Two West Midlands manufacturers have won a significant export contract

With a major export order secured at Blechexpo, two West Midlands manufacturers are celebrating 40 years of collaboration.

Brandauer, one of the world’s leading independent metal stampers, has collaborated with Auric Metal Finishers of Coventry to design, develop, and supply bespoke EloPin push-fit connectors for an Indian Tier 1 automotive supplier.

The £1.5m order will allow the Birmingham-based company to produce up to 30 million parts per year by 2025, creating new jobs in the region.

“This contract involves a very complex component for use in motive control systems and the customer was struggling to source the technology in India, so they turned to the West Midlands for inspiration,” explained Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer. “We have significant experience in push-fit connectors and were able to tweak our EloPin product to come up with a solution. Better still we can complete all the tooling at our new Precision Tooling Academy we run with In-Comm Training.”

He continued: “The relationship with Auric Metal Finishers was also key to the deal. We understand the way each other works and, its unique ability to deliver reel-to-reel precision plating, ensured we could deliver the finish that was crucial to the end application.

“Export continues to be a major source of revenue and we are delighted that we have been able to sign another landmark deal at Blechexpo, one of the largest events for our sector.”

David Harris, managing director of Auric Metal Finishers, added: “Our advanced reel-to-reel technology applies coats precisely where you need them and there are not many firms that can deliver that type of pinpoint accuracy in the UK.

“This has meant we have become a strategic supplier to Brandauer over the last four decades, getting involved in the development phase of projects to ensure the right finish and process is specified. Taking this approach can often eliminate unnecessary costs and reduce lead times significantly.

“There is a wealth of manufacturing expertise in the West Midlands and this latest deal with India proves it.”

Brandauer, which was founded more than 162 years ago, manufactures components that are used in 90% of the world’s kettles, re-con drones that save lives, edge connectors for the dimming of rear-view mirrors in 55% of car models, and a high-profile male grooming product used by millions of people.

Overseas business accounts for more than 70% of Brandauer’s current revenue, with billions of components shipped each year to the United States, China, the Middle East, and the European Union. It has increased its overseas order book through a concerted digital marketing campaign, trade delegations with Innovate Edge, and participation in international trade shows such as CoilTech and now Blechexpo.

Mr Crozier, who is also an export champion for the Department for International Trade concluded: “We are only halfway through this event and have already taken 25 new business opportunities. There definitely appears to be an appetite for buying British and wanting to tap into our design and innovative stamping and tooling capabilities. Come along to Hall 6, Stand 6102 to find out all about it.”