FMC Manufacturing is planning a digital transformation, with help from Sandwell Council and Skills Support for the Workforce. Its ambitious plans are being supported by the AIM for GOLD project which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The fire safety company, based on Britannia Street in Tividale, tests and manufactures a wide range of systems and products including fire extinguishers, safety signs, fire alarms, emergency lights, fire door equipment, first aid kits, fire hoses and escape equipment. The firm, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, exports its products from its Sandwell headquarters to places as far afield as Europe, Dubai and Australia.

FMC are now looking to expand even further, using digital technology to develop new products, present component specifications, convert 2D designs to 3D animated BIM objects and grow its client base. The AIM for GOLD support will help train FMC’s product engineers on how to produce 3D-formatted component assemblies embedded with hyperlinks. This will allow prospective clients to view their supply offerings as digital product data, including material content and method of manufacture, dimensional tolerances, component fire ratings, testings, warranties, maintenance regimes and life cycle data.

Stuart Lambeth, FMC’s national sales manager said: “The use of product libraries and digital download media is set to become the future of marketing in our industry. The use of new and emerging digital applications like BIM has given us a great impetus and a competitive advantage when bidding for future contracts spanning many sectors, offering significant new opportunities to generate leads and referrals.”

FMC is already reaping the rewards of their digital investment, winning prestigious contracts with construction giants John Sisk & Sons and Bovis Homes Group. “The bottom line is that the digital age is here, and businesses that fail to innovate, develop a digital roadmap and adapt to the new marketing climate are at great risk of falling behind their competitors,” said Stuart.

Think Sandwell is very excited to be supporting FMC on its digital journey and would love to help more local businesses embrace the future. To find out how we can work with you to develop a digital strategy, visit our Business Services pages.