A successful manufacturing company based in Suffolk is appealing for other businesses to support its drive attract more young people into the sector.

Timberwolf, which makes chipping and shredding machines in Stowmarket, has already teamed up with Suffolk One, the college for 16- to 19-year-olds in Ipswich, to offer work placements for engineering students.

And Patrice Love, Timberwolf’s director for marketing and human resources and a champion of educating young people about the importance of manufacturing, has now issued a call for other like-minded businesses to become involved.

“I’m passionate about manufacturing and making a difference in this industry, and I’ve decided to channel this enthusiasm by working with young people and encouraging them to consider a career in this field,” she said.

“Similar to apprenticeships, we’re looking for businesses or individuals who would be willing to work with us to offer mentorships, work experience or guidance to young students.”

Timberwolf and Suffolk One have also been playing an active part in Suffolk County Council’s “Raising the Bar’ initiative and will be using this platform to encourage business interest and engagement to help bridge the skills gap, with the eventual aim being to create an on-going Anglia Manufacturing Forum.

The forum would aim to deal with a wide range of issues common to manufacturing companies within the region, such as how to change the image of manufacturing in order to encourage careers in the sector and sharing best practice in areas such as export and skills.

Jenny Milsom, vice principal at One said: “We really want to encourage more manufacturing-based employers to follow Timberwolf’s lead and to show what a viable, interesting career option manufacturing can be.

“We are planning to hold the first event at One sometime in the autumn to bring together exciting, forward-thinking individuals to create a manufacturing forum where we can all really make a difference in our region.”

Patrice Love added: “What we’re hoping to create is a community of like-minded people who want to engage and inspire another generation but to also ensure that manufacturing thrives within the East of England. We need to help each other in order to create rapid growth and maintain skills within the region.”

To register interest, email: Patrice@timberwolf-uk.com .