THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Pre-Met presses on with QSP purchase

A UK metal pressings and stamping specialist has set its sights on growth after sealing its latest strategic acquisition. Pre-Met, which operates from a 50,000 ft² factory in Redditch, has purchased nearby Quality Springs & Pressings (QSP) in a deal that will boost market share in the automotive, construction, environmental and transport markets – and help the business move toward its targeted revenue milestone of £10m.

All 16 employees are being retained to take the total workforce to 60, with the transfer of production machinery and equipment to the company’s Studley Road site completing over the next three months. The acquisition broadens the group’s capacity to include more wire form and spring manufacturing expertise, additional presses, as well as embedding new robot and manual welding capabilities.

More information www.metalpressingsandstampings.co.uk

Manufacturing for the future

High precision, automation and digital technology – this is what the future of metalworking looks like. During its ‘Technology Days’ event in Chemnitz, Starrag showcased some of the crucial building blocks of this ambition and highlighted machine developments such as the Heckert H100 compact machining centre.

A sneak preview of the new large machine series was displayed alongside perfectly co-ordinated peripherals. The event also offered the 200+ visitors a glimpse of the newly designed production hall, where precision-critical components for a wide range of StarragTornos Group machines are manufactured in a highly automated process with micron-level accuracy.

More information www.starrag.com

Top UK talent takes on Europe’s finest

The UK’s very brightest and best young apprentices and learners are heading to Denmark to test their skills against the crème de la crème of Europe at EuroSkills Herning 2025. It is Europe’s largest skills competition and takes place on 9-13 September. The more than notable 19, making up Team UK, carry the hopes and vision of the UK’s ambition to grow and prosper on its shoulders.

Selected and trained in skills excellence by WorldSkills UK, in partnership with lifelong learning company Pearson, the team will compete in a raft of skills disciplines. Team members have already been through months of competition and selection processes, and now face the final crucial months of their intensive training programme for EuroSkills Herning 2025.  

More information www.worldskillsuk.org

Bruderer completes Telford facility

Bruderer, a manufacturer of precision high-speed presses, has reinforced its commitment to the future of UK manufacturing by investing heavily in the construction of a state-of-the-art site in Telford. The company has moved its entire operation from its base in Luton to the modern 10,000 sq m facility.

Described as Bruderer’s ‘centre of manufacturing excellence’, the new building offers a competence centre capable of giving access to live demonstrations of new presses, fully certified pre-owned machines and fully integrated turnkey solutions. The move has also seen Bruderer UK increase its direct workforce to 14 as it looks to drive innovation in the production of pressed components.

More information www.bruderer.co.uk

Cobra Tool sold to YAD Capital

A long-established manufacturing business described by its acquirer as “a true gem” has been sold to YAD Capital Investments in a deal advised on by KBS Corporate. Cobra Tool & Die, based in Portsmouth, was founded in 1983 and has earned an excellent reputation as a manufacturer of all types of mould tools, as well as a provider of tool repair, modification and CNC machining services.

“This isn’t just another deal, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for a business with 42 years of legacy, craftsmanship and loyal customer relationships,” says Anil Daas, founder and CEO of YAD Capital Investments. “Cobra Tool & Die is a trusted name in the south, known for its precision, quality and a team of highly skilled professionals who keep things running like clockwork.”

More information www.kbscorporate.com