Category Archives: West Midlands News

Business & Property News, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Tech, Midlands, News, West Midlands News

Historic UK manufacturer tools-up for the future with £120,000 precision press investment

The UK’s last surviving producer of British standard crinkle washers is powering up for a new era of growth by completing a ‘turning-point’ £120,000 investment.

 

Whitton Precision Ltd, a family-owned specialist in precision pressed parts, has invested in a Bruderer BSTA 25H high performance automatic punch press in a move set to increase production speeds and unlock capacity for new aerospace and defence projects.

 

Founded seventy-seven years ago by Leonard White and William Tonks, the Wimbledon-based company has quietly underpinned many of the biggest names in UK engineering.

 

Today, under the leadership of Len’s grandson Michael White, the business is combining its heritage with cutting-edge Bruderer UK technology to deliver critical components for clients ranging from FTSE 100 aerospace giants to diverse OEMs requiring custom-pressed parts.

 

“When some of our key plant was starting to show its age, we took the view that developing our capability was more advantageous than like-for-like replacement,” explained Michael.

 

“My desire to produce the ultimate precision pressings, at speed, led me to contact Bruderer UK. I sat down with the technical team and went through our production requirements.

 

“Importantly, we also took our most popular crinkle washer tool to Bruderer’s facility to prove it out on the BSTA 25H and we were blown away by the results, with production up to five times quicker than our old press.”

 

The Bruderer BSTA 25H delivers 25 tonnes of press force, a 530mm press bed, and stroke rates up to 1500 per minute.

 

Equipped with a BBV202 feeder and press and tool protection systems, the new line provides Whitton Precision’s skilled operators with real-time production data and ultimate control over quality.

 

“The machine is brilliant – coming from the world of C-frame presses, it’s in a different league,” continued Michael.

 

“When forming a precision component at bottom dead centre (BDC), precise control and repeatability of the ‘Ram’ shut height is critical. The BSTA 25H is outstanding when setting tools and runs all day without variance.

 

“The Bruderer UK team were excellent (and patient!) throughout the decision-making process and the overall level of support they offer, I believe, is unparalleled in the UK press market. To a small team like us, it really was invaluable.”

 

Founded by two young toolmakers who cut their teeth building the fighter planes of the second world war, Whitton Precision initially produced belt buckles, watch dials and ladies’ powder compacts.

 

Over the following years, the company evolved into a supplier of pressed industrial components with the Ford Motor Company and the MoD amongst its biggest clients.

 

In the early 2000s, Len’s two daughters steered the business through the recession and later Brexit, also achieving the prestigious AS9100 aerospace accreditation that cemented its reputation in one of the world’s most demanding supply chains.

 

With the third generation at the helm, the Wimbledon factory is steadily being upgraded and the latest Bruderer machine will help it position itself as a cornerstone of UK-made, high-quality, precision pressed parts.

 

Scott Baker, Technical Sales Manager at Bruderer UK, concluded: “Whitton Precision is a brilliant example of how SMEs can thrive by embracing our precision press technology, coupled with our wealth of technical ‘know-how’.

 

“We worked closely with Michael and the team to analyse production, identifying the BSTA 25H as the perfect fit. It builds on their existing capacity while enhancing almost every aspect of the process – delivering greater speed, accuracy and consistency.

 

“It has already proved a wise decision, freeing up capacity, operator involvement and helping the business take on additional work, essential if it’s going to meet its desire to expand.”

 

He concluded: “Importantly, we proved performance on a current component at our Telford facility, and this gave the company confidence to make the investment. This is a growing service that is proving extremely popular with companies.”

 

Bruderer UK opened its new 10,000 sq metre ‘centre of manufacturing excellence’ in the West Midlands earlier this year.

 

The company moved its entire operation from its base in Luton to the modern facility in Telford, which offers unparalleled access to live demonstrations of new presses, certified pre-owned machines and fully integrated turnkey solutions.

 

For further information please visit www.bruderer.co.uk or follow it on Linkedin, Twitter and YouTube. More details on Whitton Precision can be found at www.whittonprecision.com

Business & Property News, Marketing & PR, Midlands, Midlands News, West Midlands News

The magnificent seven help launch Bostin’ Black Country Business campaign

A new campaign to boost the fortunes of the Black Country has been unveiled today with the promise of changing perceptions and increasing economic performance.

