After a successful spell at Universal Welding Alloys (UWA), Craig Elliott founded West Country Welding Supplies and filled a need in the market for a technical welding and service supplier. Due To greater career prospects, welding schools saw a rise of applications during this time. Westcoweld capitalised on this with the introduction of Fast Track Training.

Based in Bristol, a garage for a warehouse and armed with a van, Westcoweld supported local customers with technical back-up and same day deliveries.

Our first orders were coming in, with Craig working hard to offer quality products and exceptional service. Many of these customers we still deal with now!

Gareth Johnson joined the team, with a wealth of experience and knowledge, this would complete the duo that grew Westcoweld from its humble beginnings.

The purchase of a Mobile phone, fax machine and large kitted out Mercedes van made it possible to offer a same say delivery service, which would lead to larger orders being won…

Westcoweld were the sole supplier to the contractors carrying out repairs to the decking on the first Severn crossing, Craig and Gareth were on call 24 hours a day.

The demand for supplies and increased service growth meant after 4 years it was time to leave the garage behind. A new premesis was rented in Keynsham and Westcoweld hired a travelling salesman.

To supply the local welding companies, Westcoweld opened a well stocked Trade Counter and also expanded their hire department.

Working closely with the suppliers has always been important to Westcoweld, and attending trade shows together strengthened our partnerships.

To meet customer demand, Westcoweld expanded their service and repair department offering on site repairs, and servicing of all types of welding equipment. This would become an important part of the business.

Westcoweld was now a ‘homeowner’. The once, rented warehouse in Keynsham was purchased.

Home computers with internet was growing and now company’s were no longer restricted to the local area. A click of a button and businesses could advertise all across the region. With this in mind, Westcoweld created their first website.

With sales pouring in, Westcoweld expanded once more and purchased a second warehouse, along with several specialist employees.

The largest order to date, Supply and Install 13 argon welding chambers to a leading aerospace manufacturer in Bristol. This project was a milestone for Westcoweld, and a perfect example of our advise, supply, install and support offering for our customers.

Following growing success of online sales, an EBAY store was opened and still continues to drive sales today.

The team now consisted of 5 Office staff, 4 Salesman, 2 Stores assistants, 2 engineers, 2 drivers 2 accountants and a purchaser. This team would go on to achieve amazing things by working together.

Large orders still kept coming in, with many customers choosing Westcoweld to fulfil all their requirements.

The trade counter got a much needed update, now showing off suppliers such as EWM, Lincoln, Bohler welding, Hypertherm, 3M, and many more…

Another large project in the area that would test our technical knowledge and customer service.

Once again we were on call around the clock, to support the largest construction site in the world.

38 years later and the team has grown and Westcoweld has a new owner.

Whilst the ownership may have changed, the company ethos remains the same, excellent service, technical advice and the customer comes first.