Owen Sails
John Grant at Owen Sails tells us how their graduate Ian has brought a fresh wind into their company.
What is your company background?
Owen Sails was established in 1984 and is now Scotland’s largest sailmaker and one of the major players in the UK market. We are still passionate about our UK manufacturing facility in a climate where many others outsource their production. In 2003, a new 7800 sq ft sail loft was built in Benderloch and is now the sole production facility for us.
Owen Sails manufacture yacht sails, produce canvas products, upholstery, rigging, and many other products for yachts. In addition to the manufacture of products, we also offer a repair service for all of the above. Every winter, some 1500 sails are laundered and repaired.
What is your graduate involved in?
Ian's brief was the research and possible implementation of tensile fabric architecture software to our current in-house design setup. To date he has completed his overview of the whole business, is continuing software research, and has prepared a report on the viability of the software implementation.
What benefits have you had from employing a graduate?
A fresh outlook on current techniques employed, application of his education to our processes, and an almost guaranteed level of intelligence.
What knowledge and skills has the graduate brought to your organisation?
Ian has brought a good understanding of engineering techniques and practices to the business. He also has a very up-to-date appreciation of IT, in particular the benefits of pro-active and well maintained websites.