Bostin’ Black Country Business, which has been created by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, will unpick the strengths of the region by championing its most innovative, resilient, creative and globally trading companies.

The magnificent seven chosen to tell their story first includes KMB Shipping Group, manufacturer Bowers & Jones, apprentice training specialist In-Comm Training and health cash plan provider Paycare.

 

There are also places for creative agency TPSquared, Beacon Centre for the Blind and Dudley Canal & Caverns, which hosted the launch event and photoshoot.

 

All organisations have agreed to display the Bostin’ Black Country Business badge, designed by Stourbridge’s Plum Ideas, and have committed to support Chamber events and media opportunities, using their tales of business success to promote the unique skills and capabilities of the region in industry, technology, digital, finance and tourism.

“We are always looking at new ways of promoting the strengths of our area and celebrating the brilliant companies and entrepreneurs that are based here,” explained Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

 

“Bostin’ is a word unique to the Black Country and sums up something that is brilliant – whether that is innovation, modern day manufacturing success, life science firms going global or any of the wide array of tourist attractions we have across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.”

 

She continued: “This got us thinking – let’s approach some of our very best businesses and see if we can get them on board for an official campaign that can showcase what makes the Black Country so special.

 

“The magnificent seven are our first Bostin’ inductees and are an eclectic mix of brilliant business minds, pioneering charity leaders and international experts.”

 

Bostin’ Black Country Business aims to add new companies every quarter, with the view to growing an alumni-type of community.

 

This will include all the winners of the Black Country Chamber Business Awards in November, nominations from the Chamber board and possibly even a public vote.

 

Paul Hull, Co-Owner of KMB Shipping Group in Tipton, added his support: “This is some honour – especially when you consider we are surrounded by so many outstanding companies.

“We export and import cargo for companies worldwide and three of the lads who started here at 16 now own the business. Global trade isn’t easy, and I suppose the resilience we have shown in growing despite the host of challenges and international uncertainty we’ve faced, is synonymous with the ‘can-do’ attitude of the Black Country.”

 

TPSquared’s Carolyn Smith continued: “Our region is a place where tradition meets innovation and where local pride fuels creativity. We love being part of an area that’s full of character and can’t wait to tell its array of stories.”

Data from the Economic Intelligence Unit reveals that the Black Country has a total GVA of £25.4bn and a £20,565 GVA per head of population.

In total, nearly 450,000 people are employed across 42,395 enterprises, with strong concentrations of manufacturers, transport and logistics specialists, construction firms and retailers and wholesalers.

There is also a vibrant scientific and technical sector, where bridging the digital skills gap and supporting green job transitions are highlighted as key long-term priorities.

 

Sarah Moorhouse concluded: “Manchester has the bee, Birmingham the bull and now we want the Bostin’ badge to become our icon. There is so much potential in our region, and we want to do everything we can to kickstart economic growth by leveraging our traditional strengths whilst embracing new, emerging sectors.”

For further information, please visit www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk or follow the chamber across its social media channels.

Business & Property News, Manufacturing, News, West Midlands News

Brandauer stamps out the next chapter with MBO

An historic Birmingham manufacturer has been purchased by its management team with the vision of creating a world leading precision engineering specialist.

 

Current CEO Rowan Crozier, Manufacturing Director Stuart Berry and Non-Exec Director David Chapman have joined forces to buy Brandauer, with the trio immediately laying out a ten-year plan that will see it initially build annual sales to £12m by 2029.

 

Financed by HSBC, the deal will ensure the company remains in UK ownership and in a perfect position to explore opportunities associated with its complex tooling, stamping, R&D and growing its newly founded consultancy service.

 

More than 20 new jobs could be added to its existing 64-strong team when the vision is realised, a vision that will see it provide sustainable and smart manufacturing solutions that shape the future of healthcare, connectivity, mobility and innovation.

 

“We believe we have created something special here, exporting precision parts and tools to more than 26 different countries from our base in Birmingham,” explained Rowan Crozier, who has been at the firm for more than 16 years.

 

“When the family shareholders made the difficult decision to sell, there was lots of interest from overseas, some of our customers and private equity, but deep down we knew that could mean changes to the fabric of the business. With this in mind, the management team decided we’d take matters into our own hands by leading an MBO.”

