Sector Focus
Manufacturing Toolmaker backs STEM career choice
Birmingham manufacturer BSA Tools Ltd is aiming to play a big role in encouraging youngsters to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing (STEM) subjects. The company – rescued from
administration in 2017 – wants to build closer links with technology colleges in a bid to recruit a better skilled workforce, but also to help out by providing tool making machines which can be used for training purposes.
‘There has never been a better time to build upon our engineering heritage’
Since coming out of
administration, BSA Tools has created 15 jobs and has also managed to tempt some former employees to re-join the business and share their experience with the new generation of engineers. The business is looking for new
recruits and an additional senior engineer to replace Robin Cray, who re-joined the business last year to
Winning team: The staff, new and old, at BSA Tools in Birmingham
help train apprentices and repair and maintain existing BSA equipment, typically single and multi-spindle automatic and CNC (computer numerical control) lathes. Mr Cray, who first joined BSA
Tools in 1969, is now looking to retire and the business is searching for another experienced engineer to help spearhead the new generation of toolmaker apprentices. He said: “We want to bring
quality British engineering back and helping these youngsters learn on the job is what it is all about.
Employee event marks end of XJ production
Midland car giant Jaguar has called time on production of one of its most iconic products, the XJ series, which was originally launched in 1968. The latest XJ range is the last to be made at Castle Bromwich, where
Jaguar now intends to focus on the production of electric vehicles. The Jaguar XJ series was first launched in 1968 with the classic XJ6
Series 1, with the latest model, the XJ50 anniversary, launched in 2018. A celebration to mark the end of production of XJs at the Castle
Bromwich site was attended by hundreds of Jaguar employees and a small number of regional stakeholders. Jamie Whitehead, operations director, Jaguar Castle Bromwich, paid
tribute to the teams who have built the XJs over the years, thanking them for: “The infectious passion they’ve got for what they do, the product they produce and the way their spirit has imbued across the plant.” The event also marked special recognition for Ian Callum, retiring
after 20 years as the design director of Jaguar. He was awarded a specially crafted model of a Jaguar XJ that had been manufactured on the plant. Mr Whitehead said: “Ian Callum’s breath-taking cars both inspired
and rewarded us in the true traditions of Jaguar design. It was a privilege to have built them for him and our customers.” It’s not quite the end of the road for the XJ, as an electric version
will be among the vehicles made at Castle Bromwich. During the celebration event, Professor Dr Ralph Speth, chief
executive of Jaguar Land Rover, confirmed that the company will be investing millions in refitting the Castle Bromwich site to pave the way for production of a new range of vehicles; including an electric version of the XJ Saloon. This marks the next phase in development of the Castle Bromwich
site which has long been associated with icons of British engineering since its inception, manufacturing Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers during World War II.
76 CHAMBERLINK September 2019 Helping the vets: Nigel Seaman (second right) with Fracino employees Veterans get cup of cheer
Birmingham-based coffee machine maker Fracino has donated various equipment to a project which aims to teach Armed Forces’ veterans to become baristas. Baristas are the people who
prepare and serve espressos, and Fracino has donated espresso machines, grinders and knockout drawers to former soldier Nigel Seaman from Combat2Coffee, who trains the veterans and helps them to find work placements. The community interest
company was launched last year when Mr Seaman set out to help the vets, some of whom were in custody or undergoing rehab.
Mr Seaman, who saw active
service between 1992-2004 included tours in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Witnessing the plight of plight of
fellow veterans struggling with life outside service, he now supports those who are in custody or in the process of rehabilitation. He said: “The espresso machines
and complementary equipment they have provided will be invaluable in our barista training programme to enhance the quality of life and confidence of veterans who have much to offer but struggle to acclimatise to life outside the forces.”
“I still get excited today about
repairing these machines and seeing something performing better.” The company has a long history
of working with vocational colleges, with former managing director Steve Brittan, who is still active as an ambassador for South and City College, a former governor at Birmingham Metropolitan College, and Chamber board member. He said: “It’s all about re-
connecting with communities. BSA was always about providing that vital connection with colleges that
help produce the engineers of tomorrow. “We need to re-engage as
proper apprenticeships and learning engineering skills on the job are very much the future.” BSA’s business development manager, Emily Eyles, said: “BSA’s reach into vocational colleges was part of the heritage of the brand. “We want to be part of training
that next generation and for the colleges to be using our machines, which are still the envy of the world. “We have recently completed a
rebuild on one machine which was 50 years old and it was working as sweetly as it was on day one. “This equipment was designed
and built to a bygone age specification, a quality that preceded the notion of built-in obsolescence. “They are also used in the UK for
training, which chimes with the Government’s announcement of £170m investment in 12 technology training centres across the UK. “We have connections with a
number of colleges but we want to reach out to more in order to entice more apprentices into STEM subjects.”
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