Alucast (www.alucast.co.uk), one of the UK’s largest independent aluminium foundries, has won new contracts worth over £3 million from car manufacturers keen to explore ways of reducing the weight of future models.

Supported by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, the Black Country LEP and the Black Country Growth Deal, the company has opened additional facilities adjacent to its Wednesbury base, giving it an extra 7,000ft2 of dedicated
machining space.

Company chairman Tony Sartorius said: “The automotive industry continues to move to lighter vehicles, as car makers look at ways to meet emission targets and improve fuel performance.

“We have been working on this approach for some time, helping some of the world’s most prestigious OEMs to design and cast lighter components.

“This is now paying off, with £3 million of new contracts secured in the last 12 months alone — with the promise of a lot more to come if we continue to invest in our capabilities, our design team and our rapidly growing machine shop.

“It’s great news for the Black Country, as we will be creating new jobs towards the end of the year, when volumes come on stream.”

Alucast, which is on course for annual sales of £8.5 million, specialises in providing aluminium castings for a global customer base involved in sectors that include automotive, agriculture, hydraulics and oil and gas.

The management recently decided to invest £400,000 in three five-axis CNC machines from Wellesbourne-based Engineering Technology Group (ETG – www.engtechgroup.com), which will help it to supply final machined parts to the customer.

Managing director John Swift said: “It has been a real whirlwind two years, which started in 2017 with celebrations for our 50th birthday and then continued with one of our best-ever periods of winning new business.

“We’re not stopping there though. The recent investment and future spend are all about making the most of new opportunities.”