May 9, 2019: UK-based lead battery equipment maker TBS Engineering said its chairman, Laurie Gardiner, stepped down on April 30 after 46 years with the company. Gardiner is a much liked and respected industry figure.

“For the past five years Laurie Gardiner has led the TBS Engineering Group as chairman on a steady path of growth and development. Before that he served as managing director for 35 years guiding the company through organic growth, ownership changes, acquisitions and innovative developments,” the company said.

“The board would like to express its sincere thanks for his wise counsel, invaluable insights and important contributions to the board on which he has so diligently served.”

The company did not say whether a replacement had been appointed.

In October 2017, the company expanded its operations with a purpose-built facility in Gloucestershire.

TBS Engineering, which specializes in plate manufacturing equipment such as rotary expander lines, multi alloy casters and continuous paste-mixing systems, is part of Berkshire Hathaway, the US conglomerate headed up by billionaire Warren Buffett.