This week, #MadeInSandwell Monday is celebrating the success of a great local partnership that shows what can be achieved when firms team up to work together.

Haws is the world’s oldest watering can manufacturer and the choice of serious horticulturalists such as Monty Don. With over 100 years of history in the sedate and ancient art of gardening, the company’s partnership with cutting-edge precision engineers A&M EDM may at first seem unlikely.

However, while A&M’s engineers may be more used to working in motor sports and aerospace (as featured in #MadeInSandwell Monday back in February), they were very happy to come down to earth for the challenge of re-engineering the classic Haws watering can, in order to scale up production.

The two companies, based just two miles apart in Smethwick, teamed up to design and manufacture new tooling, to create the different sized blanks to press the galvanised steel into shape for the distinctive Haws spouts and cross stays. A&M are also making four more tools to manufacture the different sized cross stay lengths for different models.

Mark Wingfield, managing director of A&M EDM said: “It’s a privilege to work with Haws, a brand with an outstanding heritage, and it’s great to work on an everyday product with instant recognition and quality.”

Andy Pennock, director of Haws said: “We aim to double production and sales in the next couple of years and we needed to increase our manufacturing capacity. We are serious about our environmental commitment and reducing our carbon footprint, so we’re using local companies who meet our quality standards. A&M provide a full design and precision toolmaking service and are only a few minutes away.”

It’s great to see local firms working together in this way to boost the borough’s local economy and make the world’s best watering cans even better!

#MadeInSandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #MadeInSandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.