 

He continued: “Importantly, all directors are in this for the long-term. We have carefully crafted a ten-year business plan that leverages our history and proven track record with a desire to move into new markets, including power storage, aerospace and defence. There’ll also be a continued push to invest in automation to further increase our productivity.”

Brandauer’s history dates back to the 1780s when Jean Petit, a French Huguenot refugee, fled to England to escape religious persecution, setting up a metalworking business in Birmingham.

 

His grandson Joseph Petit followed in his industrial footsteps, gaining his apprenticeship at one of the largest pen nib manufacturers in the world before forming his own company Ash, Petit & Co in the 1850s.

 

A few years later Carl Brandauer took over the company and the Brandauer name became a part of local culture, with Jospeh remaining to run the business.

 

Innovation has been a big part of the firm’s DNA for the following 163 years, during which time it has evolved from pen nibs to manufacturing consumer electronics, core automotive electronics parts and now to today’s eclectic mix of micron tolerance components for electrification, construction, healthcare and male grooming products.

 

The Petit family – now in its sixth generation – still made up the majority of the 42 shareholders who sold the business.

 

“It was a momentous decision to sell, but we’re delighted that it has been purchased by Rowan, Stuart and David, who have done such a fantastic job growing Brandauer and making it a truly world class manufacturer,” added Paul Rummer, who has been a shareholder and on the board for more than 17 years.

 

“Staying in UK ownership and in Birmingham was critical to our decision. The MBO team are hugely passionate about Midlands’ manufacturing and I’m looking forward to seeing how they move the business forward, whilst retaining a keen commitment to providing high skilled employment to local people.”

 

Over £5m has been invested by Brandauer in creating a world class precision engineering facility in Birmingham, with a further £1.4m earmarked for a new automation project in September and expansion of its precision machining capabilities over the next three years.

 

There will also be a major focus on the King’s Award-winning company’s rapid prototyping service, which sees it use a combination of advanced laser cutting, ‘tool-less’ precision metal forming and stamping to take a design from a simple 2D drawing into a fully formed 3D component in as little as 48 hours.

 

Stuart Berry, who started as an apprentice at Brandauer more than 20 years ago, continued: “There is a real momentum behind the company and the MBO will accelerate this, giving us even more freedom to take our manufacturing expertise into new countries and new markets.

 

“Importantly, we are massive advocates of growing our own staff and apprentices, with nearly 25% of the workforce coming through this route. The MBO futureproofs the company for them, and the hope is that one of the next generation of the team will eventually take over from us.”

 

Rowan concluded: “HSBC has been our banking partner for more than 12 years and it has shown fantastic faith in us, delivering a finance package that not only allows us to complete the MBO but gives us the working capital to expand at pace.

 

“The initial focus will be on organically growing sales and diversification, but there is definitely a desire to explore the future acquisition of complementary businesses that fit our precision journey.”

 

Advisers involved in the transaction, include Breeze, White and Black, Wilkes Partnership, Dains, Fortis Mazars and Ballards.

 

For more information, please visit www.brandauer.co.uk or follow the company on its social media channels.

 

Caption for Brandauer MBO (L): (l-r) David Chapman, Rowan Crozier and Stuart Berry (all Brandauer)

 

 

 

Appointments, International News, Manufacturing, News, West Midlands News

PP C&A eyes acquisition trail with new CEO appointment

One of the UK’s leading manufacturing outsourcing specialists has appointed a new CEO to lead its global expansion.

 

PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), which works with many of the world’s leading machinery builders, has named Pinaki Banerjee as Chief Executive Officer, with well-known industrial leader Tony Hague stepping down to pursue a purely commercial and customer-focused role within the business.

 

The appointment is part of the firm’s long-term succession plan and comes at a crucial time in its growth, with the possibility of increasing its manufacturing footprint into Central Europe and North America through a series of acquisitions.

 

This will provide the Ardenton Capital-backed manufacturer with the potential to double its revenue and exceed £70m through a combination of organic and inorganic growth between now and 2027.

Pinaki & Tony

“PP Control & Automation is at an exciting stage of its development. Under the excellent leadership of Tony, the firm has become a world class manufacturing specialist, working with some of the biggest global machinery builders,” explained Pinaki, who previously led a 900-strong team as CEO of the Central Eastern Europe region of Rubix.

