Dynamic Duo drive growth for automotive supplier

Automotive supplier Sertec has made two significant additions to its senior management team to bolster its expertise levels.

The appointments see Steve Dunn join the group board as Engineering Production Director, while Carol Henderson takes tenure as Senior Commercial Manager.

Coleshill-based Sertec has undergone dramatic growth in recent years, much of it down to the demands of its leading customer, Jaguar Land Rover.

Mr Dunn has joined the group from a Tier 1 Body In White (BIW) and chassis manufacturer. He brings 37 years of automotive experience in leadership, technical product development and process improvement.

With the expansion of the business through both inward investment and acquisition, Sertec said it was pleased to have secured someone of his ability.

Dave Steggles, Sertec’s Group Managing Director, said: “Having recently spent £16m in our new heavy stampings facility, we are very fortunate to have enlisted Steve, who brings with him the calibre and skills set essential to capitalising on our investment.

“Whilst he will concentrate on Heavy Stampings at our Coleshill factory, his experience in assessing and implementing new strategies and processes will be of great benefit to the group as a whole, both within the UK and our European operations.”

Ms Henderson has joined from Covpress Assembly and brings with her 25 years of knowledge in automotive purchasing and new model experience. As Senior Commercial Manager, she has been tasked with adding further expertise to Sertec’s BIW capability and will play an integral part in attracting new customers to the group.

“Carol has a wealth of engineering and commercial skills, which coupled with an extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, will add a new perspective to our commercial activities for a wider customer portfolio,” added Mr Steggles.

Since acquiring Wild Automotive twelve months ago, Sertec has continued with its growth plan, which is focused on each of its new factories and its senior management team.

While the investment has benefited the group’s two West Midland sites, its plant in Germany is basking in £1m of plant refurbishment and lighting upgrades, while the Hungary operation is currently installing new presses and equipment to the value of £11m.

This has been supported with a further £1m investment in Industry 4.0 and the group’s IT systems.