A MANUFACTURER has bolstered its workforce by hiring a host of staff aged 18 to 72.

Barnbrook Systems in Fareham has welcomed five people, including an experienced design engineer returning to the business.

The others are two graduate design engineers and two trainee factory workers.

Managing director Tony Barnett said: “Our new employees bring a valuable blend of youth, experience, skills and expertise to Barnbrook Systems.

“We are always keen to welcome trainees and talented graduates as well as more experienced employees and retirees who wish to return on a part-time basis.

“At a time when many businesses face recruitment challenges, including those in the manufacturing sector, we are fortunate to have been able to find employees of this calibre.

“Some have already started and been with us for a while now and others are due to start shortly. We look forward to seeing their careers progress and the contribution they make to the company.”

The graduate design engineers – Cesar Albor and Saad Khan – came to Barnbrook Systems from the University of Portsmouth.

Its trainees are factory operatives Willow Evans, 19, and Morgan Durow, 18. Former Fareham College student Willow is following in the footsteps of her grandmother Mary Rowland who works in stores at Barnbrook Systems.

Former Fareham Academy student Morgan found the job on his doorstep through the Indeed job site even though he only lives in the next road.

He said: “I saw the position advertised on Indeed and then put my CV under the door.

“I only live five minutes away and didn’t even realise the business was here because it is so discreet. I just thought it was a pair of bungalows.

“The job is going very well and you have to be on the ball, so it is interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me.”

Barnbrook’s front offices are in converted bungalows in a residential area on Fareham Park Road with its main factory behind.

Experienced design engineer Larry Hancock, aged 72, has worked on and off for Barnbrook for more than 25 years.

The firm invited him to return for his fifth spell and he continues to lead on research and development.

Family-owned Barnbrook Systems has clients worldwide in multiple sectors, including aerospace, defence, rail, maritime and commercial industries. It attended its 13th consecutive Farnborough International Airshow in July.