About us

The History of Bluemay Limited

Bluemay was started from scratch, almost literally on the kitchen table, by Bob and Val Butcher in 1973. From very humble beginnings we have built an outstanding reputation for expertise in the production of nylon threaded rod, fasteners, and custom plastic injection mouldings. Right from the start, the focus was and continues to be on getting high-quality product to customers on time.

Originally production started in the family garage before renting a window-less stone building in Devizes. From there Bob and Val moved their small business to further basic premises where they built internal contiboard rooms to accommodate ‘an office’ and ‘production’. Following a large order from the Middle East several years later, it became possible to make the first purchase of a modest building in Devizes at Lower Wharf, sandwiched between the old Assize Courts and the Kennet and Avon Canal. The site was rebuilt in stages to provide purpose-built production, storage and office accommodation. Continued growth saw the purchase and move to the 6-acre current site, initially with basic buildings, at Sells Green.

Bob and Val were joined by son-in-law Martin Norman in 1985 as Company Secretary and by daughter Melanie in 1986, both of whom joined the board of Directors in July 1994.

Amongst the business acquisitions made over the years, the most significant so far is that of Weston Manufacturing Co. in 1988. Renamed Bluemay Weston Ltd, this business specialises in the manufacture of punched and water jet cut non-metallic washers, shims, gaskets and liners.

While Val Butcher died in 2020 and Bob passed away in 2022, Melanie and Martin have built on the impressive business foundations and implemented a major management restructuring and empowerment programme alongside a huge commitment to a far reaching investment programme. 2026 has seen the appointment of third-generation family members Sebastian Norman, Laurence Norman and Robert Wakem as non-executive Directors.

We now have plans for a new purpose-built production hall to match the modern warehouse and office accommodation on site, with careful planning to ensure that goods continue to be manufactured and despatched on time to the highest standard during the construction period, scheduled for 2027.

People

The ethos on which Bluemay was developed relied on staff wellbeing and looking after the team, and this continues today. Whether it is a motivational bacon butty, a fun social event, long service awards or compassionate caring for staff when they face troubled times, people have been and continue to be the heart of Bluemay.

Visionary investment in staff training and community building over the decades included outward bound courses, tall ships sail training, management brainstorming on high-altitude Swiss Alpine walks, public speaking, driving lessons, technical production training, the then Industrial Society specialised training courses, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital by walking the Kennet and Avon canal from London to Devizes, as well as regular vocational training. As a result, Bluemay won The National Small Business Efficiency Award in 1985 and National Training Awards in 1986 and 1995 (following which Martin Norman served for many years as a South West Judge and Regional Panel Chair for National Training Awards).

People have stayed with us and shown tremendous loyalty as well as enjoying long-term careers. We celebrate long service awards every year, for 10, 20, 30 and 40 years with the Company. Currently, we have 5 staff with a 40-year award and will soon have to think about an award for half a century!

What our people say

“I have been on quite a few training courses, from hiking in Switzerland, being a crew member on the Sir Winston Churchill schooner and attending a day training course at Oxford university. These all helped me to grow and become a better team player, manager and a better person. Loved them all.”

“After many years as a long-standing member of the team, I feel incredibly grateful for the support, kindness and understanding shown to me during a difficult personal time. The compassion and encouragement I received from my colleagues meant more than I can put into words. Knowing that I was supported not only as a colleague, but as a person, made such a meaningful difference during a challenging period. I’m truly thankful to be part of a team that shows such care.”

“In my few years at Bluemay so far I have been made to feel very welcome, part of a family team so much so that I love coming to work every day”