Business Secretary Greg Clark on the shop floor at a Black Country engineering firm
Business Secretary Greg Clark took time after the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham to visit precision engineers A&M EDM in Smethwick to understand what drives growth and the issues facing a manufacturing SME.
The Business Secretary met A&M’s current and recent apprentices, speaking to each individual about their motivation to become an apprentice, the work they undertake and the skills they are developing by working with highly skilled engineers. All of A&M’s apprentices study for academic engineering qualifications at Dudley College, using the first class facilities.
Mark Wingfield, managing director of A&M EDM said: “We had an informed discussion with the Business Secretary, Greg Clark on how the Industrial Strategy can accelerate West Midland manufacturing and A&M’s investment to develop our apprentices, skills and machinery as a thriving precision engineering SME.”
Greg Clark said: “We’re committed to supporting this innovative region. The Industrial Strategy for the West Midlands will harness its distinctive strengths to unlock greater growth and earning power across the region’s cities and places.”
A&M showcased engines and components manufactured for aerospace and automotive customers. In addition, Greg Clark saw a new CNC high speed machining centre and handheld alloy analyser in action; these were part funded by a Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership grant to create new manufacturing jobs.
The Business Secretary discussed what the Government’s Industrial Strategy means in practice for Black Country manufacturers with senior representatives of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Black Country LEP, Dudley College and EEF, the body for UK manufacturers.
A&M has grown from a two man start-up in 2002 to 67 staff and record sales over £6m in 2018. This has been achieved using electronic discharge machining (EDM) and CNC machining to design and manufacture precision components and tooling for prototypes and production runs for a range of UK and international customers.
Mr Clark also visited the new Life Sciences Park at University of Birmingham, taking a lab tour, where genomics and medicine techniques are being used to develop new cancer treatments.
He said: “The level of talent and expertise in the West Midlands is elevating the region as a leader in life sciences. Academia, business and government are working together to deliver the breakthrough clinical trials of tomorrow, new medicines and custom-made medical devices that will change lives in the future.
“We’re committed to supporting this innovative region. The Industrial Strategy for the West Midlands will harness its distinctive strengths to unlock greater growth and earning power across the region’s cities and places.”
