Congratulations to KimberMills International for securing £1m of new contracts in its centenary year, bringing more jobs and business to its Cradley Heath site.

Founded in Coventry in 1919 by Albert Mills, the business started life supplying parts for horse-drawn carriages. It was passed down through the family until being sold to Larry Joyce and John Simmons in 1993. From humble beginnings, it is now a global forgings and machined parts business, with half of its output comprising exports to the USA, Australia, Canada, the Middle East and the EU. Parts from KimberMills helped dig the Channel Tunnel, the company supplies parts to NASA and it currently employs 50 people across its two sites in the Midlands.

Chairman Larry Joyce attributes the success of the business to a strong customer focus, the willingness to take on complex projects, and consistent investment in diversification and innovation. As we reported in April 2019, KimberMills is also a member of the Manufacturing Assembly Network, a group of Midlands manufacturers who collaborate to win more work for all.

The new contracts, in oil and gas, mining, motorsport and rail, bring KimberMills’ sales for this year to a record high of £8m, and will create six new jobs, further justifying the company’s recent investment of nearly £1m in a new drop forge facility in Cradley Heath, as well as other equipment and a planning system.

Think Sandwell wishes KimberMills International all the best for the delivery of its new contracts, and raises a celebratory glass of bubbly to their successful centenary year. To find out how we can help give your business a boost, visit our business services pages.