Forty years is a remarkable milestone in any career. In the world of gunsmithing, where craftsmanship, precision and experience are built over decades, it is an achievement worthy of celebration.
This September, Malcolm Grendon celebrates 40 years with GMK, having dedicated his entire working life to servicing and maintaining some of the world’s finest firearms. From joining the company as a 16-year-old apprentice in 1986 to becoming workshop manager, Malcolm has played an important role in establishing the reputation of what is now recognised as one of the UK’s leading firearms service departments.
Despite four decades of experience, Malcolm remains characteristically humble.
“I can still remember my first day,” he laughs. “I was only 16 and remember thinking, ‘What am I doing?’” A career in gunsmithing was not, in fact, Malcolm’s “I wanted to become an architect. But I’d always loved shooting with my father, and he suggested I look into gunsmithing instead. I wrote a letter to Gunmark asking if there were any opportunities, took a chance, and the rest is history.” That chance became a lifelong career. “Forty years ago, I’d never have believed I’d still be here. But looking back now, it makes perfect sense. Loyalty has always been important to me, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work for GMK, alongside Bjorn Waktare, and the wider management team, and to have been part of the company’s journey working with so many great brands over the years.”
Over four decades, Malcolm has witnessed enormous changes in the firearms industry. Manufacturing, technology and product development have all evolved, while customer expectations have continued to rise.
“When I started, side-by-side shotguns were still incredibly popular. Today, over-and-unders dominate the market. Manufacturing has evolved enormously too. Modern production techniques, research and development, and continuous product improvement have transformed how firearms are designed and built.” One thing, however, has remained constant: Malcolm’s
“I still enjoy solving problems. Every firearm that comes into the workshop is important to its owner, so every repair, whether simple or complex, is treated with exactly the same care and attention. Complacency simply doesn’t belong in our workshop.”
That philosophy has helped establish the GMK workshop as one of the most respected in the UK. Former Shooting Times shooting editor Mike Yardley famously likened the workshop to a Formula One pit crew, recognising the speed, skill and efficiency with which Malcolm and his team diagnose, dismantle, repair and rebuild firearms.
For Malcolm, however, some of the greatest satisfaction comes from restoring well-used guns.
“There’s something incredibly rewarding about carrying out a complete overhaul. You see the history and use the gun has had over the years, then restore it back to factory condition. It’s a great feeling handing it back knowing it’s performing exactly as it should.”
As workshop manager, Malcolm is equally passionate about passing on his knowledge.
“Watching apprentices grow in confidence and skill is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. It’s important that the knowledge we’ve built over many years is passed on so the workshop continues to thrive long into the future.”
His relationship with Beretta has been another defining part of his career. Malcolm first visited the Beretta factory in 1989 and has since developed longstanding relationships with colleagues in Italy, contributing technical knowledge and real-world customer feedback through product development and focus groups.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see a product evolve from an idea into something being used by customers on game shoots, clay grounds and even at the Olympic Games. Working with elite athletes and seeing British shooters win medals using Beretta products is something I’m very proud to have been a small part of.”
When asked about his proudest achievements, Malcolm once again looks beyond himself.
“I’m proud to represent GMK and Beretta at events, meeting customers face to face and helping them get the very best from their firearms. I’m also incredibly proud to have worked for Bjorn Waktare. He was an iconic figure who built something very special, and it was a privilege to work alongside him.”
Forty years has inevitably produced plenty of memorable moments, including one involving much-loved actor Bernard Cribbins.
“He brought a gun into the workshop and spent time chatting while I worked. At one point he started performing the voices of The Wombles. Having Bernard Cribbins sitting in the workshop entertaining everyone while I repaired his gun is certainly a memory that has stayed with me.”
Those who know Malcolm, however, are likely to remember more than his technical expertise. His calm nature, kindness, willingness to help and unwavering loyalty have made him highly respected both within GMK and throughout the wider industry.
Oskar Waktare, director of GMK, has known Malcolm since he joined the company at just 16.
“Malcolm has always been the ultimate professional and is very highly regarded throughout the gun trade as one of the industry’s leading gunsmiths. I’ve enjoyed both a great working relationship and a strong friendship with him over the years. Congratulations on an incredible 40 years with GMK – a remarkable achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition.”
Pietro Scovazzo, commercial market product manager, adds: “Malc, thank you for making me understand what the true values at Beretta are. It is an immense honour to work with you.”
Longstanding customer and now friend Paul Gillett has known Malcolm for more than 20 years.
“What he doesn’t know about fixing guns isn’t worth knowing! One of the nicest and most genuine people in the industry and a fantastic asset to GMK. Well done Malc on reaching this milestone!”
Despite a career spanning four decades, Malcolm insists there is still plenty to learn.
“What excites me most is seeing the continued development of firearms. Beretta, Sako and Tikka are constantly innovating, and there’s always something new to discover. That’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed this career for so long.”
Asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, his answer is typically understated.
“I’d like to know the workshop continues to deliver the highest standards long after I’ve gone. We’ve built strong foundations and invested in training apprentices so they can continue providing the level of service our customers expect.”
Reaching 40 years with one company is increasingly rare. Reaching that milestone while maintaining the respect and affection of colleagues, customers and industry partners is rarer still. For Malcolm, however, it has never simply been about longevity.
“It’s a lifetime achievement. I’ve learned something new every day throughout my career, and I still do. I’ve made lifelong friends, worked with incredible people and feel immensely proud to represent Beretta here in the UK. It’s been a privilege.”
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
Favourite shotgun? SL3 Favourite rifle? Tikka T3x Ace Over-and-under or semi-auto? Over-and-under Wood or synthetic? Wood
Favourite calibre? 20-bore
Tea or coffee? Neither – water! One word to describe GMK? Loyalty
Best piece of advice? “Remain grounded and always offer the very best service.”