Seb’s a third generation engineer

Above: L to R John Baron, Gareth Fry and Sebastian Freke-Morin

A local teenager plans to become the third generation of his family to work as an engineer after joining Macclesfield company Statiflo as its first apprentice.

Sebastian Freke-Morin, 18, will follow in the footsteps of his father Alan, who works as a design engineer, and grandfather Fred, who was the chief engineer at pharmaceutical firm Beechams in St Helens. He has begun a three-year programme as a technical apprentice at Statiflo as an alternative to university after passing his A-levels.

Statiflo is a world leader in the design and distribution of static mixers and other chemical process equipment supplying the water and wastewater treatment industries, oil and gas, petrochemical, food, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper sectors.

Managing director Gareth Fry said: “We have a niche range of products and need to nurture our own engineers to help ensure our continued success.

“I’m passionate about apprenticeships, as I began my career in the same way.

“Seb stood out from the many applicants and we are delighted to welcome him into the business.

“He comes from a family of engineers and we believe he will be a real asset to the team.”

Seb’s mentor will be Statiflo founder John Baron. John, 67, established the business in 1983 in a spare bedroom at his home in Wilmslow. He sold a majority stake to Gareth last year but has remained as chairman.

Gareth said: “John has over 40 years of chemical engineering and process knowledge and experience and is a wonderful teacher.

“Having John as a mentor is a fantastic opportunity for Seb as he learns the practical skills which will enable him to become a well-rounded member of the team.”

Seb is receiving training at Macclesfield College one day a week and spends the rest of his working week at Statiflo. He will work in different parts of the business, including engineering and sales.

Seb said: “The role at Statiflo ticks many boxes for me, as it focuses on technical design. The company uses 3D printing for rapid prototyping and I have built a 3D printer in my own time, so this also really attracted me to the company.”