Manufacturer flying high in aerospace sector following acquisition

West Bromwich manufacturer Berck is targeting new business in the defence sector after completing a strategic acquisition.

The company has acquired Fourjay, based in Aldridge, a deep drawing specialist.

Berck manufactures manufactures metal pressings and metal sub-assemblies for the automotive, electronics and medical industries. It will now be expanding into the aerospace sector by supplying fuses for the Eurofighter and F-16.

Darren Yates, managing director of Berck, said: “Fourjay were specialists in deep drawing which is something that we have been unable to do until now. They supply into the Ministry of Defence and they are a large worldwide supplier of fuses.

“Some of Fourjay’s fuses and connectors are used in the Eurofighter and the F-16’s which is fantastic news enabling us to move forwards.”

The family-owned business utilises cutting-edge technology, and its production facilities include versatile roll feed and multislide presses to ensure efficient and consistent production of its precision components.

The Fourjay acquisition has seen the Berck workforce grow by an additional four members of staff.

“It was excellent news for their staff and us. We can add to our skilled workforce people that (already) have a variety of new skills,” added Mr Yates.

“One of the best ways to develop your business is through acquisition. We have done it with Fourjay and we are looking to do it again in the future. We believe it will take six months to absorb what Fourjay have got and then it will be onto the next one.

“It is brilliant that we can now offer deep drawing and it only adds to our portfolio. It is a very exciting time here at Berck.”