07/07/2026
Castings Technology marks double induction at Company of Cutlers
Castings Technology has celebrated a double induction at the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, with two employees welcomed into the 400-year-old Sheffield trade guild.
Dave Leary, commercial lead, was inducted as a Freeman, while Curtis Oxborough, training and development manager, was welcomed as an Associate Freeman.
Incorporated by act of Parliament in 1624, the Company of Cutlers is one of the UK's oldest trade guilds and remains the voice of manufacturing for the South Yorkshire region, with the Master Cutler representing our industrial heartland in the City of London and internationally.
Dave Leary brings two decades of experience across metals, precision machining, rail and aerospace to his role at Castings Technology, having begun his career in banking before moving into manufacturing sales and business development. Dave, whose father worked across the region's steel, forging and casting sectors, was inducted as a Freeman in recognition of his position at a manufacturing organisation operating in South Yorkshire.
Dave said: "As a Sheffield boy, I'm proud of the talent and capability that South Yorkshire and the rest of the UK has within engineering and manufacturing. We've been pioneers of so much and I believe we can continue to be.”
Castings Technology is a leading UK manufacturer of titanium castings and is developing one of the world’s largest capacity titanium foundries at its new facility in Shepcote Lane, Sheffield.
Curtis Oxborough joined Castings Technology five years ago as a melting operative and has since progressed to training and development manager, leading the company's induction programme for new recruits. He was welcomed as an Associate Freeman in recognition of his developing career and potential as a future senior leader in manufacturing.
The Associate Freeman route was established to support those developing their careers with a view to becoming senior leaders in manufacturing, providing access to mentoring, peer networks and dedicated events within the Cutlers community.
The Cutlers network extends beyond manufacturing, encompassing professionals from finance, legal and other service sectors which support industrial growth.
Both were inducted by the Master Cutler, Professor Keith Jackson, and supported by four fellow Freemen at Castings Technology – Richard Cook, managing director, Kevin Parkin, executive chairman, Shaun Smith, chief commercial officer, and Claire Taylor Foster, marketing consultant.
Richard Cook, managing director, said: Castings Technology has celebrated a double induction at the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, with two employees welcomed into the 400-year-old Sheffield trade guild.
The inductions reflect a period of significant growth at Castings Technology, which is investing £18 million in its manufacturing capabilities and workforce talent to meet rising demand from global customers across aerospace, defence and energy.
