EU funding sees Motad rev up exhaust sales while Cradley Heath firm paints a bright future

Motad, based off Leamore Lane in Walsall, is a leading supplier of components for Japanese motorcycles from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and has been designing and manufacturing specialist exhaust systems for the motor trade since it was founded in 1968.

Initially based in London, Motad moved to Walsall in 1980 to be closer to suppliers and metal finishers. It currently sources the majority of their components from within a 10-mile radius of the Black Country.

Supplying everything from kit car manufacturers to fire engine pump producers, Motad's client base has grown increasingly diverse over the past decade, with several prestigious companies among its clients, including Triumph and Norton Motorcycles.

Motad required grant funding to invest in the latest automatic wire-fed MIG welders, as well as putting systems and processes in place to boost productivity, enhance product quality and maintain a healthy pricing structure within a competitive marketplace.

The Black Country GOLD scheme is currently being used to great effect by SMEs to boost business growth and supporting expansion projects enabling successful applicants to expand their business by up to 20 per cent.

Eligible business sectors include advanced manufacturing, building technologies, business services, environmental technologies, transport technologies and social enterprises - all of whom can use the funding to invest in business growth consultancy as well as the refurbishment of offices and purchasing of machinery, equipment and materials.

said: "The funding process was easy to follow and the timescale was quick; it only took eight weeks from our expression of interest until the council gave its final authorisation.

"The funding will help us to underpin the growth strategy of attracting further OEM customers and we will also be able to demonstrate our commitment to the latest technologies to ensure competitive pricing and exceptional quality."

It meant Motad was able to secure a grant for £4,878, which Motad match-funded to cover the £9,716 cost of the project.

Another company to benefit from the ERDF scheme is Cradley Heath-based Paint 360, an innovative re-engineering company which recycles waste paint from recycling centres and companies, and re-works it so that it can be used again as premium grade emulsions or masonry paint.

The firm's unique production process has been developed to maximise environmental benefits that reduce pollution when incinerating or landfill dumping and also save the company up to 70 per cent of raw energy compared to traditional manufacturing processes.

Paint 360 required grant funding to invest in new machinery and equipment that would enable them to increase production and take on new staff, helping to ensure the company grows.

Managing director of Paint 360, Lee Cole, said: "We've been constantly growing over the last two years since our company was founded and the Black Country GOLD funding was an ideal opportunity to invest in new machinery and increase our production – we're aiming treble our turnover by the end of year three."

"It's also important to us to give back to our local community, so we employ people who may face struggles entering work."