Following the management buyout of William Cook Defence Ltd and William Cook Intermodal Ltd in late 2006, manufacturing giant ASTRUM has seen a 20% increase in turnover. As a result of this success, the company has invested in a state-of-the-art communications infrastructure for its head office in Stanhope in order to better serve its customer needs.
Representing an investment nearing £20k, Executel’s telephony solution has provided a future-proof and reliable IP backbone from which ASTRUM can grow its voice and data network as the company continues to expand and evolve. PC-based softphones have also been deployed thus enabling remote workers to connect to the corporate voice and data network regardless of their location.
Of the contract win, Stephen McNickle, Executel account manager said: “The incredible business success and subsequent expansion that ASTRUM has experienced in recent years had resulted in the need for a flexible communications platform which can accommodate growth. We have therefore provided the firm with a scalable solution which can be adapted and extended to suit future needs.
"ASTRUM has built itself an excellent reputation in the North East over the past 60 years and we are delighted to have contributed to its ongoing success by providing the technology needed to help drive the business forward.”
Established in 1940, ASTRUM (UK) Ltd manufactures cast steel products for the Defence, Intermodal transportation and Earth Moving markets. For the Defence market the company produces track systems and running gear products, including road wheels, suspension castings, sprockets and other essential structural castings for a range of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs). Customers include the Ministry of Defence, overseas governments and AFV original equipment manufacturers.
Mike Orchard, purchasing manager for the firm, added: “Executel’s communications solution has proved a good fit for Astrum. It has simplified communication both for those working within the business and for employees operating off site. It also gives us growth capacity for further expansion.”
Executel is the North East’s leading supplier of cutting-edge voice and data solutions. The firm currently employs a 41-strong workforce and has recently doubled the size of its Tyneside operation, adding a further 2,500 sq ft to its headquarters at the Metro Centre in Gateshead.