 

“The foundations are set and our reputation in the UK and parts of North America is strong. Our opportunity now is to take this strategic manufacturing service offer to new markets and Central Europe is definitely the first territory in our sights.”

 

He continued: “In order to gain market share there, you have to boost your own manufacturing footprint, and we believe the best way to do this is through acquisition. If we can find the right domestic company that shares our values and brings a new engineering discipline into the mix, then that would be utopia. This isn’t a pipedream; this is the target within the first twelve months.

 

“That’s why my skills in M&A activity and global operations – honed through many decades and across different markets – will be crucial.”

 

Pinaki joins PP C&A with a proven track record in driving profitability, fostering growth, and spearheading transformative change within the industrial distribution sector.

 

Previous roles at Rubix, Hoffman Group and Pilkington has given him an insight into more than 90 different international markets and, during that time, he has overseen the completion of five major acquisitions.

 

A keen Manchester United supporter, he is also a firm believer in people being your biggest asset, investing heavily in unlocking the potential of every team member.

 

Pinaki continued: “Consolidation is happening all around us – with the fittest and best practice companies absorbing more market share and incorporating new solutions.

 

“With the acceleration in digital transformation, I can only see this growing, and PP Control & Automation is perfectly set up to win both organic work and to expand through M&A. First in Central Europe and then in North America is where I’m looking to take us – whilst all along ensuring the UK remains our world class manufacturing centre.”

 

PP Control & Automation, which employs over 200 people at its state-of-the-art facility in the West Midlands, helps build machines that robotically milk cows, provide everyday packaging solutions, protects phones from water damage and cuts parts that are used in F1 cars and the world’s airlines.

 

Significant investment in automation and delivering more than 200 hours of personal development opportunities to every team member has seen significant growth since 2000.

 

Tony Hague, who has overseen this expansion, picked up the story. “After 24 years at the helm it was time for a new pair of eyes to take the company to the next stage, and I’m extremely excited to see what Pinaki can bring to PP C&A. In short, it’s a massive coup for us to attract someone of his international experience.

 

“I’m going to remain in the business, focusing on key accounts and helping to drive commercial activity. My heart will always be here, so it was the sensible decision and frees me up to explore more volunteering and trustee roles, which I’m keen to do.”

 

For further information, please visit www.ppcanda.com or follow the company across its social channels.

 

Images: Pinaki Banerjee and Tony Hague (both PP Control & Automation)

Awards, Business & Property News, Midlands, Midlands News, News, West Midlands News

Midlands broadcaster Brody Swain to host Black Country Chamber Awards

Tickets on sale this week for the event on November 20

Veteran radio broadcaster Brody Swain will host the prestigious 2025 Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, tickets for which go on sale this week.

Brody, who has been a recognisable voice across the Midlands on both commercial and BBC local radio for more than 30 years, will be in charge of proceedings when the Chamber welcomes guests to this year’s event on Thursday 20 November.

The professionally trained toastmaster and proud member of the Circle of Toastmasters brings extensive experience hosting prestigious festivals, black-tie awards, civic events and charity fundraisers across the UK, always delivering his trademark humour, integrity and authenticity.

Brody said: “I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to be hosting this year’s Black Country Chamber Business Awards at The Halls in Wolverhampton.

“As both a proud Chamber member and a proper Black Country local, this feels like the perfect homecoming! I travel all over the UK hosting events, but there’s nothing quite like doing it on your own patch.

“The Black Country business community is incredibly vibrant and innovative, and I can’t wait to celebrate all the brilliant achievements we’ll be recognising on the night. It’s going to be a fantastic evening showcasing the very best of what makes our region so unique and special.”

The Black Country Chamber Business Awards are the region’s biggest celebration of the business community, recognising the achievements of companies and individuals doing business in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Black Country Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sarah Moorhouse said: “We are delighted to have Brody as our host when we celebrate the very best of the Black Country’s business scene. His wealth of broadcasting and event hosting experience, combined with his natural ability to engage with audiences, makes him the perfect choice to lead our awards ceremony.

“With entries now closed and judging underway, we look forward to Brody helping us honour the success stories of our region at what promises to be another memorable evening.”

