The founder of an engineering company which counts pop group Take That among its customers is handing over the reins to his son.

Eastern Daily Press: The 60ft OM which featured in Take That's Progress tour was part-built and assembled by staff at Thetford-based firm Warren Services. Picture: c/o Warren ServicesThe 60ft OM which featured in Take That's Progress tour was part-built and assembled by staff at Thetford-based firm Warren Services. Picture: c/o Warren Services (Image: Archant)

Richard Bridgman, chairman of Thetford-based Warren Services, will make way to concentrate on developing talent in engineering locally and nationally.

Meanwhile, his son Will, the current managing director, is aiming to drive the business forward by making better use of technology.

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The firm carries out design, welding, fabrication and precision milling projects and wants to tackle more complex projects as it continues to grow.

Will Bridgman said: 'I want to keep the company at the forefront of new digital technology that is driving the next industrial revolution. We are aiming for 50% growth in the next three years.'

General manager and director Clive Poyner will be stepping into the managing director role as part of the changes.

Richard Bridgman, who founded Warren Services with his wife Sharon in 1990, will continue to help develop new business but will also have more time to focus on developing the next generation of engineers.

He was chair of skills council SEMTA East of England for many years, is a regional advisory board member of manufacturers' organisation EEF, is on the New Anglia LEP Skills Board and works with West Suffolk College.

'I have been devoted to growing Warren Services for 27 years, and to developing the engineering skills training industry for almost as long,' he said.

'It is time to hand the reins on to Will and Clive, where the company wants to grow, exploit new markets, and adopt more of the new digital technology that manufacturers now have access to. I know they will do a great job.'

Some of the firm's projects include a 20-metre tall robotic man for pop band Take That's Progress tour and work for Rolls Royce. Among its current work at the business's two Thetford sites is the daily manufacture of 12 balconies for luxury apartments around London, automated foldable buildings, and projects for theatres internationally.

The company, which has a turnover of £6.5m and employs 95 people, has even built animatronic dinosaurs.

'If it can be fabricated, machined, welded, connected and assembled – we can make it,' said Will Bridgman.

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