Birmingham manufacturer plans for the future after securing new orders
A BIRMINGHAM manufacturer originally set-up to help rebuild Britain’s industry after the Second World War, is planning for the future after securing a number of major new contracts.
Edmar Engineering has used its expertise in small quantity machining, one-offs, prototypes and jigs and fixtures to complete work for clients across the automotive, aerospace, food, pharmaceutical and utilities sectors.
Recent growth has been partly driven by a series of improvements to production facilities and the outcome has seen the firm reach a turnover of almost £1m. It has also recruited three new staff.
With support by the Business Growth Service, the Aston-based firm has also redeveloped the first floor of its factory and purchased new equipment.
Anna Hayton, who will be the fourth generation family member to run the company when she takes over as managing director from her mother Sue Taylor next year, said: “My great grandfather Bill Marklew was commandeered by the Ministry of Defence at the start of World War Two to help enlist toolmakers and engineers to aid the war effort.
“When the war ended, instead of going back to being a foreman at Dunlop, he decided to start a business with colleague Mr Edwards…no doubt using contacts he built up during those difficult years.
“We originally started life in a rented nissen army hut and two storey-building, providing specialist engineering services to a whole host of industries. This diversity is still the case today and one of the main reasons we’ve been able to overcome 70 years of peaks and troughs.”
Business Growth Service experts worked with the management team on a host of best practice process improvements and helped devise a long-term planning strategy.
The Government-backed organisation also played a prominent role in signposting the company to funding opportunities which proved crucial to its £200,000 investment drive.
Business Growth Manager Jas Bahra said: “This is a fantastic tale of a small engineering business evolving over the years to become an important partner to clients in numerous industries.
“We have worked with the company for some time now, listening to its requirements and then delivering external advice and access to specialist programmes, such as ‘Great 200 Leaders’.”
Ms Hayton, who will be joined in the management team by her sister Jayne Sheppard and Technical Director Richard Dale, added: “The Business Growth Service is the first place we go to when we have questions about expansion or overcoming small issues within the business.
“We’ve always had fantastic advice and the fact we can leverage financial support to boost our growth plans is always welcome.”
