Underwoods Steel Stockholders and Fabrications welcomes the sixth generation of the family into the company. Established in the Midlands over 135 years ago, this marks the continuation of the company’s rich legacy and commitment to serving Herefordshire & Worcestershire.
Starting to form the next era, cousins Alex, Will, and Tom Underwood take up key roles within the company. Their deep-rooted connection to the family’s longstanding tradition of excellence ensures the company’s continued growth and prosperity. Will Underwood, Director & Project Engineer, says: “Carrying on the legacy of the company gives the three of us an enormous sense of pride, but also an incredible responsibility. It’s an honour to start taking to the helm, following my father’s footsteps, and now to bring our joint learnings from previous roles and our ambitions to grow and develop the company.”
This transition marks an especially significant time for the company, as it navigated the unfortunate loss of its Managing Director, David Underwood, in 2021, followed by the tragic passing of Company Security and brother, Richard Underwood, in 2023. Despite these unexpected challenges, the dedicated and skilled team of 25 employees, which boast more than 200 years of collective service, has been instrumental in steering the company through these difficult times.
Mark emphasises the uniqueness of the family-run business in today’s landscape, stating: ” We recognise how unique and somewhat remarkable it is that we are still very much a family-run business. Operating in Worcestershire and the surrounding areas for more than 135 years, with the legacy now starting to pass over to the next generation, I know my forefathers will be very proud, as am I. That being said, like most SMEs in the UK right now, we are facing increasingly harder financial times, with ever increasing operating costs.”
However, the future holds promising opportunities for Underwoods. The company is currently undergoing accreditations, exploring e-commerce potential, and looking to expand both sides of the business.