Black Country precision engineering specialist, A&M EDM is reaping the benefits of a major investment programme after landing new contracts in automotive, aerospace, F1 and for parts for automation equipment.
A&M EDM, which employs 58 people across its two sites in Smethwick, is heading towards £5m turnover for the first time in its 15-year history after setting its sights on supplying high value, high performance components, including the development of engines for unmanned vehicles.
Support from the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) has also helped it to identify improvements in its marketing activity, strategy and the implementation of a new environmental system that is set to lead to ISO:14001 accreditation shortly.
From just two people and a handful of machines, the business has grown into the reportedly UK’s largest commercial EDM wire and spark erosion specialist, supported by new CNC machining and toolmaking design and manufacturing services.
According to the firm’s managing director, Mark Wingfield, MGP backing has played a leading role in its development – supporting the work between A&M EDM’s management team and Enki-Environmental to develop environmental impact systems, for example.
The systems led to a new recycling strategy, re-using scrap wire in production and the installation of LED lighting to reduce energy costs and improve the working environment.
MGP also highlighted opportunities which could be opened by securing ISO:14001 environmental accreditation, enabling A&M EDM to tender for larger contracts with the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Marston Aerospace.
Helen Fortune, manufacturing growth manager at MGP, explained: “A&M EDM is an innovative, cutting-edge business that is keen to seek external assistance to help it get even better and unlock growth.
She added: “The next stage is to develop a digital marketing strategy, working with A&M to visually communicate its precision engineering credentials to target customers and influencers.”
The MGP, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions (EGS), aims to fill the void left by MAS by providing access to specialist assistance to help manufacturers to grow and improve.