Tickets for the event are now on sale priced from £135 each, which includes a three-course dinner, entertainment and the opportunity to network with the Black Country’s leading businesses. To secure yours, visit www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk

The Chamber has been staging the awards since 2001 to recognise achievements across 13 categories including business in the community, employer of the year, international trade, manufacturing champion, sustainability, technology and innovation, and the new Black Country future star award.

Construction, Construction News, News, West Midlands News

Keon Homes receives planning approval for council apartments on disused garage site

Keon Homes has welcomed news that planning approval has been given to build 12 new council apartments on a disused garage site in Graiseley.

 

The affordable housing specialist put forward the proposals on behalf of City of Wolverhampton Council for the affordable one-bedroom homes off Russell Street – and permission was granted at the recent Planning Committee meeting.

 

The three-storey development, with ground floor wheelchair accessible apartments, will border Zoar Street and Merridale Street – just a short distance from the city centre.

 

Demolition of the derelict garages, that have been blighted by anti-social behaviour, has already been approved and is expected to take place later this year.

Jim Woodsford

Jim Woodsford, Pre-Development and Planning Manager at Keon Homes, said: “Brownfield development continues to be a core driver for Keon Homes and making use of otherwise redundant sites to provide much-needed, affordable housing.

 

“We have worked closely with City of Wolverhampton Council to design a scheme that will make the best possible use of the development land in Graiseley, whilst complementing the surrounding area.

 

“The proposed units will provide highly energy efficient homes in a safe and welcoming environment for residents, injecting new life into the area in the process.

 

“The development will further bolster the supply of affordable housing in Wolverhampton, and this can only be good news for everyone concerned.”

 

City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, added his support: “Clearing and developing small brownfield sites like this is a major part of our housing strategy to deliver good homes for local people in well-connected neighbourhoods.

 

“It is important we build a range of different sized council homes across the city, catering for local residents’ needs.

 

He concluded: “Now the plans have been approved, we can deliver a development that will provide an uplift to the area for residents and businesses alike.”

 

Header Image caption: An architect’s image of what the new apartments could look like

Midlands News, Networking, News, West Midlands News

Chamber expands professionals networking lunches to meet new demand

A highly-successful Black Country networking programme is being expanded – to help even more businesses benefit from it.

 

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s Professionals at the Table (PATT) lunchtime events – staged every quarter at a restaurant in the region – are being opened up to include any company in the professional sector.

 

The chamber’s head of premium membership, Gail Arnold, said the move would allow all professionals the chance to form important new connections and partnerships.

 

“We are delighted to say that from our next event in Wolverhampton on October 2, PATT events will be open to any professional, from accountants to graphic designers and HR directors to marketing and web firms.

 

“We’ve taken the decision based on feedback from those already attending PATT events – the traditional professional firms – and wider members, all of whom thought it would be a really worthwhile move.

 

“There is a real demand for a networking event which brings together those working in the entire professional business services community to share information, exchange ideas and make those all-important contacts.”

 

Gail said the lunches allowed professionals to make deep, lasting connections which helped drive growth.

 

“Because people are sitting down together over lunch for two hours, they can get to know each other properly and start building relationships which are really beneficial. It’s those lasting, meaningful connections which help build new business links and promote prosperity.

 

“As a Chamber we are committed to doing everything we can to bring members together, raise their profile and make their businesses fly. PATT certainly ticks all those boxes.”

 

The next PATT event is on October 2 at Queens Cantonese Restaurant in Queen Street, Wolverhampton.

 

It gets under way at Noon and costs just £25 for members and £35 for non-members. It will include a ten-minute presentation by James Wigley from Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

 

You can find out more details here: https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events-training/02102025/professionals-at-the-table-patt/

 

Businesses are also being given the opportunity to become a partner of the PATT programme – either on an annual basis or for individual events.

 

Partnership will see your branding associated with the event, the opportunity to display your corporate stand, the chance to speak at future events and a complimentary place at appropriate events.

 

Contact Gail Arnold at GailArnold@blackcountrychamber.co.uk to find out more.

 

Apprenticeships, Midlands News, News, West Midlands News

Employers wanted as In-Comm Training celebrate 200-strong ‘talent pool’

One of the UK’s leading engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship providers is urging companies in the Black Country, Birmingham and Shropshire to continue tapping into a 200-strong talent pool to help ease recruitment worries.

