A ‘unique’ industrial collective has recorded its best ever year, with a £10 million increase in sales paving the way for 125 new jobs.

The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN) (www.man-group.co.uk), which comprises eight sub-contract manufacturers and an engineering design agency, has taken full advantage of the positive exchange rate for sterling and a desire to tap into British innovation to win contracts in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, renewables and medical sectors.

All nine firms have experienced growth over the last 12 months and have benefitted from sharing best practice, purchasing power and working together to target new clusters.

MAN now employs 1,000 people at 15 factories and has an order book that is fast approaching £90 million — with 40% of this from overseas customers.

Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer and the new chairman of MAN (pictured), said: “I am a firm believer in the power of collaboration, and that is exactly what has helped us to grow the collective and our individual businesses over the last year.

"We were all together when the result of the European Referendum vote was announced, and we were shocked. That feeling lasted for about 10min; then, like typical manufacturers, we decided to roll up our sleeves and see how we could make the most of the situation.

“The fall in the price of sterling has certainly been a big help, but it is only one element. The UK is a great place to manufacture, and we are becoming increasingly competitive with our international rivals, thanks to a renewed focus on training, investment in automation and a willingness to innovate. Those are the true ingredients behind our success.”

MAN comprises Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, Grove Design, Kimber Mills International, Mec Com, Muller Holdings, PP Control & Automation, and SMT Developments.

Together, they cover a wide range of engineering disciplines, including automation and control systems, casting, design, forging, plastic injection moulding, PCB development and precision-stamped parts.

MAN is also working with Warwick Manufacturing Group to improve processes and commercialise new technologies.

Mr Crozier continued: “This is a very exciting time to be taking the reins at MAN, and there are some immediate opportunities I want to focus on — primarily, widening the network’s reach to win more business and strengthening our existing relationships with academia.”