Yorkshire-based manufacturer ACS Stainless Steel Fixings helped communities up and down the country commemorate Remembrance Sunday this year, creating more than 400 Silhouette Soldiers and raising thousands of pounds for the armed forces.
It is the third year in which ACS has run its initiative, one which sees the company create free of charge steel structures of Tommy soldiers at its factory in Leeds. This year’s campaign saw 400 orders placed, something that has to date raised £4,500 for the Army Benevolent Fund, with fundraising still ongoing in the coming weeks. It means that ACS has now created more than 1,075 steel soldiers since 2021, raising a total in excess of £7000.
This year’s initiative also saw ACS draft in the support of organisations including Leeds Rhinos, whose players loaned their support to the campaign, as well as DX (Group) PLC – the parcel carrier which has kindly delivered the completed steel soldier statues across the country. ACS Managing director David Flannery explained: “We are hugely passionate about the armed forces, focusing much of our fundraising on supporting those who serve, or have previously served.
“We really wanted to go above and beyond this year, drafting in impassioned partners who shared our ambition and desire to support the armed forces through fundraising and increased awareness. It’s truly rewarding to know that we have reached so many people and communities across the country, and I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone involved; from my colleagues in the factory at ACS, through to the Rhinos, DX and everyone who ordered one of these commemorative statutes.”
Jim Duffy of the Army Benevolent Fund added: “This initiative is so important for us, helping our cause as we support those involved in the armed forces – right now that means 70,000 people in 45 countries around the world – so any support from partners really helps us out.
“We would like to thank ACS, DX, the Rhinos, and everyone involved in this fantastic initiative – something which will help us support soldiers, both past and present.”
ACS completed the production of this year’s soldiers throughout October, before they were then delivered to local communities up and down the country by DX – ensuring they were in place for Remembrance Day events this weekend. The silhouettes ranged in size, from the small 155mm model up to an extra-large 1.5m structure – each expertly cut from a mild steel, with the welding carried out by ACS’ team of keen apprentices.
ACS is a leading manufacturer and designer of structural building components, including but not exclusive to wall ties, windposts, masonry support and brick slip systems – all essential components used for the construction of modern-day structures, large or small. The 133-strong team operate from a factory in Yorkshire.
