A Stoke-on-Trent door manufacturer has announced that its Managing Director will be stepping down at the end of this year.
David Lycett, who founded Longton-based Robust UK 26 years ago will instead be taking on an advisory role throughout 2024.
He will oversee the company’s smooth transition to the new premises. Later this year Robust UK will relocate to their £6.5m manufacturing facility in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Ian Johns, who has been Operations Director for Robust since 2022, will take on the role of Managing Director from 1st Jan 2024.
Ian joined Robust as an interim appointment but has decided to stay on in with the business permanently. He has more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing and has previously held senior positions in both operations and management.
David said:
“Ian has proven to be a valuable asset to Robust since he joined the company, and we are confident that he will be a great leader in the years to come. I am also grateful to the entire Robust team for their hard work and dedication over the years. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am excited to see what the future holds for the company.”
Ian added:
“I am delighted to be invited to take on the role of Managing Director of Robust. I am keen that the team continue to build on the company’s success and take Robust to the next level. I am grateful to David for his leadership and guidance and will be making use of his knowledge while he remains with the business throughout 2024.”
Robust UK is relocating from its current base in Sutherland Road, Longton to the multi million pounds production site on Lymedale Business Park in a move which will nearly double its size and see it become a world class manufacturing site.
The firm which manufactures more than 25,000 door sets every year to customers across the UK, has more than 40 years’ experience in making custom-made steel door solutions. Robust, who became part of the Novoferm Group in 2019, supply an extensive product range to the commercial and industrial sectors, all designed and manufactured on-site at their current factory. They currently employ 150 staff, but that number is growing.
