KRG Specialist Engineering has marked a proud milestone after Ashton Hughes, the grandson of company founder James Hughes and son of current MD Gerry Hughes, became the third generation of his family to join the business as an apprentice.
Founded in 1978, Coatbridge-based KRG has grown from a small workshop into one of Lanarkshire’s leading precision engineering companies, supplying high-tolerance components to sectors including defence, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
Ashton’s appointment has been described as underlining the company’s long-term commitment to the local community. Like many before him, he is starting his career by learning hands-on in the workshop, building his skills from the ground up.
MD Gerry Hughes said, “This is a very proud moment for me personally and for everyone at KRG. I started out as an apprentice here, just as Ashton is doing now, and I know the value of learning the business from the ground up.
“My father started this company more than 45 years ago, and to see Ashton now step into the business shows the strength of that legacy. Our roots in Coatbridge have always been our foundation, and having a third generation involved makes that foundation even stronger for the future.”
