Warren’s Way Engineering celebrates its 30th anniversary this year after being established in 1994 by Warren Petersen, clear leader, entrepreneur and owner who founded the company. What is remarkable is that Petersen was only 21-years-old when he started the company, having only just qualified as a fitter and turner.
Both Petersen’s grandfather and father were qualified artisans and had started their own businesses so he wanted to follow in their footsteps. Fortunately, his father stood suretyship for him when he purchased his first machine – a Takisawa TC 3 NC lathe. He never looked back since that day and now proudly celebrates a milestone in the history of the company.
Petersen learned the hard way, from the bottom up, from the age of seven having started visiting his Dad’s machine shop during school holidays. He was put to work sweeping the floors, to earn his pocket money, which at that time was 20 cents an hour.
Warren Petersen started the company 30 years ago and wife Fiona has been an integral part of its success
From sweeping the floors Petersen was assigned other tasks in the machine shop as he got older. He also knew he was no academic so at school he got his N3 certificate.
The first few years were tough in that Petersen did not want to let anybody down, least of all himself. He turned one of the offices into a bedroom and often used to sleep at the factory so that he was able to set the machines for the night shift, and along with two other operators, they made sure they got the work completed and delivered. The machining mainly consisted of hydraulic cylinder components that just required turning operations.
The company acquired its second CNC lathe in their second year of business and have subsequently acquired a further eight. CNC turning has been the mainstay of the business and will continue to be so going forward said Petersen. The turning department also has live tooling capabilities.
The company now has 10 machining centers on the shop floor made up of vertical and horizontal machines with 4th axis capabilities
Currently the company has 10 CNC turning machines and the chuck sizes are between 6 inch and 15 inch. This enables it to turn components up to 460mm diameter and up to a length of 880mm.
However, the company has diversified its machining operations and services. In 2002 they purchased their first vertical CNC machining center, and shortly thereafter a CNC toolroom mill with a 4th axis.
Like the turning department the company has standardised on one brand of supplier in the machining center department. The company now has 10 machining centers on the shopfloor. These include six vertical machining centers with a work envelope from 762mm by 305mm by 406mm to 1 270mm by 660mm by 635mm, all with fully integrated 4th axis capabilities and four horizontal machining centers, each with built in 4th axis rotary tables allowing for simultaneous 4-axis milling. The XYZ ranges for the machines are 1 626mm by 1 270mm by 813mm for three of them and 1 626mm by 1 270mm by
1 016mm for the fourth machine.
Warren’s Way Engineering have specialised in finished precision components. Customers operate in varying fields in industry
Warren’s Way Engineering have specialised in finished precision components. Customers operate in varying fields in industry. This includes mining, electrical, transport and general engineering. The components machined are too numerous to mention but to highlight they include chain components, pump components, gearbox components, bushes, bearing housings, drive shafts, electrical motor components, air tool components and mining spares, for a variety of underground machinery.
The components vary in size and weight and although they are restricted to the size of their machines, they can be assisted by associated family companies that are located in the same complex as Warren’s Way. The company machines most materials and machines from solid or castings.
The company, based in Wadeville, Gauteng, has grown from leasing a 500m² factory in the current complex to becoming landlords and now occupying 2 000m².
Components vary in size and weight and although they are restricted to the size of their machines, they can be assisted by associated family companies that are located in the same complex as Warren’s Way
“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary here at Warrens Way Engineering, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared together. We are filled with gratitude as we look back on the milestones we’ve achieved, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the relationships we’ve built,” commented Petersen.
“Three decades ago, we embarked on a mission to provide innovative precision engineering solutions that exceed expectations and drive success. Through your unwavering support, trust, and partnership, we have not only survived but thrived in a dynamic and ever-changing industry. Your confidence in our capabilities has been the cornerstone of our success. It has inspired us to continuously raise the bar, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and deliver excellence in every project we undertake.”
“As we mark this significant milestone, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you. Your collaboration, feedback, and loyalty have been instrumental in shaping who we are today. We cherish the relationships we’ve formed with each and every one of you and look forward to many more years of partnership and shared success.”
The company machines most materials and machines from solid or castings
“As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions, fostering meaningful connections, and exceeding your expectations at every turn. Thank you for being an integral part of our story. Here’s to 30 years of partnership, growth, and achievement, and to many more years of continued success together,” concluded Petersen.
For further details contact Warren’s Way Engineering on TEL: 011 827 1921 or Warren Petersen on 082 606 0280 or visit www.warrensway.com