 

In-Comm Training, which operates two state-of-the-art technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, had the biggest collection of young people looking for vocational learning placements in its 43-year history during the summer – thanks mainly to accelerating its outreach work with local schools and community groups.

 

Boosted by a £25,000 donation from the Orlik family and more than £200,000 of contributions from Howmet, Brandauer and In-Comm Training, the STEM Engagement fund has worked with 15 new schools across Birmingham and the Black Country, engaging with 4000 school pupils and more than 50 teachers with a mix of taster days, in-school STEM projects and access to the national F1 in Schools competition.

 

This vital activity has generated unprecedented interest in apprenticeships, with the firm already placing 125 individuals with employers and is now seeking to find positions for a further 75 individuals for the October/November intake, all of whom want to be the next generation of engineers, designers, mechatronic specialists, tool makers, manufacturing operatives and welders.

“Employers in the region are having real difficulties with recruitment, so this talent pool of young people we have could be an absolute godsend for them,” explained Paul Hodgetts, Business Development Manager at In-Comm Training.

 

“It has been proven that apprenticeships offer a great way of moulding members of staff that really get the culture of your business and, in the medium-term, will help go a long way to filling the well-publicised skills gaps.”

He continued: “We’ve never had such a big talent pool, and a large majority of our candidates have attended various engagement events, completed mock interviews and sampled apprenticeship taster days, so they fully understand and want to pursue a career in industry.

 

“Once they commit to a potential apprenticeship, they are shortlisted, aptitude tested and interviewed by one of our recruitment experts to make sure they are suitable.

 

“Companies are seeing real stars keen to have a career with them and 125 have already been snapped up. The good news is there are still 75 young people looking for the right employer.

 

“In return, businesses get access to our world class technical academies, our industry lecturers and a proven competency-led course that means individuals will have an immediate positive impact on the shopfloor or design office.”

In-Comm Training has praised the impact of the recent donation made by the Orlik family in memory of wife and mother Susan – a passionate advocate of giving young people the best start in education and employment.

 

The new financial backing was the brainchild of Michael Orlik and his sons Anthony and Phillip, who gifted £25,000 to the charitable STEM Engagement Fund and this has led to a major upturn in the interest in vocational learning.

 

It has given the training provider the opportunity to broaden its reach by working with new schools, including Bristnall Hall Academy, Joseph Leckie Academy, Lyndon School, Wood Green Academy and Blue Coat Church of England Academy.

 

Paul went on to add: “Some of the young people we worked with have never considered a career in engineering and manufacturing. However, the minute you start showing them what is involved and getting them to take part in STEM activities that changes, and this is reflected in more than 200 pupils putting their name down for an apprenticeship.

 

“A massive thank you to Michael, Anthony and Phillip. Without their donation, we wouldn’t have been able to go into as many schools as we have with our fun-filled, interactive sessions. The difference this potentially could make to young people is life changing.”

 

He concluded: “We really want to build on the momentum we have achieved in recent years, exploring ways where we can gain further support from organisations who have a vested interest in this area.

 

“If we can get the backing, we can sustainably deliver this level of impact for years to come and, importantly, ensure as many young people as possible get a first-hand insight into the magic of engineering and manufacturing.”

 

If you would like to consider taking on an apprentice, please visit www.in-comm.co.uk email sales@in-comm.co.uk or call 07741 194227.

 

Export, Manufacturing, News, West Midlands News

AWI celebrates ‘Indian Express’ as it achieves record export sales

One of the Black Country’s fastest growing exporters has achieved another major milestone by recording its best-ever year of trade with India.

 

Alloy Wire International (AWI), a specialist supplier of round, flat and profile wire, sent more than £650,000 of material to customers in the subcontinent over the last twelve months – a 50% increase since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former AWI Chairman Bill Graham during the firm’s first visit to India.

This now accounts for nearly 10% of the firm’s overseas sales and marks a 45-year working relationship with the Indian agent Amit Banerjee.

 

During that time, the Kolkata-based representative has built up a strong customer base that is now rapidly expanding thanks to increased interest from spring, valve and fastener manufacturers serving high-end automotive, aerospace and energy sectors, such as oil and gas.

 

These clients are looking for full traceability, repeatable quality and quick industry-lead times, as ordering is increasingly becoming shorter to meet just-in-time requirements.

“A lot of our export success has been built on finding the right partner on the ground, who understands the material we supply and the unique services we offer, including three-week turnaround times,” explained Tom Mander, Managing Director of AWI.

