The managing director of a world leader in tool steel and specialist materials has thanked the Think Sandwell team for our role in helping his company secure thousands of pounds of grant funding to upgrade its facilities.

 

Böhler-Uddeholm (UK) has been operating from its Oldbury site since 1994 and is a subsidiary of one of the largest steel manufacturers in the world. Their warehouse holds around 2000 tonnes of special steels and is equipped with automatic saws, including a specialised saw system for close tolerance multiple cut blanks, and a fully automated sawing centre. With demagnetising, machining and grinding facilities, the business offers a “one stop shop” for engineering companies in the UK.

 

The funding has enabled the company to invest in a fully automated storage system, which has led to a massive improvement in space utilisation, processing times and inventory control.

 

“In addition to the automated racking system, the grant also enabled us to purchase a CNC boring maching, a milling machine and testing equipment,” said managing director Tom Gowans. “This has led to the creation of new jobs, including apprentice engineers and graduate technical roles.”

 

Established in 2010, the Regional Growth Fund is a government-led initiative which supports eligible projects and programmes in raising private-sector investment to create economic growth and lasting employment. The Think Sandwell team has extensive experience in helping local businesses access this funding and, in the case of Böhler-Uddeholm, helped the company secure nearly £400K.

 

“The support of Sandwell Council and the RGF funding scheme has enabled Böhler-Uddeholm (UK) to become a world class distribution facility,” said Tom. “This will help us to preserve and create jobs at our Oldbury site well into the next decade.”

 

Congratulations to Böhler-Uddeholm (UK) Ltd. Take a look at our Business Services pages to see how Think Sandwell could help with your business development plans.