From Factory to Field, Best Practice Day, May 2023
Tornado Wire were host to the recent AFA and AFI Fencing Best Practice Day at their manufacturing factory in Millom, over 100 contractors took advantage of the free-to-attend event.
The day kicked off with introductions from Peter Hogg, CEO of Tornado Wire and Pete Clark, CEO of the AFI, after which, one group headed off for a tour of the Tornado factory, where attendees were guided through the end-to-end manufacturing process and key quality features of different fence types. The second group were taken out to the demonstration areas, where, using Tornado’s grant approved R8/80/22 Ultimate Livestock net, experienced and respected fencing contractors demonstrated best practice in erecting strainers, strutting techniques, turners and wire work, also how to adapt techniques to different conditions.
After an elaborate lunch, the groups switched, so everyone benefitted from the factory tour and demonstrations. In addition to this the AFI promoted the importance of pre-site works checks for utilities and services, with experts in attendance.
“We had a really good day, it was great to open our doors so that our fencing visitors can see what it takes to make a Tornado fence. We got positive feedback on the enthusiasm of our team as they described all the steps they take to make quality product. Even some visitors who had visited previously commented on the investments we have made in new Torus fence capacity since they’d been before. Our team also got a lot from the day, not only could you see the pride they had describing their work, but we also got them out watching the best practice fencing demos, seeing the leading experts describe the different methods that can be used to install the fences they make every day. Our team worked really hard to organise this event, but it was definitely worth it, and I’m sure we’ll do other open days in the future. This is the second AFI Best Practice Day that Tornado has supported, and I think they are great for bringing the fencing community together to discuss techniques and improve knowledge across the industry. They will go from strength to strength I’m sure of that and Tornado will be happy to continue its support for them. Also congratulations to Liam Brewer who won a Stockade staple gun, and Bob Lancaster who won a 500m roll of R8/80/22 in the prize draw at the end of the day.” Peter Hogg, Tornado Wire CEO
“I would like to thank the main demo team of Mark Evans, Rob Bell, James Corbett, Jono Bradley, Charlie Wright, Peter Redgwell, Nic Quan, Si Gibbs, Ross Heaven, Rory Samson and Duncan Samson for explaining the techniques for best practice in strained wire fencing. I would like to thank Tornado for their continued support and all its staff for the great factory tour and wonderful hospitality. As only the second event we have built on the first and will continue to do so, as all of the comments I received have been incredibly positive, one from a competition participant who said he’d learnt a new technique sticks in my mind but all were appreciated. This proves the need for such days, the AFI with the AFA we will continue to enhance the offering.
After last year’s social media video of a contractor going through a low pressure gas main, with a lucky escape, the inclusion of Line Search Before you Dig this time was to help contractors raise the standards in the industry, and inform the industry of the tools and techniques, not just at field level, that they need to use to be safe.
As the membership of the AFI grows we are looking to engage with all contractors that have a passion to achieve the best in fencing and gain recognition for their achievements. This is why we do this event and the Fencing Awards to show that we are a skilled professional industry within the construction sector with greater talents than may other industries~.
Pete Clark of the AFI
“Had a little trip up to the lakes, visiting Tornado Wires factory to see the quality that goes into the product. I naturally assumed all wire was made the same and all the same quality however that clearly isn’t the case seeing the additional lengths tornado put into their process and quality procedures. As a fairly new fencing contractor I primarily went for the best practices to help further my knowledge in underground wire work and tie backs to use in different situations. Great day out putting faces to names thank you to the organisers and the fencers taking time out to help others striving to better themselves” Connor Topping, CT Agricultural & Groundwork Services LTD
“It was a pleasure to go to Tornado Wire Ltd and help with the best practice day. It was really busy and hopefully everyone enjoyed it. If in the industry look at the benefits you can get from being an AFI member. The more members the more we will get heard”. James Corbett, JC Countryside Ltd
“It was a great opportunity to meet our customers and get feedback and ask questions. It was also good for them to learn and understand our processes, and for us to emphasise how important customer communication is, we would rather customers contact us with any issues or concerns. There is only one thing worse than a customer complaint and that is a customer that stays quiet and goes on to buy his fencing from somewhere else next time”. Graham Pugh, Tornado Wire Team Leader / machine operator
“The open day demonstrations were brilliant, I have never seen our fencing put up in the field and it provided a great insight into the hard work involved and the importance of accuracy, quality, and high standards. I also really enjoyed meeting our customers and learning more about the trade and I feel liked they all enjoyed seeing how our fencing is made from start to finish”. David Woodend, Tornado Wire Machine Operator
“It was a real and rare pleasure to meet our customers, old and new. The genuine interest they showed in the products spurs you on to do the very best job you can for them”. Sandra Sleep, Tornado Machine Operator
The Best Practice Day was also an opportunity for Tornado to introduce the latest recruit to their sales team, Jack Bennett, Technical Sales Engineer for Ireland. Jack is a second-generation fencing contractor with 15 years’ experience, specialising in installing wire fences for various applications.
Jack started fencing with his father Tim whilst on school holidays and joined him full time at 18. Father and son worked together installing fences across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Jack then travelled to New Zealand to work for Tony White of White fencing where he built on his experience, and the skills that he had learnt in the UK.
Jack then returned to the family business in the UK and partnered with his friend Hamish to compete in the Tornado Fencing Competition at Malvern and the UK Fencing News competition at Driffield. He has recently relocated to Ireland and has taken the opportunity to join the Tornado team where he is looking forward to starting the next chapter in his fencing career.
It was a pleasure to host our visitors and support the Association of Fencing Industries Best Practice day on Wednesday 24th May. For those of you who didn't make it please keep in touch or follow us on our social channels as there will be other opportunities in the future.