Barum & Dewar is pleased to announce a recent contract win, working alongside a leading solutions integrator, to supply 250 cases with bespoke foam inserts to the Ministry of Defence, with whom B&D has previously supplied multiple protective packaging solutions to.

The first case has been delivered for a test fit of the components it has been designed to carry and the MoD has confirmed they were extremely impressed by the approach taken by our team and are delighted with the quality of the initial offering.

For this specific requirement, Italian manufactured GT Line Explorer cases were chosen, fitted out with custom foam inserts manufactured and installed at our foam facility in Southampton.

Following a successful test fit into the first-off work is now underway to fulfil the remainder of the contract, which will be completed by the end of the year.

Mark Speck, Regional Sales Manager, commented, “Barum & Dewar has developed a reputation within the Defence sector for our proven ability to design innovative, cost effective and performance focussed product protection solutions and this project is no different. We were delighted to win this contract based on our service and cost-effective proposal for the client and look forward to developing our relationship and supporting with additional solutions in the very near future”.

Barum & Dewar is pleased to confirm successful completion of another project for long-term client Airbus at their Portsmouth base. Airbus required a suitable case for transporting their Waveguide Lens Antennas (WGLA) which weigh approximately 1200kg. The B&D team recommended our Delta style container for this specific requirement, fitted with an interface plate with wire mounts to minimise shock and vibration inputs during transportation. Additionally, a shallow base allows ease of access and loading for the hardware, while a multi-section lid can be removed in areas where there are height restrictions. The lid can also be removed manually, an added bonus for when mechanical lifting facilities are limited.

The main benefit of using the WGLA compared to a conventional dish is its ability to multi-satellite capture, which is beneficial from a cost perspective. Additionally, the WGLA is not impacted by other issues typically associated with antennas such as signal blocking and overheating.

Mark Speck, Regional Sales Manager, commented, “Barum & Dewar is proud to work with Airbus, a leader in the Defence & Space sector, supporting with protective packaging for their latest technical innovations. Our team have extensive knowledge of the Space sector and its complex challenges and are once again delighted to support the Airbus team on their protective packaging requirements.”

We are pleased to announce that B&D Group was acquired by Macfarlane Group on the 2^nd of October 2023, marking an exciting milestone for both Barum & Dewar and our sister company, B&D Foam.

For the last 25 years, B&D has built a strong reputation for complex protective packaging solutions, working closely with customers to build long term relationships as their protective packaging partner of choice. Innovation has been at the core of B&D since our inception and this ethos drives our expansion of products and services. The sectors in which we work, primarily space, defence and aerospace, are complex and we are recognised as an industry leader for our technical expertise and product design capabilities. Our acquisition by Macfarlane will allow us to sharpen this focus even more closely, providing our customers with advanced protective packaging solutions and an even broader range of products and services.

Macfarlane Group is a leading protective packaging business operating in the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe and its wide portfolio of services and geographical coverage will enhance our offering..

Peter Atkinson, Chief Executive of Macfarlane Group, said:

“B&D is an excellent business servicing high quality customers in attractive growth sectors and complements Macfarlane’s existing specialist protective packaging activities. We look forward to working with the team at B&D to support its continued growth.”

David Frame, Managing Director of B&D, commented:

“The last 25 years has seen B&D achieve remarkable success in dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors. Our team has worked tirelessly to provide a level of service and expertise for which we have come to be renowned and I’m extremely proud of the reputation we have built. The acquisition by Macfarlane will support our growth journey over the coming years and I am delighted to continue to lead B&D into this exciting new phase.”

In the rapidly evolving world of business, where technology and innovation take centre stage, it's easy to overlook the most critical element of any business: its people. At the heart of every successful company lies a workforce that embodies the values and culture that propel it towards success. Treating people as a fundamental company value is not just a buzzword but a philosophy that fosters innovation, loyalty, and sustainable growth. As the next blog in our values series, we explore why this philosophy is so important to Barum & Dewar.

Nurturing a Positive Culture

Company values are the guiding principles that shape the behaviour and actions of employees. By embracing people as a fundamental value, we are able to cultivate a positive culture that values employees' well-being, growth, and diversity, creating a nurturing environment where our team feel motivated, appreciated, and supported.

Empowering Innovation and Creativity

People are the driving force behind innovation and creativity- two important principles required in our day-to-day business. At Barum & Dewar we encourage open communication, collaboration, and risk-taking, which are essential elements in fostering innovation and members of our team are not just seen as employees but as valuable contributors whose ideas can shape the future of our business.

Enhancing Customer Experience

Putting people first doesn't end with internal interactions; it extends to customer interactions as well. Employees who feel appreciated and valued are more likely to provide exceptional customer service, going the extra mile to meet the needs and expectations of clients. A satisfied and loyal customer base is a direct result of a workforce that understands the importance of building meaningful relationships with customers.

Sustaining Business Resilience

In times of uncertainty and change, companies with a strong people-oriented value system are better equipped to navigate challenges. When employees are engaged and committed, they are more willing to adapt, learn, and persevere during difficult times. A resilient workforce is crucial for a business to thrive in the face of adversity and remain competitive in a dynamic market.

Valuing people as a core company value goes beyond merely acknowledging their existence; it involves understanding and embracing their potential to transform businesses. The success of our business is profoundly intertwined with the well-being, growth, and happiness of its employees. By fostering a culture that puts people first, we are able to create an environment that sparks innovation, strengthens customer relationships, attracts top talent, and drives sustainable growth.

The Barum & Dewar team is delighted to be attending Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2021 between 12-15 September 2023 at ExCel London. The event creates the opportunity for the defence industry to connect in full force, through bringing together the defence community and supply chain to network and build business relationships.

DSEI 2023, in the most significant and largest iteration of the show in its 24-year history, will tackle the theme of ‘Achieving an Integrated Force’. Highlighting the pertinence of integrating across the five operational domains of Air, Cyber, electromagnetic activities (CEMA), Land, Sea and Space. Key themes being addressed at this year’s event include Agile Acquisition & Rapid Delivery, Supplier Engagement, Technology Innovation to Deliver Integrated Capabilities and Training and Talent Management.

David Frame, Managing Director, commented, “DSEI 2023 presents a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come together to discuss the most pressing issues facing us right now. The team and I are looking forward to re-connecting with contacts, visiting exhibition stands, attending the engagement forums and making new connections”.

The team will be at the conference from Tuesday to Thursday and would be delighted to meet with our valued clients and contacts. Please email d.frame@barumanddewar.com to arrange a meeting.