‘West Midlands can still be a global manufacturing force’: Lord Digby Jones cuts the ribbon

One of the UK’s leading industrialists helped a Birmingham precision component manufacturer mark its largest ever investment yesterday.

Lord Digby Jones visited Brandauer’s Newtown facility as part of its 150^th anniversary celebrations and used the occasion to officially commission the company’s two new high-speed Bruderer presses that will produce more than two billion parts every year.

The £750,000 investment has the potential to add £2m of new sales to the firm’s £9m turnover and increases its ability to offer tool transfer services to clients in the aerospace, automotive, electronics and renewables sectors.

In addition to starting the new machines, Lord Jones also met a number of staff members, including Stuart Berry who has progressed from his Apprenticeship to completing a degree in Management of Manufacturing Systems at Birmingham University.

“I was very impressed with what I saw at Brandauer. This is a company that recognises the need to continually improve the way it does business if it is to compete with international rivals,” commented Lord Jones.

“This latest investment in the new presses is a clear indication of its desire to be the best in the world and I’m delighted to see the same commitment is in place to developing its workforce.”

He added: “With nearly 80% of its turnover going overseas, it’s a great example of how the West Midlands can still be a global manufacturing force.”

Also on the visit were Brandauer’s new Chairman John Crabtree, Jerry Blackett (Chief Executive of Birmingham Chamber) and Bruderer’s Andreas Fischer and Adrian Haller, CEO and UK Managing Director respectively.

For further information contact 0121 359 2822 or visit www.brandauer.co.uk.