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06 Summer 2022 MEMBERSHIP NEWS Werner, a WernerCo brand, is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year as a global manufacturer of ladders and access equipment. Since Werner was founded in 1922, it has grown into a global brand with distribution in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Its portfolio includes ladders, access towers, work platforms, accessories and fall protection equipment including harnesses, anchors and fall protection kits. The company holds more than 600 patents and has received several industry awards and accolades over the years. Managing Director of WernerCo UK, Justin White, praised the dedication and determination of employees past and present, saying they had helped to build a legacy. He said: “The Werner name has achieved many milestones over the past 100 years. As a brand, our main focus has always been innovation, and pushing change within the industry by improving work at height safety.” This summer, WernerCo is unveiling its Ladder Safety Campaign (see opposite page). INNOVATIVE MILESTONES Founded by R.D Werner, the brand began as a carpet and flooring supply company, including metal floor and wall mouldings. In 1939, anticipating metal shortages as World War II began, Werner became one of the first companies to extrude plastic and, throughout the war, served as a prime contractor for the US Navy manufacturing plastic inhibitor strips for rockets. During the 1950s and 60s, Werner unveiled innovations such as ladders that didn’t require assembly for homeowners, and Alflo twist-proof rung joints designed to offer a stronger rung-to-rail connection for greater stability. In addition, Werner pioneered the field of fibreglass ladders to the climbing industry. Over the next several decades, Werner made several key acquisitions. In 2006, the company launched the MT series of multi-position ladders featuring an adjustable telescopic design. KEY PARTNERSHIPS AND INITIATIVES Werner has been involved in many community sponsorships and initiatives. It became a recent gold sponsor of the first charity to offer advice and support to those working at height, the No Falls Foundation, and has developed close relationships with industry bodies such as the Ladder Association. It has invested in a range of graduate and apprentice training programmes, and offers on-site and virtual industry training to thousands of professionals each year through internal training initiatives. 100 YEARS OF INNOVATION