Birmingham's oldest manufacturers wins two major automotive contracts
One of Birmingham's oldest manufacturers has secured two major automotive contracts.
The wins come just months after announcing its intention to become a long-term engineering partner for its global clients.
Brandauer, which completed a management buy-out in September, is working with Ford Motor Company and an unnamed tier one supplier from Eastern Europe on projects to produce tooling and precision components for use in electrification.
Both partnerships are tapping into the company's early-stage consultancy and design for manufacturing support before following the production journey from tool design, manufacture and try-out to process automation and volume production.
The early wins reinforce the new strategic growth plan outlined after the MBO and has accelerated the firm's move towards £12 million revenues by 2029.
Brandauer chief executive Rowan Crozier said: "This move will transition us from a sub-contract stamping specialist to a one-stop partner which can scale precision metal and plastic assemblies.
"This is a long-term vision that will maximise recent investments in consultancy, design and automation capability and we are already seeing demand from existing and new clients to tap into this wraparound service.
"Automotive is a natural home for what we do as it demands precision components and, with the drive for electrification, is looking to push the boundaries of innovation.
"Contracts with Ford and the Eastern European supplier give us confidence that what we are offering is in demand, a demand that is also transferrable to multiple precision sectors, including defence, aerospace and power generation and management. The MBO was a massive moment in our 164-year history.
"Now is the time to write the next chapter that will keep world class manufacturing in Birmingham for another century."
Employing 67 people at its Newtown facility, Brandauer has made history with the Ford project, manufacturing a progression tool for the first time.
This includes integrated automation to stamp and bond stacks for electric vehicle applications. A full tool is now being manufactured and, once this is complete, collaborative learning will be shared across both businesses.
Mr Crozier added: "For Brandauer, these new contracts aren't just a symbol of new business. It's a symbol of a new beginning.
"Both companies have recognised our expertise in multiple sectors of the process and this has ensured better communication and faster lead times by cutting out third-party suppliers so the end-to-end projects can be completed under one roof."
