FROM MEDICINE TO FIGHTER PLANES TO SPRINGS

After A-levels in physics, chemistry and maths, Michael followed the family tradition and moved to London to  study medicine. The lifestyle, the noise and the buzz suited him but the degree didn’t, so a new direction was explored and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Exeter University with a manufacturing bias was achieved.

A two year graduate scheme at Rolls Royce in Bristol soon followed with a wide spectrum of training from CAD to gas turbine technology to grinding and milling in the workshops. This exposure led to Michael being a designer for the Euro Fighter project before taking up the opportunity to get involved with the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Kingston University.

Employed through European Springs & Pressings, this two year funded KTP scheme allowed Michael to study for an MA in Management whilst tasked with turning around a struggling factory. The KTP scheme was a stepping stone, advancing Michael’s graduate skills base into a more commercial world which proved successful with him becoming the Operations Manager of European Springs & Pressings Ltd in 2003 and Managing Director by 2007. European Springs & Pressings is now Lesjofors Heavy Springs UK.

Under Michael’s guidance, the company has grown from a turnover of £800k in 2001 to £20m in 2023. This growth has forced the company to relocate, establishing themselves in larger premises, and further extend the building at Treleigh Industrial Estate in Redruth and acquire another manufacturing site in Penryn. Michael Gibbs says: “My career path shows you can make mistakes, change your mind and still make a success of things.

When I chose my A-levels, I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a career but I did know that studying STEM topics would give me the flexibility to consider a wide range of career options, opening doors to opportunities all over the world.

STEM was unheard of back then but my choices were the foundation of my career which has been rewarding in so many ways and where better than to run a thriving engineering firm than in Cornwall?”