High-tech engineering firm Total Carbide has picked up another prestigious award for its dedication to the armed forces community.
The company, which makes extremely hard wearing tungsten carbide parts for a wide range of applications from hospital equipment to parts for space rockets and is a key supplier to the defence industry, picked up the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award 2021.
It means that the company is dedicated to providing employment opportunities for ex-armed forces personnel as well as supporting existing staff who are reservists and supporting veterans through fundraising and other activities. An award ceremony took place on the 1st September at Portsmouth Naval Base.
Managing director Andreas Hohmann said: “This award recognises our commitment to being a defence employer. We are dedicated to supporting the armed forces whether that is by employing ex-military personnel, a member of their family or by backing staff in their activities as reservists.
“We continue to roll out this support as much as we can, and the Silver Award will help us with recruitment and development of these hugely important activities.”
Total Carbide has held the Bronze Award in the scheme since 2017. Significantly, Andreas Hohmann is an Army Reserve and has been supported by parent company Versarien Plc in his mobilisations.
Colonel (Retired) Patrick Crowley, MBE DL, Chief Executive, South East Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) on behalf of Defence Relationship Management, MOD, and SERFCA said: “I am delighted that 48 private and public sector organisations have been awarded the Silver Award this year by the MOD. In addition, five existing Silver Award holders have been revalidated for another five years. These numbers are higher than usual, despite the background environment of the pandemic, which is brilliant. It demonstrates the importance of the Defence-Employer relationship, which is of mutual benefit to both parties.”
To be considered for a Silver award, organisations must provide five extra days leave for Reservists and have in place supportive HR policies for employees who are Veterans, Reservists, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Organisations should also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
This year, organisations include NHS trusts, educational institutions, charities, police services, fire & rescue services, councils, and a whole range of private businesses. 77 per cent are private companies, demonstrating the wide range of organisations offering support to the military community regardless of size, sector or location.
Business park manager Jayne Cannell said: “This is fantastic recognition for Total Carbide and their continuing support for the military community.
“The company is one of many on the Park involved with the defence sector which fits well with its proud heritage as a former RAF base.”
Total Carbide, part of the Versarien Plc Group, is one of the European leaders in the design and manufacture of tungsten carbide wear parts.
The company sells to a global customer base covering 40 different industries producing bespoke products for a wide spread of wear applications. These range from all aspects of the oil and gas industry through measurement tools and cutting knives to difficult complex breakthrough technology designed to cut the weight of rockets and is now the leader in providing nozzles for space propulsion and aerospace parts.
To view the awards ceremony video visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/12QW96xwv9hyJk_QxPkHoEUGDtcbKaE-k/view
Image of Total Carbide managing director Andreas Hohmann being handed the Award by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire at HMS King Alfred.
