New home for firm

When you talk about birthday presents, they probably don't come much bigger than a purpose-built 31,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, complete with the latest technology.

The management team at castings company Lost Wax Development, in Stourport, has been using its 30th birthday as a platform to increase turnover and win new contracts.

Boosted by support from Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands and Accelerate, the company officially opened its new Firs Industrial Estate site with a special celebration hosted by Dudley South MP and Minister for Science and Innovation Ian Pearson.

The minister revealed how pleased he was to see the firm winning business and highlighted Lost Wax's commitment to innovation as a barometer of what UK manufacturers need to do, in order to compete against emerging nations. Lost Wax Development, which has recently taken on seven new people, has recently secured contracts with Perkins Engines, Aston Martin and Bentley and became a supplier to Shell Oil, which could triple the amount of export work undertaken.

Wendy Bennett, sales director, said: "Our new facility, which represents a £1.5 million investment, provides us with an additional 9,000 sq ft capacity." She added: "I think our success stems from our ability to transfer traditional expertise into new marketplaces. For example, we've started another division called Art-Eng, which specialises in providing intricate stainless steel awards, decorative wear, sculptures and even the toggle attached to the flag on top of the Ritz."