Black Country steel firm invests in 10-year transformation programme

Chris Hutton-Penman, chairman, OSSL Group

A Black Country steel processing firm has made a six-figure investment into its production operation as part of the first phase of a 10-year transformation.

Bromford Iron & Steel, which produces hot rolled flats, sections and custom profiles, is investing the money into its plant in West Bromwich.

Part of the OSSL Group, Bromford Iron & Steel has undergone radical development since its acquisition by the group in 2014.

(Special Black Country event – see below)

Despite the challenging conditions of the UK steel industry, Bromford has secured increased export contracts and has begun to see new growth. It currently exports approximately 65% of its output.

Capitalising on this growth and as part of a decade-long commitment, Bromford is looking to implement new technologies to increase its agility and improve its customer service.

Measures include data capture and innovative new maintenance strategies.

The investment follows new financial backing secured in a deal with corporate finance group Close Brothers.

Chris Hutton-Penman, chairman, OSSL Group, said: “No one needs to reiterate the difficulties faced by the UK steel industry. They are well documented.  But with the backdrop of the UK Industrial Strategy and the drive for an innovative manufacturing sector that demands a strong steel industry, we are making this investment to seize opportunity.

“To do this, our investment will address two issues; firstly to ensure we continue to offer the very best customer service.  Secondly, we will look to leapfrog existing levels of automation and technology and move directly to next generation processes and systems.  These will form the platform of improved competitiveness for growth.”

The region’s ability to continue to attract inward investment – in manufacturing and other key sectors – will depend heavily on how it can upskill today’s workers and create a workforce able to fill the jobs of the future.

Next Wednesday (May 3) TheBusinessDesk.com, in association with the Black Country LEP and the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, is holding a panel discussion to examine what businesses need to do to play an active part in creating a strong, sustainable future.

The expert panel will discuss:

• the opportunities the apprentice levy presents for businesses
• the role of apprenticeships and skills in creating the workforce of the future
• the Black Country’s role within the Midlands Engine and on the international stage
• technology’s disruptive effect on industry and the impact of Industry 4.0

The free event is at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, from 8am – 10am.

Click here to book your place at the Black Country: Technology and Skills event.

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