The newly launched Made in the South West initiative held its first official factory tour this week at David Salisbury’s impressive facility in Somerset. The event marked a significant milestone for the region’s manufacturing sector, bringing together founding members of Made in the South West, David Salisbury team members, and industry leaders for a deep dive into craftsmanship, innovation, and the future of manufacturing in the South West.
The morning began in the boardroom with breakfast, coffee, and an opportunity for attendees to network and connect. Tony Mattravers officially opened the event, leading a roundrobin session where each member introduced themselves and their business.
This was followed by an engaging talk from Andrew Clarke, Manufacturing Director at David Salisbury. Andrew's passionate and upbeat presentation perfectly captured the company’s family-oriented culture and the enthusiasm that drives their work. His deep respect for the company’s founder was evident throughout, highlighting a business built on shared values, craftsmanship, and a genuine sense of pride.
Jason Pitt from the Made in Group also addressed the gathering, welcoming new members and sharing the wider vision for the South West.
“The South West has a larger manufacturing base than many realise,” said Jason. “We are proud to not just launch a new region but to have that region firmly rooted in the South West through our partnership with the team behind SWMAS, a highly respected manufacturing support organisation. The Made in the South West team is predominantly made up of engineers, which gives us a highly technical dimension. Combined with our model of publishing knowledge and lobbying, we aim to elevate the voice of the South West and its manufacturers.”
Following the introductions, attendees split into groups for a guided tour of the David Salisbury factory. Team members led visitors around the facility, the tours were led by Stephen Carpenter and Andrew Clarke, showcasing a site where modern production technology blends seamlessly with traditional joinery skills. There was a particular focus on sustainability, with features such as biomass systems that repurpose wood waste for fuel and electrostatic paint spraying lines designed to dry faster and reduce material waste.
The walk through the shop floor also revealed the company’s commitment to nurturing multi-skilled employees. Many of the staff have progressed through various departments over the years, in a style akin to traditional apprenticeships, fostering flexibility and deep technical understanding.
Returning to the boardroom, the group was treated to a presentation on one of David Salisbury’s most unique assets: its in-house developed software. Written by the company’s founder, David Salisbury, this bespoke platform enables rapid conversion of architectural designs into production-ready components.
This proprietary system significantly enhances productivity, allowing for seamless transfer of design data to machines and third-party suppliers. For example, the software can export detailed specifications for custom glazing directly to manufacturers, eliminating manual input errors and ensuring precision.
David Salisbury himself began his journey by handling every role in the business, from design to delivery. This hands-on foundation is reflected in the company culture today, where deep knowledge and a multi-disciplinary approach are evident at every level.
One key theme that emerged from the event was legacy. As one team member put it: “We want people to be able to say, ‘My dad or granddad used to work here.’ That’s the kind of business we’re building.” The company’s long-term vision is not just about product innovation but about creating lasting careers and pride in craftsmanship.
Looking ahead, the company also discussed the new challenges facing the industry, including changing building regulations and the UK Government’s new home standard due in 2025. These evolving requirements around energy efficiency, particularly in glazed structures, pose both a challenge and an opportunity.
To adapt, David Salisbury has already embarked on a bold pivot: expanding into bespoke solid timber kitchens. Over the past two years, this strategic diversification has been a demanding but ultimately successful evolution, positioning the company to meet future consumer demands while maintaining its commitment to fine joinery.
Attendees were also given a behind-the-scenes look at the digital design workflow. From initial customer surveys to 3D renders and virtual reality previews, every stage of the process is managed with precision and care. Millie Bright, from the 3D design team, demonstrated how photo-realistic renders help customers visualise their projects before a single piece of timber is cut. The software, Enscape, allows the company to present high-quality visuals and even VR walk-throughs for more complex or listed-building projects.
Steve and his colleagues from the processing department walked guests through how David’s bespoke software translates design drawings into machine-ready data. Once the design is approved, every element, from windows and pilasters to roofing structures, is automatically quantified and coded. This level of automation means that entire structures can be processed in days rather than weeks, without ever needing to build a prototype on the factory floor.
One striking example shared during the event was how roof components are simulated digitally before being cut, eliminating waste and reducing lead times. Glass measurements are derived directly from the software, enabling instant ordering and perfect alignment on site. This "draw it, make it, ship it" process has become central to the company's operational model.
As the event concluded, attendees enjoyed some final networking over pastries and refreshments. Suggestions were also shared about collaboration opportunities, including working with universities and tapping into knowledge transfer partnerships to develop bespoke software solutions at a fraction of the commercial cost.
The first Made in the South West tour successfully showcased what makes regional manufacturing so special: a blend of tradition and innovation, driven by passionate people who are deeply invested in their work. David Salisbury’s journey, from a founder writing code at his kitchen table to a national leader in bespoke timber products, set the perfect tone for the future of Made in the South West.