Bright future for Newark rail industry firm Airquick, based on the Northern Road Business Park, celebrating 50 successful years in business

A Newark company which has grown into a leading firm nationally is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Airquick, based on the Northern Road Industrial Estate, was first founded in 1974 by Fred Hiscock as a compressed air company, serving factories and businesses across the East Midlands and employing just a handful of people.

In the following decades the business grew, expanding out into other parts of the country before diversifying and becoming involved in the rail industry.

Today, the firm is now leading the way providing train servicing and plays a vital part in keeping the nation moving, with all equipment and products designed in house and manufactured in Newark and Nottingham.

In the early 2000s Fred’s son Ken Hiscock took over as managing director and has helped guide the company on an upward trajectory.#

Ken said: “50 years is incredible and a little bit surreal because I’ve been around the business my whole life.

“I was always fascinated with engineering and all things mechanical, so I used to spend most of my school holidays down here, going out with the guys on jobs and learning — eventually I started work at 16 and have loved every minute of it.

“I want Airquick to thrive and succeed, and there can be a lot of uncertainty as things change and grow.

“But for us it’s very important that we employ local people and maintain that connection because Newark is a great place to be.

“So it will be really nice to get everyone together and celebrate because they deserve a pat on the back for all of their hard work.”

Looking to the future, operations director Richard Parsons will be taking from Ken as managing director, as the company looks to expand its reach further.

He said: “We operate industrial train washers, refuelling systems, cleaners, waste management, all the equipment needed to get a train ready for service the next day. Without us these trains can’t go out and so we play a vital part in the industry.

“We cover pretty much all train companies and work everywhere from Inverness down to Penzance.

“Now we’re looking to establish ourselves as the leading UK supplier in the industry and develop our overseas market as well.

“We’re looking at the Middle East, Australia, South Africa and expanding into Europe.

“But we are also pushing for more local involvement too, by getting involved with the community and doing career talks in schools.”