Kimber Mills International (www.kimbermills.co.uk) has joined the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN) (www.man-group.co.uk).

Established in 1919, the company offers high-quality forgings and machined parts in steel, stainless steel, carbon, aluminium and super duplex. Employing 50 people at sites in Cradley Heath and Coventry, it currently exports 25% of its output to customers in Canada, Dubai, Europe, Malaysia and the USA.

Chairman Larry Joyce said: “MAN is a fantastic example of Midlands manufacturers working together to retain work and bring contracts home to the UK. We have been watching its development for some time and are glad that it felt we had something to offer.

“We believe there’s about £1 million of new orders we can secure from increasing our presence in markets like motor-sport and F1, but the MAN collective is about much more than just the bottom line. I know there’s a lot of best practice sharing that we can benefit from, plus significant savings from making the most of our combined purchasing power, and I’m sure there will be a lot of marketing and PR we can take advantage of as we get more involved.”

MAN chairman Tony Hague said: “We are delighted to attract such a well-respected company that shares the same values that we do — values of continuous improvement, world-class performance and innovation.

“Kimber Mills has recently invested £1 million in a new forge facility, which gives it the capability to produce oil and gas pipe clamps and brake/suspension parts for the automotive sector.”

MAN also comprises Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, Grove Design, Mec Com, Muller Holdings, PP Electrical Systems and SMT Developments.

It has a combined workforce of 700 people in 12 factories and is expected to pass the £75 million turnover mark this year.