Local MP Pat McFadden Visits Raybloc’s Headquarters in Willenhall

Crafted in Britain – Engineered for the World

On Friday, 4th April, Raybloc proudly welcomed The Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East and Minister for the Cabinet Office, to our headquarters in Willenhall. Accompanied by Olivia Birch, Labour Councillor for Bilston North, the visit marked a significant moment in Raybloc’s journey as a British manufacturer leading the way in radiation shielding innovation.

Hosted by our senior leadership team, including Lewis Haydon (Managing Director), Gavin Mooney (Sales Director), David Gatenby (Operations Manager), and Adeel Bashir (Finance Controller), the visit began with a guided tour of Raybloc’s advanced manufacturing facility. Here, at Raybloc, some of the world’s most trusted radiation shielding products are designed, crafted, and rigorously tested.

Safety First: A Transparent Look at Lead Handling

MP McFadden discussed pertinent questions about the health and safety protocols around the handling of lead and metal safety within our production processes. Our Operations Manager, David Gatenby, outlined Raybloc’s comprehensive safety policies, emphasising rigorous training, PPE compliance, air filtration, and waste management standards to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. As David explained:

“Lead is a powerful shielding metal, but it comes with responsibility. Our team is trained to handle it with utmost care, ensuring their wellbeing is never compromised.”

Roundtable on Investment, Infrastructure & Industrial Confidence

The tour was followed by an insightful roundtable where senior management and the MP discussed broader issues affecting UK industries, particularly the healthcare and construction sectors. While recognising that revenue streams are tight, MP McFadden noted:

“There is still substantial capital investment happening across healthcare, housing, and transport.”

The conversation also touched upon rising tariffs, international trade uncertainty, and future government spending.

A Showcase of Innovation in Healthcare Design

David Gatenby also introduced the MP to Raybloc’s most pioneering products, such as the Sense X Technology and Warning Strip X-Ray Doorsets. These designs are not just about compliance and shielding efficiency but are created with patient-centric care in mind:

“We consider the emotional impact of healthcare spaces. Our products reduce anxiety, especially for children, through intuitive, human-first engineering.”

Looking Ahead: Policy Meets Purpose

This visit wasn’t just a photo opportunity – it was a testament to the importance of continuous collaboration between policymakers and innovators. Raybloc’s mission to redefine radiation protection with smart, sustainable solutions aligns closely with national priorities on safety, infrastructure, and local job creation.

A special thank you to Sally Edgington and the team at AXREM for helping coordinate this impactful visit.

FAQs

How does Raybloc plan to stay competitive in the face of rising international tariffs and global supply chain challenges?

At Raybloc, our commitment to excellence is unwavering. We maintain our competitive edge by focusing on delivering consistently high-quality radiation shielding solutions that meet or exceed regulatory standards. While global tariffs and supply chain disruptions continue to pose challenges across industries, we align our pricing strategy with market trends while ensuring that product quality is never compromised. We’re also actively exploring local and regional sourcing opportunities to mitigate international shipping risks and enhance supply chain resilience. By investing in efficient production processes and maintaining transparent supplier relationships, Raybloc continues to offer premium solutions that provide long-term value to healthcare and industrial sectors.

Are there any upcoming partnerships or government initiatives Raybloc is looking to be part of?

Raybloc is actively exploring strategic partnerships and government-backed initiatives that align with our international growth strategy. As we expand our presence beyond the UK, we are particularly interested in collaborative opportunities that support innovation in medical infrastructure and radiation protection. This includes engaging with government programs aimed at boosting exports, supporting British manufacturing, and enhancing healthcare technology. We welcome initiatives that enable us to extend our impact globally while reinforcing our position as a trusted manufacturer of radiation shielding products.

What’s the biggest challenge in scaling innovation within UK manufacturing for healthcare?

One of the most significant challenges in scaling innovation within the UK’s healthcare manufacturing sector is navigating the evolving landscape of budget constraints and procurement policies. Healthcare providers often face limited funding, which can delay or restrict the adoption of new technologies, even when they offer long-term cost and safety benefits. Additionally, compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks requires ongoing investment in research, testing, and product development.

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Max Haydon

Head of Business Development at Raybloc (X-Ray Protection) Ltd

"I’m Max, one of the Haydon brothers carrying on the family legacy of Raybloc alongside Founder (and Father), Sean Haydon. My late grandfather, Leonard Street - fondly nicknamed “Gangy” by me and my brothers - founded Raybloc alongside my dad, and their dedication to precision, proactivity, and continuous improvement inspires everything I do.

With a Master’s in Physics with Medical Physics from the University of Nottingham, I’m serious about creating valuable content for our customers but always keep things human and approachable. The most rewarding part of my job? Knowing that Raybloc’s radiation shielding systems make healthcare environments safer, improve patient experiences, and support NHS staff in reducing waiting times. It’s a great feeling to know the work we do has such a positive impact.

Outside of work, I’m usually strumming my guitar, singing along to The Beatles, or creating original music inspired by 60s and 70s legends. Looking ahead, I’m passionate about expanding Raybloc into new industries and forging partnerships with people who share our mission to make meaningful change."