As we approach the final weeks of 2025, it is a fitting time to reflect on what has been another outstanding year for MTL Advanced. With our annual Christmas shutdown fast approaching, we will be closing at the end of the day on 23 December 2025 and reopening on Friday 2 January 2026. Before we pause to recharge, there is much to celebrate from a year defined by achievement, growth, and people.
A key highlight was our Annual Apprentice of the Year Awards 2025. The event celebrated the dedication, skill, and progress of our apprentices, recognising those who have gone above and beyond in their training and contribution to the business. Supporting and developing future talent remains central to MTL Advanced, and this commitment continued with the welcoming of a new group of apprentices this year. Through hands-on training, expert mentoring, and real-world experience, they are already becoming a valued part of our workforce.
Our apprentices also played a meaningful role in the community. In support of Rotherham Hospice, they crafted handmade stars and took part in the Feather Appeal, helping to raise awareness and funds for a vital local cause. This work, alongside our wider charitable efforts, demonstrated the pride our people take in using their skills for good.
2025 was also a landmark year for MTL Advanced operationally. We successfully delivered the first fully UK-built Boxer Mission Module to KNDS, marking a major milestone for British defence manufacturing and reinforcing our reputation for complex, high-quality fabrication. Our presence at DSEI 2025 further strengthened this position, with four highly successful days showcasing our capabilities and building new global connections across the defence sector.
Continued investment remained a priority. We strengthened our profiling capabilities with the addition of two LVD Taurus large-format fibre lasers, expanding capacity and flexibility across all market sectors. In parallel, our 67,000 sq. ft. Advanced Manufacturing Centre, launched last year, was granted permission for and completed an extension, adding valuable storage space adjacent to our existing 300,000 sq. ft. Rotherham facility.
The business also gained wider recognition this year, featuring on BBC News and welcoming Rukhsana Ismail, Mayor of Rotherham, for a tour of our site following her attendance at an Apprentice Awards event. Internally, we were proud to celebrate long service milestones, recognising 25 years of dedication from Dave and Glyn.
As we head into the Christmas shutdown, we thank our customers, partners, and employees for their continued support. We look forward to returning in January ready to build on this momentum and deliver even more in 2026.