Stadco, the manufacturer of body pressings and assemblies for automotive companies including Jaguar Land Rover, is to take delivery of one of Europe’s largest transfer press lines following a £15m investment in new stamping technology.
Following a substantial new contract, the company has extended its Telford facility, which will consist of a 4,000-tonne transfer press fully equipped with the latest material handling equipment, capable of processing both aluminium and steel blanks at high speeds.
The new production will provide Stadco with the capability of producing up to four parts simultaneously at a combined rate of up to 3,200 parts per hour for high-volume vehicle production at the site it acquired in 2011.
“This is a really exciting addition to our facilities, building upon our reputation as a leading supplier of automotive products and services,” said Dinos Andreou, the firm’s sales and marketing director.
“This new line places the company in an excellent position to take advantage of the future requirements of our customers for years to come.”
The new transfer press is set to be installed and commissioned in the first half of last year, with full production starting in December 2014.
Ray Macera, facility director at the Telford site, said he expects the investment will have a positive impact on the local economy.
“This investment will ensure Telford remains one of the UK’s leading manufacturing facilities, with leading edge equipment and capabilities,” he said.
“The additional work this new line will generate is a positive step to ensuring secure jobs for local people and will help us to provide the best service to our automotive customers.”