Liverpool Manufacturer Honours Remarkable Careers Of Long Serving Engineers Amidst £2M Investment

CITY OF LIVERPOOL, LIVERPOOL CITY REGION.

Liverpool Manufacturer Honours Remarkable Careers of Long Serving Engineers Amidst £2m Investment

Steve Smedley, Production Manager (Left) joined by Robert Rice, Projects and Engineering Manager (Right) in marking their long service at ASG King & Fowler (Credit: Supplied/Image was provided to The Liverpudlian with permission to share, courtesy of the Publicist on behalf of their client. We make no claim to this content).

At ASG King & Fowler, a company with a storied history dating back to 1887, the heartbeat of success lies in the dedication and commitment of its people.

Two remarkable individuals exemplify this spirit: Production Manager Steve Smedley and Projects and Engineering Manager Robert Rice. Together, these two colleagues have devoted over a century of service to the firm, achieving milestones that inspire admiration and respect throughout the UK manufacturing community.

Steve Smedley marks his 48th year with ASG King & Fowler in 2025, having joined the company in the late 1970s. Over the decades, Steve has witnessed monumental shifts in the manufacturing industry. Reflecting on his journey, he shares that the transition from manual processes to a fully automated, data-driven environment has been transformative. However, he notes that what has not changed is the passion for quality and the sense of pride taken in every surface treatment delivered. Steve’s role in overseeing production has been critical in modernising the company’s capabilities. From a traditional workshop to a state-of-the-art aerospace surface finishing facility, his leadership and adaptability have ensured that King & Fowler remains at the forefront of the industry.

Robert Rice’s journey with ASG King & Fowler began in 1971, and in 2025 he will celebrate an astonishing 54 years of service. Reflecting on his tenure, Robert observes how, in his early years, Liverpool was a bustling hub of traditional industry. Now, the focus has shifted to precision, innovation, and adhering to the rigorous standards set by the aerospace sector. Robert’s unwavering commitment to quality and his ability to adapt to new technologies and methodologies have set a benchmark for excellence. Under his guidance, ASG King & Fowler has achieved numerous industry accolades, including Nadcap and AS9100 certifications, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in surface treatments.

Both Steve and Robert recall with pride the historic visit of Princess Margaret in 1987. This occasion marked the firm’s Centenary and highlighted its enduring contribution to Liverpool’s manufacturing heritage.

Steve Smedley fondly remembers the day, he said: “It was a proud moment for everyone involved, reinforcing the importance of our work not only to the aerospace industry but also to the local community.” Robert agrees; “The visit was a testament to the generations of employees who built the company into what it is today, standing on the shoulders of giants to maintain and grow its success.”

Today, ASG King & Fowler employs highly skilled technical, quality, and production teams, boasting an NDT Level III among its ranks. Significant investments in training and appraisal programmes ensure that the workforce continues to drive world-class quality levels. At the start of 2025, the firm is announcing the commissioning of a major investment in plant with a £2 million investment in a new Tartaric Sulphuric Anodising Line and Paint Shop, serving major customers including Airbus.

Reflecting on these remarkable milestones, Stephen Dean, Managing Director of ASG King & Fowler, shared his thoughts: “Steve and Robert are astonishing examples of dedication, expertise, and resilience, their contributions over the decades have been instrumental in shaping the company’s success. As we oversee an exciting multi-million pound programme of investment in state-of-the-art equipment and growth, having quality, seasoned & experienced campaigners like Steve and Rob is invaluable.  On behalf of everyone at ASG King & Fowler, we extend heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude for their incredible service.”

Stephen added: “As the ASG Group looks to the future, investing in the next generation of engineers and world class technology across its 8 manufacturing locations, the legacy of Steve Smedley and Robert Rice serves as a reminder of the power of dedication and the enduring impact of its exceptional people. Their stories inspire us all to aim higher and work harder, ensuring that ASG King & Fowler remains a beacon of excellence in the aerospace surface finishing industry for generations to come.”