 

“We then collectively use their expertise and contacts on the ground and the relationship we have with Amit is a perfect example of this. It is one of our longest-standing agent agreements and, after 45 years, is getting stronger than ever with sales increasing rapidly.”

Amit Banerjee with Oliver Smith of AWI

He added: “Last year we did over £650,000 of revenue and, this time around, I believe we can surpass that. Indian customers are working with some of the biggest OEMs in the world and need to make sure their components are on time and perform to the highest of standards – that’s where we come in.”

 

Alloy Wire International, which recently took on an additional 8000 sq ft unit near its headquarters in the West Midlands, manufactures round, flat and profile wire in 62 Exotic alloys, such as Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy, Nimonic and Waspaloy.

 

The company has broadly welcomed the recent Indian trade deal announced by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, believing it will support the sectors that drive the most growth for the UK economy, with tariffs being cut in aerospace, automotive and electrical machinery – all potentially benefitting customers who purchase wire from AWI.

 

“We don’t always know who the end user is for our materials,” continued Tom. “However, I’m fairly confident that we are already supplying some of the 26 British companies who have secured new business in the Indian aerospace market.

 

“There is an appetite from both sides for closer relationships and we’re definitely going to invest in increasing our presence in this territory.”

 

Amit Banerjee concluded: “Alloy Wire International’s reputation for quality and material performance is really making waves in India. My customers also really appreciate the technical service it provides, including working with them on identifying the right alloys and the post-finishing processes we may need to apply.

 

“The first 45 years have been very good, but this is just the start. With closer ties between the two countries, I can only see this relationship going from strength to strength.”

 

For further information, please visit www.alloywire.com or follow the company across its social media channels.

 

Awards, Care, Healthcare, News, West Midlands News

Fairway and Embark back social care’s finest at the Great British Care Awards

Two West Midlands-based social care organisations, Fairway Healthcare and Embark Learning Care Academy, are joining forces to celebrate the extraordinary people who keep the heart of social care beating.

Both will take centre stage at the Great British Care Awards West Midlands event on 1 November at the ICC Birmingham, sponsoring two award categories.

Fairway will present the Care Home Registered Manager Award, a category that recognises the inspirational leaders juggling the daily demands of running care services while ensuring residents receive the highest standards of care.

Alex O’Neill, operations director at Fairway

“We’re honoured to support the Care Home Registered Managers Award and heap praise on these wonderful nominees who are at the coalface daily with all the challenges thrown at them,” said Alex O’Neill, operations director at Fairway. “These exceptional leaders inspire us all – spinning plates, putting out fires, caring for residents and service users, and running a business to boot.”

Embark will champion the Workforce Development Award, highlighting the individuals and organisations driving skills, confidence and quality in the care workforce.

Eyad Hanash, head of operations at Embark

Eyad Hanash, head of operations at Embark, said: “We are hugely excited to support the Workforce Development Award and recognise the outstanding contributions that are made to continually improve the quality of the workforce. In-work development and progression are crucial to happy, successful career pathways, and we’re proud to be producing the care professionals of the future.”

It’s a cause close to home. Between them, Fairway and Embark train more than 1,200 people every year, equipping them with both the theory and hands-on skills needed to thrive in health and social care.

Working in partnership with over 250 care providers, they deliver more than 250,000 hours of care activity annually, supporting learners as they enter the sector, develop their skills and progress their careers. With a 99% training completion rate, nearly 80% job outcomes and 78% sustained employment, their work adds over a million hours of care capacity to the sector every year.

The Great British Care Awards bring together hundreds from across the region to share stories, applaud dedication and celebrate those who go the extra mile. Winners from the West Midlands event will go forward to the national finals in March 2026.

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About Embark Learning Care Academy & Fairway Healthcare

We train over 1200 individuals each year with core knowledge and theory as well as practical skills that enable vocationally driven learners the opportunity to enter the health and social care sector with confidence. We then engage with over 250 care providers, delivering over 250,000 hours of care activity in partnership as we introduce, embed, support and continually develop them all on their individual journey. Offering a number of career pathways and formal qualifications, we have a 99% completion rate, almost 80% job outcomes and 78% sustained job outcomes adding over a million hours’ capacity to the sector annually.