At Somers, family is at the heart of everything we do. As part of the 10th oldest family-run business in the UK, we are proud to continue a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations. It’s not just about the work we do; it’s about the people who’ve been part of our journey.
Peter’s Story With Somers Forge
One of our team members, Peter Hodgetts, has experienced this first-hand. Peter’s connection to Somers goes back decades:
“I started at Somers on my 16th birthday, following in my family’s footsteps,” Peter shares. “I worked here for 18 years, took a 10-year break to try something else, and then came back. It’s been 19 years since, and I’ve always loved the fast-paced, hands-on work.”
For Peter, Somers is more than just a place to work, it’s a family affair. His grandfather was the foreman of the machine shop, and his father worked as a machinist specialising in horizontal boring.
“I remember the stories of work celebrations after big projects, like completing the Poreba machine installation,” he says. “Somers is truly a family legacy; two of my uncles worked here as well.”
Over the years, things have certainly changed. Machines and technology have evolved, making tasks easier and more efficient.
“When I first started, it took a whole team to run the press. Now, a lot of it’s done from a cabin, which makes things a lot simpler. But the core values of Somers haven’t changed. We still focus on quality, tradition, and craftsmanship.”
Forging a Future of Craftsmanship
From our humble beginnings in blacksmithing in 1866 to becoming a leader in open die forging today, Somers continues to build on a foundation of hard work and dedication. Our values haven’t changed, and we’re excited about the future as we move forward with new technologies while still holding on to what’s made us successful for all these years.
Interested In Joining?
If you’re interested in joining the Somers family, check out our careers page for available roles. We also offer apprenticeship programmes in our maintenance and machining departments, perfect for anyone looking to start a career with us. We’d love to hear from you!
