Supplying world class precision components for the aerospace industry, F1 and the energy sector is helping a Coventry-based manufacturer target £4 million sales within three years.
Arrowsmith Engineering has tapped into support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM) to embark on a major growth surge that has already seen it increase turnover by 20% over the last twelve months.
Located on Bayton Road in
the City, the company has used its technical innovation to win a string of orders to produce complex engine and actuation parts for some of the world’s leading primes, including Rolls-
Royce, Goodrich, Pattonair and Meggit.
It follows a £1 million
investment drive that has seen it complete its headquarters, increase floor space by a third (to 15,000ft²) and invest in new facilities, ranging from a thread rolling laboratory and grinding capability to a 5-axis machine and three CNC lathes. Jason Aldridge, managing
director, provides an insight into the vision: “We are working to a five year business plan that will see us move from £1.8 million turnover to a company that is commanding in excess of £4 million in annual sales. Up to ten new jobs could be created as a result of this growth.” He continues: “The growth
has been based on establishing more strategic partnerships with our clients – working closely with customers to not only improve quality and on time delivery, but also added value services such as design. This approach has reaped dividends and we now hold approved supplier status with Rolls-Royce in Canada, Germany, Singapore and the UK, Goodrich, Bombardier and Eaton. We are also taking this same strategy with the energy companies we currently work with.”
Arrowsmith Engineering, which employs 39 people, provides turning, milling and grinding services in both large volume and low quantities, including aftersales and
development projects. It has diversified to become a global specialist in high precision, complex components in exotic metals with many parts being used in the Rolls-Royce Trent series engines used on the Airbus A380, A350 and the Boeing 747 and 787.
A commitment to quality has also seen it secure AS9100 and ISO14001, with the firm already being backed by Goodrich to work towards the SC21 initiative. Mr Aldridge, who became managing director in 2009, takes up the story: “MAS-WM has been an important driver in our expansion with specialist adviser Peter Jones providing constant mentoring and help on specific projects, including the layout of the new factory, links to probing trials and giving us access to new machinery and technology. “The latest project is working with one of its cluster groups on securing a bronze SC21 award, an objective we hope to achieve
in the next year.”
The local manufacturer was also quick to praise the recent announcement that MAS will continue to offer in-depth support through a national service with on the ground regional delivery. Speaking during a visit by Minister for Business Mark Prisk, he commented: “MAS understand what manufacturers want and has access to specialist experts that can make a real difference to our bottom line.” Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in 2012 will continue to deliver a national service to all manufacturing businesses in England. It is aiming to create £1.5 billion in economic growth, 23,000 jobs and safeguard 50,000 positions.
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