MAA member A&M EDM has expanded to open a second manufacturing site.
The MAA member's new 4,000 sq metres factory was officially opened by local Member of Parliament John Spellar.
The company, which was founded in 2002, received £475,000 through the Regional Growth Fund to support the investment of nearly £3 million in the new site.
Managing director Mark Wingfield said that they had taken on 14 new people at the new factory taking the total employed there and at the main site to 50. The new site is part of the old Birmingham Railway and Carriage Works, which closed in 1963.
The family-run company has also invested in nine hi-tech machining centres to significantly increase its spark erosion, milling, grinding and turning capabilities. It works in a variety of materials including aluminium, steel, bronze and copper. The new site has also tripled the company’s workspace and will support its continued growth by enabling it to handle larger pieces of work for customers in the aerospace, defence, medical and transport sectors.
In the last year it has worked on many high-profile projects including machining precision components for several Formula 1 motor racing teams. It uses a combination of new and traditional techniques to machine components and tools in both metals and composites and also offers a research and development service to help customers with product design.
Turnover for 2013-14 was just under £4 million and the target for this year is £5m. “We continually invest in equipment and people so we can provide the highest quality services and solve any machining challenges that come our way. “Customers rely on us to manufacture high precision parts and tools with a very quick turnaround and they come back to us again and again because they know we won’t let them down,” said Mr Wingfield.
Mr Spellar, who met many of the A&M EDM staff on his visit, said: “I am delighted that traditional engineering skills are flourishing here in Smethwick. “A&M EDM’s success shows that manufacturing skills are alive and well in the Black Country and by taking on apprentices – something which I strongly support – they are training the next generation to continue this proud heritage.”
The company, which now has 46 CNC machines, has a workforce ranging from highly experienced machinists with more than 40 years’ in the industry to apprentices. It currently has five apprentices learning computer controlled and hand machining skills and is set to take on three more people. Details of vacancies are available on its website at www.amedm.co.uk It works with customers all over the UK in a variety of industries including automotive – Jaguar Land Rover is a client – auto sport, aerospace and power generation. It has also just won its first customers in the United States and Germany. It can handle any size and weight of components up to 10 tonnes.
