Beyond the Pipes

05 November 2024

If you have ever used a sink, showered, or flushed a toilet, chances are you have encountered a McAlpine product. As such a fundamental part of so many lives, we view ourselves as more than just a plumbing product manufacturer: we are a company with a rich history, a commitment to quality and sustainability; and a deep belief in the importance of fair treatment for our staff.  

That is why we made the choice to become real Living Wage accredited. 

Founded in 1907, we were the first company in the world to develop plastic plumbing products. Our A10 Bottle trap is an industry-standard product that has remained the same design over decades, right up until today.  

Since day one, McAlpine has been, at its core, a family business. While many of our staff still proudly have the McAlpine name, our clan has grown far beyond that, with hundreds of team members across multiple manufacturing sites and offices. Our people are the heart of McAlpine, keeping everything flowing. 

While our manufacturing plants are full of assembly lines, machining, and robotics to help fulfil demand and ensure quality, we keep people involved in every step of the process rather than employ full automation. This ensures our products’ integrity and performance while also keeping us as an employee centered company. We are loyal to our staff: from entry-level to management positions, many of our team have been with us for significant periods of their lives as we support growth from the factory floor to management. We see this fair treatment and dedication returned in kind. As our staff grows, we grow with them. 

Being an accredited Living Wage Employer was a no-brainer for us.  After all, we have always gone above and beyond to pay more than the Living Wage. With over 700 employees, we understand our responsibility to the communities we serve. Our commitment to stable employment benefits our team and their families and strengthens the local economy. We take immense pride in our impact on our communities and remain dedicated to continuing this support. 

Of course, we understand the benefits which being Living Wage accredited brings. It is good for our business as it highlights our commitment to fair pay and employee wellbeing. We also understand that employees paid a Living Wage are more likely to feel valued and motivated. This positively affects absenteeism and productivity, as well as employee retention. We are aware that our manufacturing plants are located in some of the poorest areas in the West of Scotland. Because of this, we are a lifeline to many communities. 

It is not just good for business. We also understand that it is the right thing to do. The current situation with the UK economy means many people struggle to make ends meet. Our staff and their families get greater security knowing they will always be paid well. 

Our manufacturing plants in Johnstone, Coatbridge, and Hillington, as well as our other sites in and around Glasgow, are vital to the local community’s health. When employees have more disposable income, they spend it within their local communities, supporting businesses and boosting the local economy. 

It’s not just about looking after our staff as they grow older. Recently we were delighted to secure a spot in the prestigious Top 20 Family Business Apprentice Employers in the UK for 2024. McAlpine sits at 12th on the list.  

Providing opportunities for young people is also part of our commitment to the communities we have supported over many decades. We are proud that our core products are Made in Britain and that we can offer apprenticeships that help young people on their first step on the job ladder. 

We know that we are not always going to get everything right. That is the beauty about families, and it is the same for family businesses. But in the end, our core motivation lies in a desire to do what is right.  

A fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. 

Beyond the Pipes

 

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