Swagelok Limited is one of the Isle of Man’s largest employers and exporters and has invested millions of pounds into an advanced manufacturing base that makes a major contribution to the Island’s economy and showcases its skilled workforce.
Swagelok designs and makes fluid system products that we depend on to support our everyday lives. These products are used by market leading companies producing commodities such as fuel (for transportation and heating), food and drink and many others.
Companies that process hazardous fluids such as oils, gases and chemicals buy Swagelok products because they are specifically designed to prevent any kind of leak or fluid escaping into the environment.
Swagelok products are designed and used to support this wide range of needs in the safest and most environmentally friendly ways possible, using the most advanced technology available.
In the manufacturing process, potentially harmful wastes (e.g. oils, solvents and particulates) are segregated and disposed of via the energy from waste plant. Swagelok takes great care to ensure that there is no environmental contamination resulting from its manufacturing operations.
Waste metals are also segregated. High value metals (exotic alloys and solids) are recycled. Low value metals (steel and swarf) are skipped and collected by responsible scrap metal specialists. Carbide (cutting tools) are recycled.
Electricity usage is constantly monitored using Manx Utilities’ Energy Eye software. Swagelok employs local energy consultants to identify ways to reduce consumption. Several projects are complete and others underway and planned. Energy wastage has been reduced by 60% in a year (to September 2018).
Oil mists are filtered from all CNC machines to prevent contamination of the air. A sophisticated HVAC system constantly filters and cycles the air in the factory. Oil usage is minimised by continual oil and coolant concentration analysis.
At Swagelok’s Tromode premises, plastic cups have been replaced with paper and vending machines have been reset to allow use of normal mugs.
Swagelok has invested in a waste compactor and the compressed general waste is sent to the energy from waste plant and not to land fill.
Swagelok regularly surveys its employees to seek feedback on how they feel about working for the company. This drives improvements in facilities, values and behaviours. Swagelok runs a wellbeing initiative that focuses on improving its employees’ physical and mental health.
The company supports employees to undertake further and higher education and partners with University College Isle of Man for the manufacturing apprenticeship, employing several apprentices each year.
Swagelok employees play leading roles in such organisations and initiatives as the Chamber of Commerce Council, the Chamber’s Engineering and Manufacturing Committee, the Engineering Sector Skills Group, the Awareness of Careers in Engineering initiative, the IoM Aerospace Cluster, the Business Isle of Man Agency and Junior Achievement. They also play lead roles with local charities and engage in fund-raising activities.
Swagelok’s own social club organises many activities within the community.
The company also sponsors different community projects every year, voted for by employees, providing both funding and volunteer time.
Engineering is a strong part of the Island’s cultural heritage and Swagelok employees have strong connections with motorsport and engagement with motorcycle clubs, the cycling fraternity and the steam and model railway communities.
