Pictured left to right, Sertec Group’s CEO Grant Adams with Professor Carl Chinn. Photo: SertecColeshill-based
Sertec Group, a leading global components manufacturer specialising in automotive Body in White (BIW) and electric vehicle (EV) products, has invested £7 million in its manufacturing operations and included in this is a new 800T machine press, which will enhance the company‘s production capabilities and generate employment opportunities.
The unveiling of the new 800T Nidec Arisa press, which took place during a special ceremony at Sertec’s Gorsey Lane production facility last week, was officiated by Professor Carl Chinn and in order to commemorate the occasion, the first pressed part from the machine was presented to the esteemed Birmingham social historian and writer. The new press will play a crucial role in expanding Sertec’s parts production capacities across various sectors, particularly the automotive industry and create 15 new job opportunities.
With its advanced functionalities, the 800T Arisa press surpasses conventional presses by offering the ability to manufacture pressed parts through progression, transfer, or a combination of both methods. This versatility results in a more efficient and streamlined manufacturing process, enhancing the precision and speed of metal stamping operations. The installation of the 800T Nidec Arisa Press commenced in the summer of 2023, involving the delivery of the 800T press and its components by 14 vehicles to the Sertec site. Subsequently, a team of 160 contractors dedicated over 16,000 hours to prepare and install the machine press.
Sertec Group’s CEO Grant Adams said: “The installation of the 800T Nidec Arisa Press marks the completion of an 18-month project. The new press is a game-changer, as we now have the capability to significantly boost our parts production process across all sectors. With our supplier Nidec Arisa, we have put a huge amount of engineering work into being able to incorporate many automated functions and pre-sets that run concurrently while changing coils or tools. This has resulted in changeover times that are now exceeding expectations and offering more flexibility for manufacturing parts from this press.”
Driving stability and sustainable growth He continued: “The 800T Nidec Arisa Press installation forms part of a wider investment into our manufacturing process, which began earlier in the year. This is now producing the returns we had planned for with more jobs created, increased production capabilities and better efficiency in our business operations. Our focus is to now build upon this success, driving stability and sustainable growth to create a solid future for the business and all its stakeholders.”
Professor Chinn said: “I can’t believe the size of the new press, it looks amazing. The basics of what it does, taking something and adding value to it, is at the heart of all that is good about the manufacturing industry. The West Midlands is an important place for manufacturing, and Sertec Group’s achievement with this project and everything else they are doing is helping to carry forward that proud tradition in the region.”
In recent years, Sertec Group has focused on diversifying its product offerings and expanding into new customer markets. This strategic shift has allowed the company to develop expertise in busbar technology and EV battery case assemblies, while also expanding its customer base beyond the automotive sector. In order to support this growth, Sertec Group has made significant investments in modernising its manufacturing processes and equipment. This includes the incorporation of advanced joining technologies like laser welding, high-speed automation, and robotic assembly cells with complex techniques such as flattening.
Furthermore, Sertec Group is heavily investing in research and development, site facilities, and technology. The company's engineering department works closely with customers to design innovative and sustainable engineering solutions tailored to their specific industries, including automotive.
This year, Sertec has received recognition from prestigious organisations such as the Confederation of British Metalforming, naming them the 2024 Company of the Year. Additionally, they have been honoured with The Manufacturer MX awards as the 2024 Smart Factory Winner and 2024 Operational Excellence Finalist.
These accolades highlight Sertec's commitment to industry leadership, excellence, innovation, and the integration of digital technologies into their manufacturing processes to drive efficiencies and informed decision-making.
By achieving these strategic goals, Sertec Group has positioned itself as a leading provider of sustainable engineering solutions, continuously striving for improvement and excellence.
With over 1200 employees across six global locations, including four UK manufacturing sites, a manufacturing site in Aszar, Hungary, and a tooling technical center in Dongguan, China, Sertec Group is dedicated to realising its vision to be the leading provider of sustainable engineering solutions.