10 Years of Leadership: Dr Andy Wilson Reflects on a Decade at BCW Treatments
This year marks a decade since Dr Andy Wilson took the reins as Managing Director at BCW Treatments Ltd. During this time, he has steered the company through rapid growth, advanced technical development, and major industry change. From leading R&D initiatives to achieving ISO certifications and expanding service offerings, Andy’s impact has helped shape BCW Treatments into a key partner for some of the UK’s most demanding sectors, including aerospace, defence, and electrified transport.
We sat down with Andy to reflect on his journey, the challenges faced, and the innovations driving the future of surface treatments.
Looking back over the past decade, what were your initial goals when you joined BCW Treatments, and how have they evolved?
“I wanted to join a business where decisions were dynamic and quickly acquiesced.”
Andy joined BCW Treatments with a clear vision: to be part of an agile and responsive organisation capable of moving at the pace of its customers. Over the past ten years, that initial goal has evolved into a broader mission, building a technically advanced, vertically integrated surface treatment partner that delivers on quality, speed, and customer value. This adaptability has allowed BCW Treatments to remain competitive in a fast-changing global landscape.
What are some of the standout achievements or milestones you're most proud of during your time as Managing Director?
“Developing and validating novel new processes and partnering with UK academic institutions. Significant growth in the business and our service offerings, with further investment planned.”
Under Andy’s leadership, BCW Treatments has significantly expanded its capabilities. Starting with just one treatment process, the company now offers five, with a pipeline of future developments underway. From powder coating to dielectric coating for EV battery applications, each process has been developed to meet the evolving requirements of Tier 1 manufacturers.
Andy has also forged collaborative partnerships with leading UK universities, accelerating innovation and unlocking new approaches to corrosion protection, material performance, and coating sustainability.
From a technical perspective, how has the surface treatment industry changed over the past 10 years and how has BCW Treatments adapted?
“Economic and sustainability challenges are the one and only current challenge. We’ve adapted alongside our customers, supporting vertical integration and understanding their requirements.”
The surface treatment industry has undergone significant shifts, driven largely by economic uncertainty, environmental legislation, and heightened sustainability expectations. Andy has ensured BCW Treatments remains aligned with customers by supporting their ESG goals and vertically integrated supply chain strategies. This means not only adapting existing services but proactively investing in new solutions that reduce lead times, minimise waste, and meet the highest quality standards.
BCW Treatments recently achieved ISO 9001 certification for anodising at the Wellingborough site. Can you share what that process involved and why it's significant for the business?
“Efficient business and quality systems are an important quality guarantee for current and future business opportunities.”
Achieving ISO 9001 certification for anodising at BCW’s Wellingborough site marks a critical milestone. It reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to quality assurance, process control, and continuous improvement. For customers, it provides confidence in the reliability and repeatability of BCW’s processes, especially important in regulated sectors like aerospace and defence.
You’ve been involved in some major R&D and government-funded projects. What role do innovation and sustainability play in your vision for BCW Treatments?
“Next-generation thinking is key to our business model.”
Innovation is embedded in the BCW Treatments DNA. Through R&D projects supported by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the company is exploring next-generation coatings and sustainable processes tailored to electric vehicles, lightweight materials, and recyclability. Andy sees innovation and sustainability not as standalone goals, but as essential to long-term competitiveness.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced as Managing Director, and how did you overcome them?
“Navigating global challenges such as the pandemic, semiconductor shortages, geopolitical conflicts, and economic uncertainty has been no easy task. What’s made a real difference is being part of a wider group with a clear vision and strong board-level support. While each of the three companies in the Group experiences its own market cycles, that shared direction and financial stability have allowed us to adapt and stay focused on the bigger picture.”
Leading a business through a decade marked by global disruption is no small feat. From the COVID-19 pandemic and semiconductor shortages to geopolitical instability and economic volatility, Andy has faced challenges that have reshaped global supply chains and customer expectations.
His response has been both pragmatic and people-focused—maintaining close collaboration with customers, encouraging internal resilience, and fostering a culture of innovation. Being part of the wider BCW Group has also provided critical stability. With three companies operating across different stages of the manufacturing lifecycle, fluctuations are inevitable, but the Group’s shared vision and financial strength have enabled BCW Treatments to continue investing in new processes, remain agile, and deliver consistent value to customers across aerospace, defence, and electrified transport sectors.
How important is collaboration across the wider BCW Group, and how does that help you deliver value to customers in aerospace, defence, and EV sectors?
“Collaboration is key as a group. The ultimate goal is to be a complete vertically integrated solution partner.”
Being part of BCW Group allows BCW Treatments to offer customers a full-service solution, spanning design, machining, assembly, and surface treatments. This collaboration creates shorter lead times, better quality control, and improved cost efficiency for customers operating in mission-critical environments. Cross-functional teamwork across the Group is essential to delivering this value.
What developments in technology or surface treatment processes are you most excited about for the future?
“We always look ahead. We work with customers to understand their problems and support solving them across multiple sectors.”
While Andy remains tight-lipped on specifics, he emphasises that future investments will be driven by customer needs, industry demand, and sector diversification. Whether it’s EV battery enclosures, aircraft components, or off-highway vehicles, BCW Treatments remains committed to developing agile, data-driven solutions that meet tomorrow’s requirements.
As a leader with a technical background, how do you balance the demands of operational management with engineering innovation?
“Spend an hour on the FLT to gather my thoughts. Always go back to the factory floor and talk to the team.”
Andy credits his hands-on leadership style and technical grounding as key strengths. He believes in staying connected to the shop floor, understanding the day-to-day challenges of the team, and using that insight to guide innovation and decision-making. It’s a philosophy built on humility, curiosity, and continuous learning.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in surface treatments or looking to move into a leadership role in manufacturing?
“Test the water first, talk to the right people. Find something you enjoy and have a passion for learning.”
Andy encourages young professionals to explore different areas, ask questions, and stay open to learning. “I spent seventeen years at university before I got a proper job,” he jokes, “and it didn’t do me any harm!” His advice? Follow your interests, build your knowledge base, and don’t be afraid to take the long road to find the right fit.
Looking ahead
As BCW Treatments continues to grow, Dr Andy Wilson remains focused on driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. With a proven track record, a passionate team, and a clear commitment to customer success, the next decade looks just as ambitious, and exciting – as the last.
To understand how BCW Treatments can support your manufacturing requirements call 07970 437 900
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