Teepee Electrical invests £30,000 in latest manufacturing software

Councillor John Murray visits Teepee Electrical. Pictured here with managing director Steve Clarke

Walsall-based Teepee Electrical has received a £15,000 grant from Walsall Business Support to purchase new manufacturing software. The company which employs 54 people at its manufacturing site in Bloxwich was founded in 1989 and is a leading supplier of wiring looms, cable harnesses and panel assemblies to domestic and international clients in a variety of sectors including rail, electric vehicles, coaches, buses and vehicle converters — such as ambulances, police cars and fire engines.

Due to an increase in demand from new and existing customers last year, the company has acquired a second manufacturing site in Aldridge, which is currently being developed. Teepee Electrical has used the £15,000 grant from Walsall Business Support to invest in new Arcadia harness manufacturing software which is now up and running. It will speed up design changes, offer process continuity, more detailed drawings and an improved interface for collaboration with existing and new customers.

Managing director Steve Clarke, who was recently named in The Manufacturer’s Top 100 manufacturing professionals list, said: “Receiving this grant has been fantastic for Teepee Electrical. It is great to see the business being recognised in the Walsall area. The software we have purchased is essential for securing our position as leaders in the marketplace. Without the funding, we would have had to wait to invest in it, which would have risked us getting left behind.

“Manufacturing improvements that will result from the new technology will generate more market opportunities for the business and enable us to grow, which in turn will create more jobs for local people and enable us to invest in the next generation – something we are passionate about. We are hoping to take sales past the £3 million mark and towards £5 million over the next 12 months, and this will require continued investment in our people and both our Bloxwich and Aldridge sites.”

Formed by leading local business figures to distribute funds collected from the legacy of Walsall Chamber of Commerce, Walsall Business Support provides grants to applicants who want funding for projects to enhance business life in the borough.

Teepee Electrical engineering manager Nick Bryant showcasing the new harness manufacturing software

Councillor John Murray, chairman of Walsall Business Support, said: “We offer grants for businesses looking to bring growth, skills and employment to the borough of Walsall, with the aim of benefitting as many local people as possible. We were really pleased to be able to provide Teepee Electrical with this grant.

“The business is a brilliant Walsall success story, providing a wealth of employment opportunities for local people, many of whom have very long service with the company. This is a great example of how a growing business can benefit from a Walsall Business Support grant to add value to the wider community, and we wish them every success in the future.”

Walsall Business Support can provide grants and a free training needs analysis to businesses looking to generate growth, create employment or shape training opportunities for the borough of Walsall. Using an online application form on the WBS website, bids for financial support can be submitted by businesses needing investment in a new project or a company wanting to improve skills.