glimpse into the innovation, skill, and teamwork that define not only Kewell Converters but the wider British manufacturing community.

Interested in shaping the future of British manufacturing?

Get in touch with Kewell Converters to explore opportunities, partnerships, and careers today.