Union Industries

Union Industries, the Leeds-based, employee-owned manufacturer of high-speed industrial doors, has continued its commitment to supporting its local community with a £600 donation to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

Each year, the company reserves funds that can be donated to a worthy cause, which is selected by Union’s employee council.

This annual donation is part of the highly collaborative approach that the company, which became employee-owned in 2014, takes to its business.

Employees come together to select a local charity or organisation, which benefits the Leeds and Yorkshire community.

This year’s donation supports the YAA's "Golden Hour" initiative, a crucial period where the prompt response of the air ambulance can have a significant impact on patient survival and outcomes.

The YAA, an independent charity, plays a vital role in delivering a rapid response emergency service to more than five million people across four million acres of Yorkshire, covering both urban and rural areas.

This essential service operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, ensuring that critical medical assistance reaches those in need swiftly. The YAA currently attend well over 1,700 incidents a year - an average of four every day.

Craig Maxwell, from Union Industries’ employee council, said: “By contributing to the YAA, we continue the tradition of supporting local charities and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Our dedication to the community and our colleagues’ active involvement exemplifies the spirit of giving back and fostering positive change.”

Helen Berriman, regional fundraiser for YAA, said: "We are immensely grateful to Union Industries for its generous donation. This support directly contributes to our daily fundraising target of £19,000 required to keep our fleet of helicopters maintained and operational, enabling us to provide vital emergency services to those in need across Yorkshire."

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF UNION INDUSTRIES

For further information contact Jamie Collis 01325 363436

Editors’ Notes:

From its origins as a tarpaulin maker and repairer, Leeds-based Union Industries manufactures a range of industrial products, including its market-leading range of High Speed Industrial Rapid Rise Doors that are commonly regarded as the best in industry. The current range includes the Ramdoor, Bulldoor, Matadoor, Lion Door, Picadoor and the unique Eiger Freezer Door.

These fast-acting doors are installed in distribution centres, warehouses, factories and storage facilities to improve logistics and save heat loss for companies across the UK and Europe. Its portfolio of clients includes BAE Systems, Lidl, Tesco, Cummins, Aldi Stores, TRW, Lidl, Jaguar Land Rover.

In 2014 its founders, Paul and Isobel Schofield, took the decision to safeguard the future of the company in Leeds, by selling their majority share to the Union Industries Employee Ownership Trust.

Under Union Industries’ Employee Ownership scheme, every employee is awarded an equal share of the business. New starters who join the company are also given shares after 12 months of employment.

Although Union Industries has always boasted a committed workforce, becoming Employee Owned has further empowered its team; everyone now also has an added financial incentive as a result of an annual tax-free bonus.