Grainger & Worrall, a leading specialist in casting and materials technology, has experienced a new demand for its flexible and rapid machining expertise during the Covid-19 pandemic, from automotive manufacturers and suppliers seeking to protect their supply chain operations.

The globalised automotive supply chain that sustains automotive production has been under increased strain due to the international lockdowns and variance on world-wide legislation that has hampered the ability of suppliers to continue operation, or to ship completed orders on time.

Phil Ward, Grainger & Worrall’s sales director (pictured), said: “We have worked with a number of major vehicle manufacturers to help fill in potential gaps in their supply chains, helping to sustain production as they have sought to restart or ramp-up production post-lockdowns.

“Unplanned stoppages to vehicle production can be hugely costly, both financially and in terms of reputational damage. With that in mind, a number of Tier One suppliers have turned to us due to our ability to offer quick set-up and turnaround of line-ready components, offering high levels of repeatable quality. It has been a huge, cost-effective bonus for existing and new customers.”

Grainger & Worrall’s rapid end-to-end approach has helped several manufacturers to avoid costly supply chain fractures, including providing fully machined prismatic parts ramp supply for a UK OEM and gap-filling supply to a US-based EV manufacturer of large machined structural castings to avoid programme delay.

Mr Ward continued: “Covid-19 has forced people to analyse the way they work in a number of markets, including the automotive industry. During this unique time, Grainger & Worrall’s ability to turn concept or design into fully validated, production-ready reality has proved to be a timely solution that has added robustness to several supply chains.”

The company’s extensive casting design and simulation, materials development, and dimensional and integrity validation are vital attributes crucial for the safeguarding of vehicle production during the protracted Covid-19 crisis.

At the heart of Grainger & Worrall’s headquarters in Bridgnorth is a modern machining facility and some of the country’s largest and most up-to-date CT scanners. This enables the rapid turnaround of components and highest levels of quality assurance.