Grainger & Worrall, an automotive castings specialist, has appointed Mark Powell as director (foundry operations).

This is the latest in a series of business developments at the Bridgnorth-based company and reflects its sustained growth in 2019.

The appointment is aligned with the continued roll-out of its £6 million investment plan, which focuses on enhanced production efficiency across its business world-wide.

CEO Matthew Grainger (www.gwcast.com) said: “Mark Powell joins us with a wealth of experience, and his knowledge will provide additional focus on our drive to achieve increased efficiency.

"He is a perfect fit for our family-run company, and he can help communicate this ethos throughout our global operations. We look forward to working towards ambitious targets — and on exciting plans together.”

Mr Powell, who will be responsible for 350 employees, has extensive engineering and technical experience, including a previous industrial casting background.

His role at Grainger & Worrall has been newly created with the aim of bringing the company’s wide range of industrial foundry operations under single control.

The alignment of prototype iron, prototype aluminium, motor-sport and series production business units will help to streamline the company’s overall operations.

Mr Powell said: “Having begun my career in a technical apprenticeship and worked my way up the ladder in a variety of challenging roles, I have an appreciation of the operational efficiencies and internal communications required to ensure that everyone at Grainger & Worrall is working towards the same common goal.

"This is a great opportunity to work for a British engineering company that’s thriving at home and overseas, and I cannot wait to get started.”