On Thursday 25th September 2025, the United Kingdom will mark National Manufacturing Day, an annual celebration of innovation, skills, and the people who power the industry. At KnitMesh Technologies, we are proud to join the celebration and reflect on our journey as a global leader in the world of knitted wire mesh manufacturing.
Who We Are
KnitMesh Technologies is the world’s leading manufacturer of knitted wire mesh. Founded in 1957, we have been designing and producing innovative mesh solutions for more than 67 years. Our headquarters and main production centre are based in Greenfield, North Wales, where we benefit from the region’s rich industrial heritage and advanced manufacturing expertise.
To meet increasing international demand, we also operate an additional manufacturing facility near New Delhi, India. This factory plays a vital role in serving the rapidly expanding markets across Asia while ensuring that our products reach customers worldwide quickly and efficiently.
Our knitted wire mesh products are trusted across a wide variety of industries. These include hydrogen production and electrolysis, automotive, aerospace, filtration, and zoos and aviaries.
Our People
At the heart of KnitMesh Technologies are the dedicated employees who have helped us grow into the business we are today. Many of our colleagues have been with us for decades, building their careers here and shaping the culture of the company. Today, we shine a spotlight on three long-serving employees:
Angela Clancy, Production Team Leader
With over 32 years of service, Angela Clancy is one of KnitMesh Technologies’ longest-standing team members. As Production Team Leader, Angela is responsible for keeping customer orders on track and ensuring they are delivered on time. Her role includes providing lead times to the sales department, checking material stock, creating route cards for production, managing timesheets, and preparing the full documentation required for dispatch. She also supports production operators daily, making sure they have everything they need to complete their tasks.
Angela’s journey at KnitMesh Technologies began straight out of school at just 16 years old. She started on the shop floor manufacturing compressed parts, before moving on to the knitting machines where she received training on gaskets. In 2002, she became a team leader, a role she continues to hold today. Along the way, she has also gained experience in dispatch, covering both UK and export orders.
Looking back, Angela is proud of the skills and knowledge she has developed during her time with the company, particularly her deep understanding of knitted wire mesh and the many materials we work with. One of her career highlights was travelling to South Africa to help set up the production of heavy-duty scouring pads.
Angela has also witnessed major changes during her three decades at KnitMesh Technologies, from the introduction of advanced automated machinery to the company’s involvement in cutting-edge hydrogen projects. She says: “Working at KnitMesh Technologies has helped me grow into the person I am today. I have gained knowledge, been part of exciting projects, and worked alongside great people who make every day rewarding.”
Her advice to those starting in manufacturing is: “Every day is a learning day. Focus on understanding processes, commit to continuous learning, ask questions, and build strong relationships with experienced colleagues who can support you along the way.”
Aled Williams, Production Engineering Team Leader
Aled Williams has been with KnitMesh Technologies for 14 years. His career began as an apprentice, where he trained in both electrical and mechanical disciplines for four years. From there, he became a Maintenance Technician for three years, before stepping into his current role as Production Engineering Team Leader, a position he has held for the past seven years.
Aled’s role today involves arranging work for engineers, supporting maintenance challenges, and improving the productivity, development, and efficiency of machinery and automation. He explains that working at KnitMesh Technologies has given him the opportunity to do a job he loves, while also progressing his career through qualifications and hands-on experience. His work has even taken him around the world.
When reflecting on his proudest achievements, Aled highlights the strength of his team. “No matter the setback or difficulty, we work together to overcome the problems we face. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow stronger as a team,” he says. Over the years, he has witnessed significant growth in production at KnitMesh Technologies, alongside major investment in automation and efficiency.
For those beginning a career in manufacturing, Aled’s advice is simple but powerful: “Expose yourself to as many disciplines and challenges as possible, have a thirst for knowledge, and most importantly, enjoy it.”
Mark Hignett, Customer Service Coordinator
Since joining KnitMesh Technologies in January 2001, Mark Hignett has taken on a variety of roles across the business. He began his career as Production Team Leader, managing a small team producing EMI and RFI shielding products, while also TIG welding aluminium frames when required. In 2002, Mark moved into customer service for the separations division, where he handled sales quotations and order processing. By 2005, he had taken responsibility for the internal logistics team, managing export processes across several divisions, including documentation, inspections, and goods shipments.
In 2008, Mark transitioned into his current role as Customer Service Coordinator within the commercial team. Today, he works directly with customers, supporting them from the very first stages of product development through to delivery. His responsibilities include liaising with production and engineering, preparing cost breakdowns, issuing quotations, and ensuring that orders are delivered on time.
Alongside his career development, Mark has undertaken a range of professional training, including ILM Level 3 in Management, the Instep Leadership and Management Development Programme, and multiple Chamber of Commerce export documentation and trade courses.
Reflecting on his career, Mark says: “One of the best things about working at KnitMesh Technologies is the opportunity to take on new challenges. Over the years I have moved through very different roles, each of which has helped me grow professionally. No two days are ever the same, and the people here are superb to work with.”
Why We Celebrate
National Manufacturing Day is not only about machines, factories, and production lines. It is about the people who dedicate their skills and energy to creating products that shape our world. As we look ahead, we remain focused on supporting industries around the globe with high-quality solutions, while continuing to be a great place to work and grow a career in manufacturing.
Happy National Manufacturing Day 2025 from all of us at KnitMesh Technologies!