If you’re looking for a “started in a garage” story, we’re afraid we’ll have to disappoint … we started in an outhouse. In Wales. With not much more than determination, engineering know-how, and an eBay account.

Back in the depths of the 2008/2009 recession, when jobs were scarce, banks weren’t lending, and optimism was in shorter supply than credit, Gary Robinson made a decision. Rather than sit still, he got moving. Armed with years of engineering experience, he began selling fasteners online. No safety net, no grand funding—just grit. And for the record, GWR? That’s Gary’s initials, not a tribute to the Great Western Railway.

By 2011, the outhouse had served its purpose and the business upgraded to a unit barely bigger than a garage. Growth was steady, hard-earned, and honest. In 2012, Jude Robinson joined, bringing energy and direction to sales, branding, PR, and marketing. At that stage, “the team” could still comfortably fit around a very small table.

A year later, GWR Fasteners moved into a 2,500 sq ft converted metal barn, and by 2016, expansion meant taking over the unit next door. Confidence in the business led to investment in its future—starting with a CNC fixed head lathe, followed quickly by a sliding head lathe. Manufacturing was no longer a distant ambition; it was happening.

Then came 2018—a turning point. An opportunity arose to move into a 10,000 sq ft facility in Oswestry, designed internally by Gary and Jude, to fit the company’s exact needs. It was a bold step, but one that reflected how far things had come. Gary led manufacturing and overall operations, while Jude drove sales, distribution, and marketing. Different strengths, one direction.

With the move came a rebrand—and a phoenix. Not just a logo, but a representation of the humble beginnings and its owners’ story of rising from the ashes. Growing from nothing, built from scratch, and still climbing. The globe-like shape reflects the company’s strapline, “Screwing the world together”—a little tongue-in-cheek, but entirely serious in intent. Bright, bold colours, reflecting the flames of the majestic bird, broke away from engineering stereotypes, and represents a team and culture built on energy, warmth, passion, and ambition.

In 2019, the business took another leap forward with the introduction of ERP software, integrating everything from inventory and warehouse management to ecommerce and shipping. Gone were the days of paper-based picking and disconnected systems—efficiency had arrived.

Along the way, the journey hasn’t gone unnoticed. GWR Fasteners has been recognised both locally and nationally through a range of business awards, celebrating growth, resilience, and innovation—including recognition from Theo Paphitis of Dragon’s Den fame. Not bad for a company that started with … well, not much at all.

Then, like everyone else, 2020 delivered a curveball in the form of a global pandemic. It tested resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. And while the challenges haven’t exactly packed up and left since then, the company continues to navigate a tough landscape—one where UK businesses often feel like they’re tightening bolts with one hand tied behind their back.

But through every move, every machine, every milestone, one thing has remained constant: the people. The team behind GWR Fasteners has been there through it all—growing, adapting, and pushing forward together.

From an outhouse in Wales to a thriving operation, the journey hasn’t been easy, polished, or predictable. But it’s real. And it’s ongoing.

Now a Finalist in the Shropshire Business Awards 2026, the phoenix hasn’t landed yet—it’s still flying.

You can visit GWR Fasteners Limited and its trade counter at Units 6 – 7 on the Artillery Business Park in Oswestry.  For all enquiries, you can also visit their website www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk, telephone 01691 654979 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..