The acquisition of £800,000 ofstate-of-the-art technology is already paying off for one of Birminghams leading precision component manufacturers.
Brandauer, which is part of the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN), has acquired two GF AgieCharmilles wire EDM machines to support its strategic expansion and desire to win contracts in new markets.
The installation of the two Cut 3000 machines gives the company the ability to offer tolerances of 1 micron,whilst providing faster and more flexible production when making technical changes to problematic tools.
Despite only being operational for three months, the machines have already played their part in helping the 151 year-old firmmanufacture £200,000 worthof progression tools for projects that range from surgical device blankstomicro-surveillancecomponent applicationsfor clients in the life protection sector.
Rowan Crozier, Sales and Marketing Director, explained: This is an important milestone for us and reinforces our desire to be a world leader in precision components.
These machines are very rare in the UK and are a direct response to what our existing and new customers want and expect from their suppliers.
He continued: Our newWire EDM cell has been specified to a world-class level, with temperature controlled environment, new flooring, lighting and additional space added. The new technology ensures we can achieve exacting quality faster than ever before.
The other big selling point is the technical flexibility. We can make the required technical improvements to problematic tools both quickly and seamlessly and this will be a major attraction when we are bidding for potential tool transfer opportunities.
Brandauer, which has been assisted on the acquisition by business and tax advisors Chantrey Vellacott DFK, has been developing a complex component tooling set for use in zero emission, remote power generationthatcan be used as a back-up power supply in countries where regular interruptions occur.
It has now had the prototype part approved for pre-production and the firm plan to be manufacturing more than 60,000 units per month for shipment and assembly in China in late 2014.
This should be worth £720,000 alone next year, with the potential to eventually surpass £1m, as volumes increase to cope with demand.
Rowan continued: Our marketplace is extremely competitive and we have to be the best so investment in staff, new technology and machines is vital.
Last year we spent a similar amount on two high-speed Bruderer presses and also installed new laser marking capabilities to ensure we could offer full traceability of parts. If you stand still, you will quickly get overtaken in this sector.
Paul Fenner, partner at Chantrey Vellacott DFK, added his support: Brandauer has achieved really strong growth and enjoyed great success exporting into new markets across the globe.
Weve worked alongside the company as auditors and tax advisors for some time, so weve witnessed their success at close quarters.
The latest major investment outlines Brandauers strong growth and its confidence in the UK and international markets and were pleased to be supporting the continued expansion of the business.
Brandauer is hoping that the wire EDM machines will play a big role in a number of collaborative opportunities the Midlands Assembly Network is working on both at home and overseas.
The company has been involved with MAN since its inception in 2006 and is now one of ten members that include Advanced Chemical Etching, Alucast, Barkley Plastics, FW Cables, Grove Design, Mec Com, PP Electrical Systems, SMT Developments and Westley Engineering.
Together they employ over 650 people and turnover in excess of £65m, providing access to world class manufacturing in precision pressings, casting, etching, injection moulding, wiring looms, toolmaking, PCB assembly and electrical control systems and assemblies.
For further information on Brandauer visit www.brandauer.co.uk or follow @cbrandauer on twitter. For more details on MAN go to www.man-group.co.uk or follow @man_group_ on twitter.