15
Jun 2026
15th Jun 2026
Manufacturing success is often measured by output, quality and delivery performance. At Birmingham-based precision engineering specialist Rowan Precision, however, success is also measured by people.
Throughout May, employees from across the business came together to complete an ambitious fundraising challenge in support of the British Heart Foundation, collectively targeting two million steps while raising money for lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases. The challenge was spearheaded by Rowan Precision CFO Glenn Aston, who selected the charity because of its personal significance and the impact its work has on families across the UK.
By the end of the month, Team Rowan had not only surpassed its original target but had achieved an impressive 2,364,339 steps, while also exceeding its fundraising goal, demonstrating the power of collective effort both inside and outside the workplace. For Aston, the achievement reflects many of the values that underpin the company’s culture.
“This was never really about the number of steps,” he said.
“It was about people coming together for something bigger than themselves. We have an incredible team at Rowan Precision and the response to this challenge showed exactly what can be achieved when everyone pulls in the same direction.”
“The British Heart Foundation is a cause that means a great deal to me personally. Heart and circulatory diseases affect millions of people and their families every year, and the research being carried out by the charity genuinely saves lives. To see our team embrace the challenge and support the cause so enthusiastically was something I’m extremely proud of.”
Employees from across production, quality, engineering, sales and administration all contributed to the challenge, with individuals walking before work, during breaks, after shifts and at weekends to help drive the team towards its target. The initiative quickly became a source of friendly competition and motivation throughout the business, with regular updates helping maintain momentum as the collective step count continued to climb beyond expectations.
While Rowan Precision is best known for manufacturing high-precision machined components for aerospace, defence and other high-performance industries, Aston believes the challenge highlights the importance of maintaining a strong community culture within the workplace.
“Manufacturing is achieved by people,” he explained.
“We invest heavily in machinery, technology and systems, but ultimately it is our people who make Rowan Precision what it is. Supporting each other, supporting our community and supporting worthwhile causes is an important part of who we are as a business.”
The funds raised will contribute towards the British Heart Foundation’s ongoing research programmes, helping scientists develop new treatments and improve outcomes for people living with heart and circulatory conditions. The charity has played a significant role in helping to reduce deaths from heart and circulatory disease over recent decades, but hundreds of lives are still lost every day across the UK, making continued research and fundraising essential.
Karen Harrison-Thomas, Head of Operations at Rowan Precision, praised the commitment shown by employees throughout the challenge.
“The support from everyone across Team Rowan was fantastic,” she said.
“It didn’t matter what role people had within the business. Everyone contributed in their own way and everyone encouraged each other to keep going. That’s what made it such a success.”
“Reaching more than 2.3 million steps wasn’t achieved by one person. It was achieved by a team. The challenge brought people together, created a real sense of camaraderie and reminded us that when we work together, we can achieve far more than we can individually.”
For Rowan Precision, the successful completion of the challenge serves as another example of how strong workplace cultures extend beyond the factory floor.
While the company continues to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, quality systems and production capability, its leadership team remains equally committed to investing in the people and values that have helped build the business.
As the final total reached 2,364,339 steps, comfortably exceeding the original two-million-step target, one message captured the spirit of the challenge more than any other:
“Go Team Rowan.”