EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Brandauer Presses on to The Next Chapter

Birmingham-based precision stamping specialist Brandauer has been purchased by its management team with the vision of creating a world leading precision engineering specialist. Current CEO Rowan Crozier, manufacturing director Stuart Berry and non-executive director David Chapman have joined forces to buy the company, with the trio immediately laying out a 10-year plan that will initially drive annual sales to £12m by 2029.

Financed by HSBC, the deal will ensure the company remains in UK ownership and in a strong position to explore opportunities associated with its tooling, stamping, R&D and newly founded consultancy service. More than 20 new jobs could be added to Brandauer’s existing 64-strong team when the vision is realised.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk

Fives Acquires Italy-based Pietro Carnaghi

Fives has acquired Pietro Carnaghi SpA, an Italy-based manufacturer of large machine tools. Together, the operations of Fives’ HPM division and Pietro Carnaghi are expected to generate revenue of approximately €400-450m, relying on the combined workforce strengths of 1,900 global employees to expand markets, enhance capabilities and deliver even greater value to clients.

Fives will increase its manufacturing capabilities and gain greater control over its supply chain, thanks to the integration of a state-of-the-art 45,000 m² industrial facility in northern Italy. Says Giuliano Radice, chairman of Pietro Carnaghi: “This transaction reinforces our ability to maintain ongoing activities and honour existing contractual commitments, ensuring a consistent and high-quality presence in the market.” More information www.fivesgroup.com

Employers wanted

A UK engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship provider is urging companies in the Black Country, Birmingham and Shropshire to continue tapping into a 200-strong talent pool to help ease recruitment worries. In-Comm Training, which operates two technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, had the biggest collection of young people looking for vocational learning placements in its 43-year history during the summer. The firm has already placed 125 individuals with employers and is now seeking to find positions for a further 75 for the October/November intake.

More information www.bit.ly/4n3d3Ps

Custom-made transformer

Electro-Wind says its has designed, manufactured and delivered a custom-built 500 kVA, three-phase, 415/690 V transformer for one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects — the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Working in partnership with a leading electrical wholesaler, Electro-Wind was entrusted with supplying a highly robust IP55-rated transformer, specifically engineered for external environments and designed for installation on a raised platform. The transformer now plays a crucial role in providing temporary power to the Unit 2 reactor polar crane during commissioning.

More information www.electro-wind.co.uk

First fully UK-built Boxer Mission Module

MTL Advanced, one of the UK’s largest contract manufacturing businesses, has formally handed over the first fully British-manufactured Mission Module for the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme to KNDS UK. Everything was built entirely in the UK, from raw plate material through to final fabrication, and is part of MTL’s base order with KNDS for over 100 modules. The order forms part of more than £40m in contracts awarded by KNDS to MTL Advanced to support the UK’s Boxer MIV programme, which also include over 450 Drive Module armour kits for KNDS’s fabrication line in Stockport.

More information www.mtladv.com