More Than Just a Place on the Map
Derbyshire Day is an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our county special.
For many people, Derbyshire is known for its beautiful countryside, market towns and the Peak District. But there is another side to the county that we are particularly proud of. Its long history of engineering, manufacturing and making things.
For generations, skilled people across Derbyshire have designed, built and supplied products that have travelled far beyond the county. That tradition continues today, with manufacturers supporting customers and industries across the UK and around the world.
At West Special Fasteners, we are proud to be part of that story.
Based in Dronfield, we manufacture specialist and bespoke fasteners for customers operating in demanding industries around the world. Our products may leave Derbyshire and travel thousands of miles, but the people, skills and experience behind them remain firmly rooted here.
Based in Dronfield
Our location in Dronfield is an important part of who we are.
The area has a strong engineering and manufacturing heritage, and we are fortunate to have access to a skilled local workforce and a network of suppliers and businesses that support manufacturing across the region.
Many of our employees live locally. Their knowledge, experience and practical skills are a huge part of what makes West Special Fasteners what it is today.
For us, manufacturing isn’t simply about machinery and production. It is about the people who know how to solve problems, understand materials, work to demanding specifications and take pride in getting things right.
Those skills are part of Derbyshire’s manufacturing heritage, and we’re commited to carry them forward.
Investing in People
We also believe that keeping that heritage alive means investing in the next generation.
Apprenticeships, training and opportunities to develop engineering and manufacturing skills are important to the future of businesses like ours and to the wider region.
At West Special Fasteners, we’re dedicated to helping people develop those skills and build careers in manufacturing.
The industry is changing all the time. New technologies and new challenges mean there is always something to learn, but the importance of skilled people remains the same.
Part of the Community
Being based in Derbyshire also means being part of the communities around us.
We are proud to support organisations including Chesterfield FC Community Trust, Dronfield Town FC, Dronfield Community First Responders, Ashgate Hospice and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
These organisations do very different things, but they all have an important role in supporting people across our local communities.
We know that being a responsible local business isn’t just about what happens inside our factory. It is also about playing our part outside it and supporting organisations that make a difference to people’s lives.
A King’s Award for Enterprise
This year’s Derbyshire Day feels particularly special for everyone at West Special Fasteners following our King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.
In 2025, four Derbyshire businesses were recognised with King’s Awards for Enterprise, highlighting the breadth of achievement across the county, from innovation and international trade to sustainable development and social mobility.
For West Special Fasteners, receiving the Innovation Award was a significant milestone. It recognised the work of our team in developing specialist engineering solutions, continually improving our manufacturing processes and finding new ways to meet demanding customer requirements.
Being part of Derbyshire’s manufacturing community makes the recognition particularly meaningful. The county has a long history of engineering and innovation, and we are pleased to play our part alongside other local businesses continuing that tradition.
Looking Ahead
Derbyshire has changed considerably over the years, but many things remain the same.
There are still skilled people making things, businesses solving difficult engineering problems and communities supporting one another.
That is something worth celebrating.
So, on Derbyshire Day, we would like to say thank you to our employees, customers, suppliers and community partners, and to everyone who helps make this a great place to work and do business.
From our home in Dronfield, we will continue to manufacture specialist fasteners for customers across the UK and around the world, while playing our part in the local community.
Happy Derbyshire Day from everyone at West Special Fasteners.
