Swansea firm Cross Engineering has celebrated 60 years in business with an event at its Penllergaer workshop, bringing together current and former employees, past and present customers, business colleagues, and friends and family.
The business began in a garage in Gower. It was founded in 1966 by Alun and Angela Looker at their home in Llanmorlais and moved to Penllergaer four years later to work closer with its key customer at the time, 3M. It has remained an independent Swansea business since.
Third-generation family member Abigail Jeffreys now leads the company alongside her father, David Jeffreys, and her sister, Rebecca Kinahan. Works Director Andrew Phillips has been with Cross Engineering for 38 years.
Guests at the anniversary included Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi, Swansea Council Deputy Leader Councillor Andrea Harrington and Gorseinon Town Mayor Councillor Joe Clayfield, along with guests from across the South Wales business community, who toured the facilities.
“Reaching 60 years is something we are immensely proud of,” said Rebecca. “What made the celebration special was having so many of the people who have been part of Cross together in one place. We had current and former employees, customers we have worked with for many years, suppliers, friends, colleagues and our families here. Cross has always been about its people and the relationships we build, and I think the day reflected that perfectly,” she continued.
Cross takes on work ranging from one-off components and emergency repairs to specialist fabrication and bespoke projects, across industries including steelmaking, aerospace, food production and pharmaceuticals.
Its waterjet cutting capabilities have also brought in architectural and creative projects, and collaborations with artists working in materials such as stone, tile and recycled glass.
“We have been fortunate to employ some incredibly skilled and dedicated engineers, with several members of our team having been with us for more than 30 years. Their knowledge, commitment and craftsmanship have been instrumental in building the reputation we’ve earned over the years,” said David Jeffreys.
“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,” said Andrew Phillips.
Abigail said the company was looking ahead, with further investment, new projects and developing the next generation central to its plans.
“Sixty years gives us a lot to be proud of, but we are certainly not standing still,” she said. “We are continuing to invest in new machinery and technology, while the knowledge within the team, led by Andrew Phillips and Andrew Evans, allows us to get the most from that investment. 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. Whatever the challenge, our approach has always been simple: we make it happen.”
