Jet packs, hypersonic engines and awe-inspiring growth #madeinsandwell
Meet our first ever #madeinsandwell Monday star: A&M EDM based in Smethwick.
In just 14 years, the company has grown from being a wire and spark erosion contractor into a world-class precision engineering company.
It now makes components for personal jet packs, hypersonic engines, space explorers, deep-sea equipment and UAV engines, and much more. High-profile customers include Formula One and Jaguar Land Rover.
The business was founded in 2002 by owner and managing director Mark Wingfield, with just two staff. A&M now employs 58 people and has founded a successful apprenticeship programme. In 2016 its sales were recorded as £4.2m.
A&M has won several awards – including Express & Star SME of the Year – and has been shortlisted for many more.
The company says being in Sandwell has played an important role in its success.
“We are located close to where James Watt and Matthew Boulton kick-started the industrial revolution. Our staff – many of whom are from Sandwell and the Black Country – are proud to continue the manufacturing tradition which is in Smethwick’s DNA,” said Phil Calcutt, Communications Manager.
“We have worked in partnership with Sandwell Council to access Regional Growth funding to enable us to invest in our second factory unit, advanced machinery and measurement equipment.”
This is a story of investment: in machinery, in new premises, in people and their skills. A&M’s commitment to growth, training and research has enabled the company to diversify into high-tech sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defence, m
arine and rail.
And the company’s plans for the future?
“To continue growing at a sustainable rate as cutting-edge precision engineers,” said Phil. “We have developed an engine testing cell as part of an innovative National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme, and conducted research and development projects to create our own UAV engine product.”
#madeinsandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity of businesses in our borough. To be considered for a #madeinsandwell Monday profile, read this.
