[BIRMINGHAM, UK – 27 January 2025] Grayson Thermal Systems (Grayson) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its Founder and Chairman, Graham Hateley, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 89.
Graham’s immense contributions to the bus and coach industry and his tireless dedication to advancing thermal management innovation have left a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come. His vision transformed Grayson Thermal Systems from humble beginnings into a global player in the thermal management sector.
Graham began his career in the heat exchange industry in 1955, laying the groundwork for his future as a pioneer in thermal management. In 1978, Graham and his wife, Joyce Hateley, founded Grayson Thermal Systems as a radiator repair business, operating from a 1,000 sq. ft. workshop in Birmingham.
Under Graham’s leadership during his 31 years as Managing Director, the company expanded beyond radiator repair. In 1994, the company became an OEM manufacturer of combustion coolers and HVAC systems for diesel-powered buses and coaches. In 2005, recognising the industry’s transition to alternative power sources, Graham spearheaded the development of heating and cooling systems for hybrid vehicles. In 2009, he stepped down as Managing Director to become Chairman, continuing to play an active role as a director.
Over the decades, Graham’s entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and commitment to innovation transformed the company into a global leader in thermal management, employing over 360 people across four divisions and two continents. Today, Grayson is at the forefront of zero-emission applications, supplying advanced Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) and heat pumps for battery electric (BEV) and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
Beyond his business achievements, Graham was deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect and family values. Today, Grayson Thermal Systems remains a proud family-run business, led by his three sons—Stuart Hateley, Managing Director; Ian Hateley, Service Director; and James Hateley, Supply Chain Director. Together, they honour Graham’s legacy by upholding the principles he cherished.
In a joint statement, the company said:
“Graham was a larger-than-life character who touched everyone he met, and he will be hugely missed by the whole Grayson family. Those who knew him in the industry will feel the same loss.
“As the Founder of Grayson, he built the foundations of who we are today. Most importantly, he instilled respect and strong values, which continue to guide our work. Graham’s values will live on, and the foundations he built will continue to underpin the business, both now and in the future.
“As an industry leader, Graham’s legacy is one of resilience, drive, and a commitment to his family and his people. His contributions to thermal management have shaped the sector’s future, ensuring efficient and sustainable solutions for decades to come.”
Grayson remains steadfast in its commitment to championing Graham’s vision, upholding the values that have guided the company since its inception.
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About Grayson Thermal Systems
Headquartered in Birmingham, UK, Grayson Thermal Systems (Grayson) is a pioneer in the design, testing, manufacturing, and servicing of innovative thermal management solutions for OEMs in the bus and coach, commercial vehicle, rail, off-highway, defence, and stationary power sectors. Founded in 1978 by Graham and Joyce Hateley, Grayson operates across two continents with manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA, developing advanced heat pump and battery cooling systems for next-generation zero-emission applications.
For imagery or additional comments, please contact: Calvin Barnett, Group Marketing Manager at cbarnett@graysonts.com or +44 7810 795439
[Birmingham, UK] – Global thermal management specialist Grayson Thermal Systems has announced the appointment of Brendan Waldron as its new Engineering Director. Waldron brings over 20 years of engineering experience to Grayson following a successful career at Rolls-Royce.
Waldron’s career at Rolls-Royce began in 2000, when he joined as an advanced engineering apprentice. He steadily rose through the ranks to become Chief of Turbines Component Design in the Civil Aerospace division by 2019. Most recently, he served as Head of Rolls-Royce Electrical UK, leading efforts in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the development of hybrid-electric gas turbines in the defence sector.
During his tenure, Waldron spearheaded several high-profile projects, including the engineering improvement program for Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000 and 7000 fleets. His contributions were widely recognised, culminating in a number of accolades, including the prestigious Sir Henry Royce Award for Technical Innovation.
Commenting on his appointment, Waldron said: “I’m thrilled to join Grayson Thermal Systems at a time when electrification and innovation are critical to shaping the future of thermal management. Grayson’s agility and dedication to solving complex thermal challenges resonate with my passion for driving forward new technologies and leading cross-functional teams to deliver breakthrough solutions.”
In his new role, Waldron will oversee the enhancement of Grayson’s engineering capabilities, with a focus on standardisation, innovation, process optimisation, and talent development.
Stuart Hateley, Managing Director of Grayson, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Brendan to the Grayson team. His leadership and deep expertise in engineering will undoubtedly strengthen our position as innovators in thermal management. His experience in delivering excellence will play a pivotal role as we continue to expand globally and push the boundaries of innovation.”
Waldron’s appointment comes as Grayson Thermal Systems embarks on its next phase of growth, following a recent eight-figure investment to support global expansion in the heavy vehicles and stationary power sectors.
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About Grayson
Headquartered in Birmingham, UK, Grayson Thermal Systems is a pioneer in the design, testing, manufacturing, and servicing of innovative heating and cooling systems for OEMs in the bus and coach, commercial vehicle, rail, off-highway, defence, and stationary power sectors. Founded in 1978, Grayson operates across three continents with manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA, developing advanced heat pump and battery cooling systems for next-generation zero-emission applications.
For more information / imagery
For a hi-res image or for additional comment, contact Calvin Barnett, Group Marketing Manager, at marketing@graysonts.com or call +44 7810 795439
[Birmingham, Jan 2024] A family-owned Tyseley business which designs, manufactures and supplies cooling, heating and air conditioning products to the transport industry is set for growth with support from HSBC UK.
Grayson Thermal Systems (GTS) will use an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to develop three new production lines at its Tyseley factory, including two heat pump lines and a battery thermal management system line. The funding will also be used to modernise its fabrication facility to boost efficiency and increase output.
In line with the Government’s ban on selling new diesel and petrol vehicles by 2035, GTS has spent the past 10 years investing in the development of its product range for electric vehicles (EVs). Since 2020, the Midlands firm has seen a 75 per cent increase in sales in Europe and an 80 per cent increase in North America for its EV product range.
The new funding will allow GTS to increase its production capacity to continue to meet the growing demand, with 76 per cent of the company’s total European revenue now linked to EVs.
The new production lines will lead to a significant increase in staff headcount, with 74 new staff already appointed by the end of 2023. Additionally, GTS’s current staff will undergo training to upskill them so they can use the cutting-edge equipment.
In addition, HSBC US is also providing a seven-figure funding package to support the development of the company’s facility in Indiana through its US business, Grayson Thermal Systems Corp. This business is expected to double its turnover next year to $11M.
Stuart Hateley, Managing Director at Grayson Thermal Systems, said: “Demand for our EV products is continuing to increase significantly, so investing in building up our production capacity has been vital. We supply customers across Europe as well as the US so it was important for us to partner with a global bank with both local and international expertise that could offer us the working capital we need to grow and meet demand.”
Andy Oates, Head of Corporate West Midlands at HSBC UK, added: “Grayson Thermal Systems is an important employer in the West Midlands, and we are pleased to see its headcount grow even further as a result of the new production lines. We look forward to supporting the business, both domestically and internationally, and seeing its US counterpart demonstrate similar success.”
GTS is a market leader in thermal management systems for zero-emission applications including buses, coaches, trains, commercial vehicles, specialist vehicles and stationary energy storage systems (ESS). Starting as a repair shop in 1978, GTS transitioned into a supplier of engine cooling systems in 1997. In 2016, the business diversified its offering to include products for electric vehicles in response to the drive for electrification.
Throughout the transaction process, HSBC UK was advised by Gowling WLG and Avison Young, while GTS was advised by Wright Hassall.
Notes to editors:
Media enquiries to:
Calvin Barnett, Group Marketing Manager / marketing@graysonts.com
